Best educational apps for kids

Perfect for budding mathematicians, DragonBox Number, comes with a set of smart blocks called ‘Nooms’ inspired by Cuisenaire Rods, mathematical learning aids in primary school classrooms. This award-winning app offers three modes of play: Sandbox for exploration, Puzzle with 250 challenges, and Ladder which has a specific number of targets. It’s designed to teach kids how to count, add and subtract without rote memorisation which is a more tangible way to learn basic math skills.

Ages 4-8. Available on iOS and Android. USD7.99 (about RM33.50).

This app tackles vocabulary, grammar and basic phrases of a host of foreign languages via adorable interactive games. Match words and phrases before the goldfish’s pond dries up, form grammatically correct sentences before the penguin slides off the ice, and feed the hungry frog with the right vocabulary.

Ages 8 and above. Available on iOS. 50 lessons, USD4.90 (about RM20); All languages pass, USD19.99 (about RM84).

This interactive learning adventure features little Artie, whose world is threatened by a monster intent on destruction. Kids will use a magic pencil to draw basic shapes by tracing and connecting dots to create simple objects like houses and vehicles to help Artie rebuild the city. The game is colourful, boasts a cast of adorable characters, is educational, and best of all will keep little minds and hands engaged.

Ages 3-6. Available on iOS and Android. USD2.99 (about RM12.50).

This app is the most popular language-learning app that offers users 33 languages, including fictional languages like Klingon and High Valyrian. It offers reading, writing and speaking modules and challenges in every lesson. There are virtual coins to be earned, unlock new levels and keep scores to motivate learners to excited and keep wanting to learn more.

All Ages. Available on iOS, Android and Windows. Free with in-app purchases.

This app teaches essential concepts such as basic maths, pattern recognition, letters, shapes and numbers through an interactive lesson with animated monkeys named Milo, Zuzu and Jasper. Packed with adventure, games and activities, get this bundle of eight educational apps to kickstart your children early learning. 

Ages 2-5. Available on iOS, Android and Web. iOS, RM59.90 for the bundle. Apps are sold separately on Android.

This app sparks kids' imagination through digital toys in a game revolving around real-life situations. You'll get scenarios like kitchen, office, farm salon and more to stimulate the kid's creativity. For example, Toca Life:World brings together the City, Vacation, Office, Hospital and more in a massive app where kids can customise every character and placing them into the space, even with cute sound effects!