The Best Educational Games and Apps for Kids in 2024

In a world where kids are growing up with devices in their hands, why not use this screen time for some smart, brain-boosting fun? Educational games and apps have come a long way, and 2024 has brought us a treasure trove of interactive, clever, and downright entertaining ways for kids to learn. From math wizards to budding artists and future scientists, there’s something here for every young learner. Check out the best educational games and apps for kids in 2024 that will make parents feel great about screen time!

1. ABCmouse: Preschool & Kindergarten Prep

Let’s kick things off with a classic! ABCmouse has been around for a while, and for good reason. This award-winning app offers a full early-learning curriculum covering reading, math, science, and art for kids ages 2 to 8. ABCmouse has been praised for its fun lessons, interactive games, and cute animations that make learning as easy as A-B-C. With a structured program, parents can track progress while kids enjoy a personalized learning path. Think of it as a virtual preschool teacher in your pocket—minus the finger-painting mess!

2. Kahoot! Kids: Quiz Time Meets Game Time

Kahoot! is an exciting app that turns quizzes into game shows, complete with leaderboards, high scores, and music. Originally popular in classrooms, Kahoot! has expanded with “Kahoot! Kids,” where children from age 6 and up can answer fun, colorful quizzes on every topic you can imagine—math, science, geography, and even coding! It’s perfect for kids who are competitive, love a challenge, and enjoy beating their own high scores. Plus, parents can join in for family quiz night! Just be prepared to lose to your mini-genius.

3. Duolingo ABC: A Multilingual Adventure for Little Language Learners

For the littlest language lovers, Duolingo ABC is the junior edition of the popular language app. Aimed at ages 3-8, this app focuses on building strong reading skills with phonics and sight words and helps with letter tracing for younger kids. The app’s gamified structure and adorable owl mascot keep kids engaged, while parents can watch their children go from ABCs to early readers. And for bilingual families, it’s an especially useful tool to introduce kids to a second language in a way that feels like play.

4. Prodigy Math: For the Number-Crunching Wizards

If your child thinks math is a snooze-fest, it’s time to introduce them to Prodigy Math. In this magical adventure, kids get to embark on quests, battle monsters, and unlock rewards—all by solving math problems! Prodigy Math has gained massive popularity because it feels like a role-playing game (RPG) with quests and dragons, but shh—it’s actually building math skills from 1st to 8th grade. The app customizes the math questions based on a child’s skill level, making it an ideal fit for kids at all levels. Say goodbye to math anxiety and hello to happy problem-solving!

5. Toca Life World: Where Imagination Rules!

Toca Life World is perfect for younger children who love pretend play. This app allows kids to create their own world, complete with characters, pets, and fantastical scenarios. While not strictly an “educational” game, Toca Life World inspires creativity, storytelling, and self-expression—important skills for a well-rounded mind! Kids can explore different environments, make up their own stories, and learn the basics of empathy and decision-making. And yes, there’s even a rainbow unicorn!

6. Endless Alphabet: Monsters + Words = Vocabulary Heaven

For your curious wordsmiths, Endless Alphabet is a unique and hilarious app for building vocabulary. This one is especially fun for toddlers and preschoolers. With a cast of silly monsters who love letters, kids learn new words through interactive puzzles and animations. Each word comes to life with animations that explain its meaning, turning vocabulary lessons into laughter-filled monster mash-ups. Plus, it’s stress-free—no scoring, no timers, just pure, giggly fun.

7. Osmo – Creative Starter Kit: The Perfect Blend of Physical and Digital Learning

Osmo takes educational gaming up a notch by combining real-world play with digital learning. Using a unique set of interactive game pieces and the iPad camera, Osmo offers a mix of games that teach drawing, spelling, and even early math. This is a great choice for kids who need a break from screens but still want a fun learning experience. Just set up Osmo, and watch kids draw a cat on paper and see it come to life on the screen. If that isn’t magic, we don’t know what is!

8. Minecraft Education Edition: Learning Goes Block by Block

Minecraft might seem like “just a game” to some, but the Minecraft Education Edition is actually an incredible tool for teaching subjects like coding, geometry, and problem-solving. Kids get to build structures, code their creations, and even go on educational adventures. With endless possibilities, this version of Minecraft turns gameplay into hands-on learning. And the best part? Kids hardly realize they’re learning. Just watch as they turn screen time into crafting, building, and coding time!

Learning is a Game in 2024

The best educational games and apps for kids in 2024 are packed with fun, color, and engagement, turning traditional learning into interactive experiences that keep kids coming back for more. From language and math to creativity and problem-solving, there’s an app for every child’s unique interests and abilities. Embrace the digital age with confidence—these apps make it easy to keep your child entertained and educated at the same time!