Skill-building apps for kids

Suitable for: 3+

How does the app work?

This skill-building app teaches kids how to play the logic game, chess. It lets children play against challenging bots or friends for free. With a subscription, it includes lessons and puzzles to support learning.

How can it help your child build skills?

• Develops logic and problem-solving associated with chess
• Improves understanding of chess and strategy.

Suitable for: 6-13

How does the app work?

Prodigy is made up of quests, stories and adventures that children can go on while learning about Maths. They start by creating a character and battle opponents in these different worlds. As they learn more Maths, their character becomes stronger, unlocking new map areas to explore.

How can it help your child build skills?

• Children learn different Maths concepts while having fun
• The adventure video game style is engaging for young children without taking away from the learning

Available for: iOS and Android users.
Cost: Free to download with in-app purchases.

Suitable for: 2-8-year-olds

How does the app work?

Khan Academy is well-known for its free lessons across a range of subjects. The Kids version uses child-friendly characters and art to make it exciting. It includes options to learn Maths facts and numbers along with other areas of reading and writing.

How can it help your child build skills?

• Daily practise for key skills that will keep them on track at school
• Games, activities and characters keep kids engaged
• Helps children develop new interests to explore.

Suitable for: 2-5-year-olds

How does the app work?

This skill-building app includes 15 educational games to support early development. Games include: dress-up, patterns, logic, shapes and more. It contains no apps to ensure children stay in-app.

How can it help your child build skills?

• Supports development of perception, fine motor skills and coordination
• Encourages logical thinking, attention and memory
• Can prepare children for their transition to primary school.

Suitable for: 13+ (with parental consent)

How does the app work?

Not just for Maths, Lumosity helps users train their brain with a variety of games in strategy, critical thinking, problem solving, memory, concentration and more.

How can it help your child build skills?

• In just a few minutes each day, children can increase the areas mentioned above
• Games are engaging and competitive
• Promotes goal-setting and reaching personal targets.

Suitable for: 3+

How does the app work?

This is a simple drag-and-drop puzzle game suitable for children in Early Years. Children must find and move shapes into the spaces they match with. It includes four games: Shape Matching, Object Builder, Guess the Object and Jigsaw Puzzles.

How can it help your child build skills?

• Helps young children develop understanding of shapes
• Improves hand-eye coordination
• Encourages critical thinking and problem-solving.

Suitable for: all ages

How does the app work?

Using a mobile devices, Cosmic Watch lets users explore the skies above them and learn about constellations, planets and more. It uses augmented reality (AR) to allow children (and adults) to explore the cosmos in the present, past and future.

How can it help your child build skills?

• Children interested in astronomy will love the immediate connection the skies
• They not only learn the names but the location, rotation and history of their movement
• It’s a great bonding activity for parent and child and encourages them to get outside and learn.

Available for: iOS and Android users.
Cost: £5.99

Suitable for: 8+

How does the app work?

Children can explore the inner workings of the human body with a 3D model in this skill-building app. They learn the different parts of the skeleton, the names for different body systems and more in this scientifically accurate app. Male and female versions are also available.

How can it help your child build skills?

• Children learn the accurate names for parts of the body
• They are free to explore detailed information through text and video
• Quizzes help solidify their understanding of the human body.

Available for: Android users.
Cost: Free

Suitable for: all ages (Kids Mode is available)

How does the app work?

CuriosityStream is a streaming service for non-fiction topics like science, nature, history, biographies and more. With programs and information from David Attenborough and Brian Greene, children can balance their screen time by watching content that will help them learn about their world.

How can it help your child build skills?

• Encourages them to watch content that helps them learn something new
• With a range of topics, there’s something for every interest
• Using Kids Mode will make sure they can access content that is appropriate for their developmental age.

Available for: iOS and Android users.
Cost: From $2.99 USD/month to $69.99 USD/year.

Suitable for: 2-8

How does the app work?

Smart Tales features a range of books that help children learn topics in science and more while building vocabulary.

How can it help your child build skills?

• It helps children learn STEM skills through engaging stories
• Includes features to customise their journey for learning levels and accessibility needs
• Supports children’s development of logic skils.

Available for: iOS and Android users.
Cost: Free with in-app purchases.

Suitable for: ages 6-8

How does the app work?

With DNA Play, children learn about DNA through monster creations. By completing basic DNA puzzles, children gain a starting understanding of how the science behind our appearances work. They can then play with their monsters, adding to the fun of monster creation!

How can it help your child build skills?

• Gets them interested in the biology behind DNA
• Introduces them to basic scientific concepts to start them on a path in science or exploration
• Makes science engaging and fun.

Available for: iOS and Android users.
Cost: £2.49

Suitable for: 3+

How does the app work?

Toca Labs: Elements helps children build their science skills with an introduction to the Periodic Table of Elements. Children can play and manipulate elements, running their own digital experiments.

How can it help your child build skills?

• Introduces them to scientific elements they’ll use at school
• Encourages curiosity and experimentation to test their ideas.

Available for: iOS and Android users.
Cost: £3.99

Suitable for: all ages

How does the app work?

Dreams is a game for PlayStation 4. It encourages users to create content that other players can interact with. This content can be in the form of games, audiovisual ‘experiences’ and game assets that others can use. Dreams also has developed related games including VR (virtual reality) experiences.

Suitable for: 3+

How does the app work?

PictoBlox uses blocks to teach coding with links to robotics, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine-learning. Kids simply drag and drop coding blocks into place to create their very own games, animations and more.

Suitable for: ages 10-16

How does the app work?

Available on mobile, children can create anything they can imagine, including games and animations. They can then share their creations or play work created by other kids.

The app introduces children to programming and encourages them to get messy, make mistakes and, above all else, be creative.

How can it help your child build skills?

• They gain a basic understanding of coding and programming
• It allows them to be creative and learn technical concepts in easy ways.

Available for: iOS users.
Cost: Free (in-app purchases)

Suitable for: 3+

How does the app work?

Children of all ages can learn the basics of programming with this skill-building app. Like other apps, it uses coding blocks marked with specific icons. Children drag and arrange the blocks to reach different outcomes. This gamefied approach asks children to defeat enemies through programming.

How can it help your child build skills?

• Teaches coding at a simple level accessible by non-readers
• Encourages problem-solving and critical thinking
• Can ignite interests in programming and robotics.

Available for: Android users.
Cost: Free

Suitable for: ages 7+

How does the app work?

Game Builder Garage helps children make their own games in the style and genre of their interest. It gives step-by-step instruction for the basics of programming that can then be used in the game to create.

How can it help your child build skills?

• Helps them learn in-depth basics of programming that could ignite a lifelong passion
• It encourages them to think both logically and creatively to help them build something entirely their own
• Gives them pride in themselves for creating something from nothing.

Suitable for: 5+

How does the app work?

ScratchJr lets children build their own interactive stories and games while learning basic programming. Using graphical blocks, children can make their characters jump, sing and more. It includes customisation options to personalise the stories to the child’s interests. Plus, it serves as an introduction to programming language, Scratch.

Suitable for: 6-10+

How does the app work?

Using real water physics, Busy Water requires children to guide Archie the fish back to his tank. They must use various tools and physics tricks to get him back safely. As such, it teaches children a variety of skills useful for a future in engineering.

How can it help your child build skills?

• Teaches cause and effect while exploring different states of water
• In addition to engineering skills, it encourages creativity and spatial reasoning
• Helps develop critical thinking and fine motor skills.

Suitable for: all ages

How does the app work?

Technovation Families, previously called Curiosity Machine, is browser-based and provides children and families with free instructional videos and challenges to teach them about different concepts like artificial intelligence (AI), civil engineering, food science and more! Children learn about experiments they can do or things they can create to solve everyday problems that are important to them.

How can it help your child build skills?

• Connects the online world with the offline world by encouraging children to create and experiment (with adult supervision)
• Has a wide range of activities for them to explore whatever their interest is
• Encourages STEAM learning that could ignite lifelong interest and learning.

Suitable for: ages 6-8

How does the app work?

Crazy Gears is a puzzle game that lets children play with gears, chains, rods and pulleys in a digital setting. They need to use logic and creativity to get through each level all while learning about the different mechanics and how they affect each other. It’s sure to ignite a curiosity in how everything in their real world works too!

How can it help your child build skills?

• Engages their creativity and critical thinking skills
• Helps them learn about the basics of physical engineering
• Allows them space to figure out how each element works and affects other elements.

Available for: iOS users
Cost: £2.49

Suitable for: ages 3-9

How does the app work?

Using fun characters, this skill-building app helps children learn about physics and build their logic reasoning skills. Thinkrolls 2 requires children to move a ball through a series of mazes using their knowledge of physics.

How can it help your child build skills?

• They develop resilience through obstacles they must pass, often with trial and error
• It helps them recognise the effect of physics principles such as how gravity and water impact movement
• Develops problem-solving, critical thinking and logical reasoning.

Available for: iOS and Android users.
Cost: £3.49

Suitable for: 11+

How does the app work?

Khan Academy helps children build their skills with different topics. While there are courses for children as young as 2, when it comes to engineering topics, children in secondary school and older benefit most. From basic physics to electric engineering, there are a range of courses available across age groups.

How can it help your child build skills?

• Children can choose a topic that interests them, keeping them engaged
• It provides in-depth information and teaching through text, videos and quizzes
• Helps them form positive skill-building habits young.

Available for: iOS and Android users.
Cost: Free

Suitable for: 4+

How does the app work?

Perfect for children who love trains, Trainyard features a series of train puzzles. Children must connect tracks the right way to avoid collision and get trains into the correct station safely. With no time limit, it gives children the chance to really think about how it will all work before giving it a go. Furthermore, it increases in difficulty steadily to help stretch and challenge kids.

How can it help your child build skills?

• Gives children time to problem-solve without a clock counting down to pressure them, keeping stress levels low
• Encourages problem-solving and critical thinking
• Forces children to think several steps ahead and develop their spatial awareness.

Available for: iOS users.
Cost: £0.99

Suitable for: 2+

How does the app work?

For children learning to read, ABC Kids builds skills in English letter recognition. It helps them understand letter sounds, the connection between upper and lowercase letters, and more. Perfect for children learning to read and write in English.

How can it help your child build skills?

• Children trace letters and learn letter names
• It teaches them letter sounds with pictures to associate sounds
• Children develop understanding of uppercase and lowercase.

Available for: iOS and Android users.
Cost: Free

Suitable for: all ages

How does the app work?

Epic is a free skill-building app that gives children access to over 40,000 books and audiobooks for different reading levels. Children who are just starting out and children reading chapter books will all find something for them to read.

How can it help your child build skills?

• With books at their fingertips, they are more likely to pick up a book
• Children can read independently, listen to audiobooks or follow along with what is being read to help improve their vocabulary and comprehension
• Children who read at least 15 minutes every day succeed more in all subject areas than those who don’t read at all.

Available for: iOS and Android users.
Cost: Free for one book per day, £8.99/month or £68.99/year for unlimited books.

Suitable for: 3+

How does the app work?

This app features interactive and educational activities that engage children’s interests. It includes games, quizzes and challenges in reading and Maths suitable for their skill level.

How can it help your child build skills?

• Helps children develop skills in literacy and mathematics
• It uses algorithms to determine and support children’s skill level
• Offers options for absolute beginners in a topic.

Suitable for: 2-8-year-olds

How does the app work?

Khan Academy is well-known for its free lessons across a range of subjects. The Kids version uses child-friendly characters and art to make it exciting. It includes options to learn letters and improve reading along with other subjects like Maths.

How can it help your child build skills?

• Daily practise for key skills that will keep them on track at school
• Games, activities and characters keep kids engaged
• Helps children develop new interests to explore.

Suitable for: all ages

How does the app work?

Designed to help young children learn to read, CBeebies Storytime has a variety of stories for different ages and abilities. Children can choose to be read to or read themselves. Additional activities help them practise their comprehension skills.

How can it help your child build skills?

• Children are exposed to different types of stories
• They can practise comprehension
• They can follow along with the stories if they are not yet reading.

Available for: iOS and Android users.
Cost: Free

Suitable for: ages 12+

How does the app work?

LongStory is a type of visual novel simulation suitable for teens. Users are taken through a mystery story and have to make choices to move the story forward. It is LGBTQ+ friendly and allows children to choose their own pronouns.

How can it help your child build skills?

• Teens practise their reading skills and build their vocabulary by reading the scenarios and making their decisions
• It helps reluctant readers practise their reading skills without needing to commit to a full book, which can help build their reading endurance and interest.

Suitable for: 3-14-year-olds

How does the app work?

Designed for children, DinoLingo uses game-based learning to teach kids languages while gaining rewards. Each lesson and unit has age-appropriate and engaging activities, videos, games, songs, tests and more to help track children’s comprehension and improvement.

How can it help your child build skills?

• It uses the immersion method, which allows children to learn without the need for translation
• The gamefied learning helps keep children interested and invested in their learning
• A large range of available languages can serve most interests.

Available for: users on any browser.
Cost: $14.95 USD/month or $149 USD/year. Different subscriptions are available for schools.

Suitable for: all ages

How does the app work?

LingoDeer features a methodical approach to building skills in a range of languages. It’s especially suited for learning Asian languages such as Japanese, Korean and Vietnamese. However, it also includes French, German and other European languages for children to develop skills in. The app includes a clear and structured learning path to help children work towards fluency.

How can it help your child build skills?

• Helps children learn different alphabets with connections to English
• Children learn to structure sentences with their own words
• Can track progress and lets you download lessons for offline learning.

Available for: iOS and Android users.
Cost: Free to download with subscription cost of $14.99 USD/month, $159.99 USD/year or $299.99 USD for a one-off lifetime subscription.

Suitable for: 13+

How does the app work?

Composed of hundreds of bitesized lessons, Duolingo makes learning a new language easy while keeping it engaging and fun. Users not only learn the standard ‘how are you?’ questions but also strange and quirky sentences to help make the learning memorable. Along with the ability to learn at your own pace, there are also competitive and gamefied aspects to interest more reluctant users.

How can it help your child build skills?

• Encourages daily minimum use to progress well with the language
• Uses a variety of scenarios and stories to show the language in different perspectives
• Uses translating as the main source of learning to help users make connections to what they already know.

Available for: iOS and Android users.
Cost: Free with in-app purchases.

Suitable for: 13+

How does the app work?

Designed for users of all age, Memrise builds conversational skills in different languages. Children can set their level and choose conversations they want to master. It provides practise for vocabulary phrases through native speakers’ voices. Additionally, children can practise their speaking skills with the AI tutor, MemBot.

How can it help your child build skills?

• Goes beyond reading and encourages development of speaking and listening skills
• Provides AI learning tools to practise their speaking skills
• Lets children set and build on their existing skill level to move towards fluency.

Available for: iOS and Android users.
Cost: Free options available with limited access; Memrise Pro available for £9.99/month, £59.99/year or a one-off lifetime cost of £139.99.

Suitable for: early years

How does the app work?

Designed for toddlers and children in early years, Learn Languages with Emma is a basic learning platform that uses pictures and audio. It teaches 7 languages, including English, which is helpful for young children who may not speak English yet.

How can it help your child build skills?

• Young children will engage with the pictures
• The topics are relevant to what they might be learning in their stage of schooling or development, including numbers, animals and body.

Available for: iOS users
Cost: Free with in-app purchases

Suitable for: 3-8-year-olds

How does the app work?

Studycat is designed to help non-English speakers learn English with fun graphics and activities. It includes topics around listening, reading, spelling and pronunciation. You can choose from different courses with multiple lessons in each.

How can it help your child build skills?

• Games make learning English accessible and fun
• Children learn core vocabulary with words and phrases shown in different contexts for clearer understanding
• Teaches reading and spelling as well as speaking and listening.

Available for: iOS and Android users
Cost: $14.99 USD/month or $59.99 USD/year.

Suitable for: ages 3+

How does the app work?

Children of all ages and languages can use the skill-building app Imagistory. Its picture-based format means that it’s easy to use and accessible for everyone. The app lets children create picture stories and record them to revisit later. Imagine bedtime stories as told by your child!

How can it help your child build skills?

• Helps them practice being creative
• Lets them tell stories and learn how storytelling works
• Provides and sense of pride when stories are recorded and retold.

Available for: iOS users

Cost: Free (in-app purchases)

Suitable for: ages 9+

How does the app work?

Another comic creator, Strip Designer lets children use photos to create comics about anything they like. These comics can retell happy holidays or fictional stories with their siblings about anything they can imagine. Stories can be saved as PDFs and in other formats, and can be shared with friends and family to enjoy.

How can it help your child build skills?

• A fun way to hold onto memories of something they enjoyed
• Encourages them to get creative with the photos they take to add to the comic, allowing them a taste of what it might be to collaborate with or direct others
• Helps them think creatively about each part of their story and comic.

Available for: iOS users.

Cost: £3.49

Suitable for: all ages with supervision

How does the app work?

MakeBeliefsComix.com is a website dedicated to helping children tell original stories through comic strips. The site is filled with writing handouts and tutorials that teachers and parents can access for free. If you share any content publicly, however, you must reference the site.

How can it help your child build skills?

• Budding storytellers love creating comics, and this takes it to the digital space, which helps to engage children
• Kids can learn all sorts of writing and comic techniques that will not only help them in their personal creative time but will also reflect in their abilities at school.

Available for: web browser.

Cost: Free

Suitable for: 13+

How does the app work?

Wattpad is a popular social reading platform that lets users post their own stories. While it doesn’t teach writing skills, it does give young people the opportunity to practise their writing, get feedback and read others’ stories.

How can it help your child build skills?

• Lets young people express themselves in creative ways and share their work with others
• Includes thousands of stories from other authors, providing a social community to connect with
• Encourages teens to explore a range of genres and learn by example.

Available for: iOS and Android users.

Cost: Free (in-app purchases)

Suitable for: 3+

How does the app work?

This skill-building app features a range of activities for toddlers and older kids to help them learn their words. Modes include Spelling, Fill in the Blank, Blank Spelling and CVC to help children with sight words.

How can it help your child build skills?

• Basic phonics helps build children’s understanding of spelling
• Supports young kids as they navigate primary school and learning their words
• Features progress reports to show progress while letting kids collect stickers and certificates to celebrate their hard work.

Available for: Android users.

Cost: Free

Suitable for: all ages

How does the app work?

A part of the Adobe suite of products, Animate is a high-end product that teaches animation skills. Complete with beginner tutorials, Adobe Animate encourages children interested in bringing their drawings to life. It requires patience and, depending on the child’s age, support from a trusted adult. Find more support on how to get started here.

How can it help your child build skills?

• Introduces children to the process of animation, including the patience it requires
• Teaches attention to detail, planning and story creation
• Lets children express themselves in ways unique to them.

Available for: macOS and Windows users

Cost: £30.34/month, £19.97/month (for a year subscription), £238.42/year. Additional options available for those already using Adobe products.

Suitable for: all ages

How does the app work?

Magisto gives kids (and adults) the tools they need to make fun videos to share with friends and family. It uses AI technology to support the video creation process. Children can create moving slideshows and video collages if they don’t have video clips. Additionally, they can learn basic editing skills to create eye-catching videos.

Suitable for: ages 4+

How does the app work?

Kids can create their own animations and videos to submit to the fictional Bloxtown film festival in the app. They learn the basics of animation with a variety of different features to draw. Finished creations can be shared via email or text when they’re done.

How can it help your child build skills?

• Encourages creativity
• Kids who are interested in movie-making or animation will learn the basics to help them explore this interest.

Available for: iOS users

Cost: Free

Suitable for: all ages

How does the app work?

Stop Motion Studio is a skill-building app that helps children create stories using stop motion animation. They learn the intricacies of the medium through easy-to-use tools and editing options that make it a great choices for kids and adults alike.

Suitable for: ages 4+

How does the app work?

This app builds skills around stop motion animation. I Can Animate lets kids create stop motion videos, teaching them the patience and skill it takes to make short videos through pictures.

How can it help your child build skills?

• Teaches patience and encourages attention to detail
• Lets children express their creativity through storytelling in a visual way
• Encourages creative use of objects around the home and environment to tell stop motion stories.

Available for: iOS users

Cost: £2.99

Suitable for: all ages

How does the app work?

Designed to improve users’ techniques, ArtWorkout is a skill-building app that helps children and adults alike practise skills in doodling, sketching, drawing, painting and handwriting. It’s designed for and works best with iPad.

How can it help your child build skills?

• Step-by-step guides help them learn how to draw both simple and complex images
• The tools allow them to put their own creative spin on their artwork
• It builds habits and techniques to help the improve as artists.

Available for: iOS users
Cost: Free (in-app purchases)

Suitable for: all ages

How does the app work?

PurePaint Kids is a simple skill-building app that only provides 5 colours: white, black and primary colours: red, yellow and blue. Children can make endless masterpieces by mixing and experimenting with colours.

How can it help your child build skills?

• Teaches children about colour mixing and gives the the chance to experiment
• Lets children freely create anything they like through no-mess finger painting.

Available for: iOS users
Cost: £0.99

Suitable for: all ages

How does the app work?

With Draw.AI, users choose a picture they want to draw and follow the instructions to complete and colour it in. The guides can be accessed for free, but the app contains ads that users can subscribe to remove.

How can it help your child build skills?

• Fun drawing tutorials make it easy for kids to follow along
• It helps children relax
• They will develop their drawing skills and techniques.

Available for: iOS users
Cost: Free (in-app purchases)

Suitable for: older teens (with parental guidance)

How does the app work?

Sketchar is a skill-building app designed for creators who want to build items for augmented reality (AR) on social media (such as filters), non-fungible tokens and more. Older teens who understand the platform and finances behind it would benefit most from its creative features. These features include drawing with AR, courses, canvas art and more.

How can it help your child build skills?

• It introduces your teen to digital art forms widely used in popular culture across social media
• Helps them develop their skills in AR and general art abilities.

Available for: iOS and Android users.
Cost: Free (in-app purchases)

Suitable for: all ages

How does the app work?

This simple skill-building app lets children draw, create and play. It works like a small whiteboard and works well on tablet for children to express themselves and share their art with you.

How can it help your child build skills?

• Gives children the opportunity to express themselves through drawing and colouring
• Helps young kids develop fine motor skills
• Lets you or your child’s siblings play and create with them.

Available for: Android users
Cost: Free

Suitable for: all ages

How does the app work?

Ideal for older children pursuing art, Tayasui Sketches gives kids the opportunity to experiment digitally with different mediums including watercolour and acrylic. With a range of tools to use, children can develop their art skills through experimentation.

How can it help your child build skills?

• Introduces kids to different art tools to use when drawing or painting
• Sets children up for a digital art hobby while also using physical art techniques and styles
• Can be used with an iPhone or iPad.

Available for: iOS and Android users
Cost: Free with additional in-app purchases

Suitable for: all ages

How does the app work?

Children can learn a variety of music skills with apps from Classplash. Apps include drumming, music composition, ukulele and more. They provide children with activities and guidance to learn their favourite instrument.

How can it help your child build skills?

• Gives children options to explore a range of instruments and music skills
• Teaches children to read music and finger placement
• Supports children in learning rhythm and how to keep time.

Available for: iOS users.

Cost: Costs range from free with in-app purchases to £9.99 for classroom versions.

Suitable for: ages 13+

How does the app work?

Using the app tools or your own voice, Music Maker JAM lets users dive into music production and songwriting in all genres. You can then share your creations with the community and listen to others’ creations.

How can it help your child build skills?

• Beyond just creating music, it also encourages users to write their songs, including lyrics
• Helps them express themselves through music, which can be a relaxing act.

Available for: iOS and Android users.

Cost: Free (in-app purchases)

Suitable for: all ages

How does the app work?

Figure is an intuitive music creation app that lets users create melodies and beats in minutes. With controls that help users stay on time and in key, the app helps anyone feel like a pro.

How can it help your child build skills?

• Introduces them to the world of music production
• Lets them express their creativity with a variety of different tools and ‘instruments’
• Helps them understand the basics of songwriting.

Available for: iOS users.

Cost: Free

Suitable for: 4+

How does the app work?

Tenuto is a music skill-building app that includes 24 exercises for children to complete. It teaches a range of skills, including identifying notes and key signature, understanding chords and scales, and keeping time.

How can it help your child build skills?

• It helps develop children’s skills in a variety of areas to help them read and understand music
• Provides visual cues to help them play music
• Gives feedback to help children learn from and improve on mistakes.

Available for: iOS users.

Cost: £4.99

Suitable for: all ages

How does the app work?

GarageBand is a detailed app for iPhone and iPad that lets users create music using a variety of virtual and, if they have them, physical instruments. With different tools to layer instruments and beats along with the ability to record it all, this is a fun app to get kids interested in music.

How can it help your child build skills?

• Makes learning instruments and music exciting
• Gives them full creative controls of their music
• Helps them learn the basics of music production.

Available for: iOS users

Cost: Free