If you’re a parent, you’ve probably had those moments where you hand your kid the tablet and secretly hope they’re not binge-watching hours of cartoons or clicking on yet another mindless game. (Guilty, right?) But what if screen time could actually be something you feel good about?

The beauty of today’s technology is that it can also be a powerful learning tool. There are tons of apps out there that combine education and fun, keeping kids engaged while teaching them valuable skills. From math to language to coding, the possibilities are endless. I’ve rounded up seven of the best apps every kid should have on their tablet, so you can turn screen time into a guilt-free, learning-filled adventure!

1. Khan Academy Kids – All-in-One Learning Powerhouse

If you want to cover all the educational bases, this app is a must. Khan Academy Kids is a completely free app designed for kids aged 2-8, offering activities that teach math, reading, writing, and even social-emotional skills.

The app features adorable animal characters (who doesn’t love a cute bear guiding you through math puzzles?) and customizable profiles so each child can learn at their own pace. Whether it’s identifying shapes, practicing phonics, or listening to engaging stories, there’s something for everyone.

Why it’s great: It’s super interactive, so kids feel like they’re playing rather than learning. Plus, it grows with your child, offering more challenging concepts as they progress. And did I mention it’s free? Zero ads and zero subscriptions—thank you, Khan Academy!

2. ABCmouse – A Fan Favorite for Early Learners

If your kid hasn’t already begged you for ABCmouse after seeing one of its catchy ads, it’s time to try it out. This app is practically a household name in early childhood education, and for good reason. It’s aimed at kids aged 2-8, offering lessons across reading, math, art, music, and more.

There are step-by-step learning paths, which means your child earns rewards as they complete activities—hello, motivation! They can even design their own avatar and decorate their virtual classroom, adding a touch of personalization to their learning experience.

Why it’s great: It turns education into an adventure. The games and stories are colorful, engaging, and totally kid-approved. Plus, parents can track their child’s progress, so you’ll feel like part of the learning process.

3. Duolingo Kids – An Intro to Language Learning

Have you ever wanted your child to learn a second (or third!) language but didn’t know where to start? Duolingo Kids makes language learning approachable and, dare I say, fun. This app is designed for younger learners and offers simplified lessons in Spanish, French, and now German.

Through repeated practice, cute animations, and game-like rewards, kids can build their vocabulary and pronunciation skills. Each lesson takes just a few minutes, which is perfect for short attention spans.

Why it’s great: Learning a new language can feel intimidating, but Duolingo Kids keeps it simple and playful. It’s also ideal for parents since you can learn alongside your child (and maybe finally tackle that high-school French you abandoned!).

4. Prodigy – Turning Math Into a Game

If your child thinks math is boring, Prodigy is here to change their mind. This app transforms math practice into a role-playing game where kids battle monsters, cast spells, and solve math problems to progress. It’s geared towards kids in grades 1-8 and adapts to their skill level, so everyone gets the appropriate challenge.

The best part? It’s aligned with math curricula, so your child is practicing concepts they’ll actually encounter in school. And unlike some apps that feel repetitive, Prodigy makes math adventurous and exciting.

Why it’s great: It sneaks in math practice without feeling like homework. Plus, kids get so invested in the game they won’t even realize how much they’re learning.

5. Toca Life World – Creative Play with Lessons Hidden Inside

Toca Life World is the app equivalent of an endless playground. While it’s not marketed as explicitly educational, it encourages creativity, storytelling, and problem-solving—all essential skills for growing minds.

Kids can create their own worlds, populate them with characters, and narrate their own stories. Want to run a pet shop? Done. Need to solve a problem at the grocery store? You got it. Although it’s based on open-ended play, the scenarios naturally teach kids about social interactions while fostering creativity.

Why it’s great: It’s pure, guilt-free fun that just so happens to double as a learning tool. It’s also a fantastic way to develop essential life skills like communication and decision-making.

6. Epic! – A Digital Library for Bookworms

If there’s one app I wish I had growing up, it’s Epic! This app is like a Netflix for books, offering thousands of digital titles for kids aged 12 and under. From picture books to chapter books, audio books to comics, there’s a wide selection to suit every reader’s taste.

Epic! encourages reading by tracking your child’s progress and awarding badges for milestones. There are features like a “Read to Me” mode for early readers, making it accessible for all levels.

Why it’s great: It’s a lifesaver when you need a quiet moment (library vibes without leaving the house). Plus, fostering a love of reading is one of the best gifts you can give your child.

7. ScratchJr – Intro to Coding for Little Creators

Coding isn’t just for computer whizzes anymore—it’s a skill kids of all ages can start learning. ScratchJr introduces basic coding concepts to kids aged 5-7 in a way that’s intuitive and fun.

Kids can learn how to create their own interactive stories and animations by dragging and dropping coding blocks. They can also experiment with problem-solving and logical thinking as they bring their ideas to life.

Why it’s great: It teaches foundational STEM skills while encouraging kids to think creatively. Plus, if your child shows an interest, there’s a whole world of advanced coding apps waiting for them as they grow.

Technology doesn’t have to be the bad guy when it comes to parenting. The key is finding apps that align with your child’s interests while sneaking in some meaningful learning opportunities.

The best part? You don’t have to feel guilty about handing over the tablet, because these tools are more than screen time; they’re brain time.