30 of the Best Educational iPad Games: Kid’s Edition

“The 30 Best Educational Games for the iPad: Kid’s Edition” first appeared on OnlineCourses.com.
Parents and teachers who trust little Muffy and Junior with their shiny iPads don’t have to worry about how access to shoot-‘em-up video games will rot their precious little gifted and talented program minds. Instead, they can download some of the following alternatives to help them build up their brilliant brains that will totally go on to win Nobel Prizes someday.

  1. Math Ninja:

    Kids love ninjas (or the pop culture-glossy depiction of ninjas, anyways), and this game channels their enduring trend into extremely popular addition, subtraction, and multiplication games.

  2. Stack the Countries:

    Learn all about the countries of the world and their major cities through this incredibly engaging challenge asking users to make designs out of their varying shapes.

  3. Hangman:

    The classic vocabulary game receives a digital makeover through this widely enjoyed application that pulls inspiration from daily headlines.

  4. PBS Kids:

    We’re cheating and including this suite of apps from PBS, because otherwise they’d more or less make up the entire list. From reading to science to math, favorite characters new and old teach preschool through elementary school kids fun little lessons through gaming.

  5. Highlights Hidden Pictures:

    Classic children’s magazine Highlights brings its widely beloved hidden pictures games to the iPad to delight another generation of kiddos needing to build cognitive skills.

  6. The Oregon Trail:

    Another essential childhood rite of educational passage phases into the Magic Land of Mobile and teaches the young ‘uns out there about a period of American history and how to not die of dysentery.

  7. LEGO Super Heroes Movie Maker:

    Encourage the kiddos to indulge their creative whims and edit their very own mini-films using favorite DC superheroes in LEGO form. Nobody can argue with Batman.

  8. Math and Letters Air Control:

    Like the title states, this great game teaches the basics of counting and basic math and the alphabet and basic parts of speech by indulging the imagination with thoughts of flying planes and helicopters.

  9. BrainPOP Featured Movie:

    Watch a new educational movie every day and then take a quiz afterwards to test knowledge retention; films cycle through a rotation for those afraid they might have missed something.

  10. Early Jamestown:

    Explore one of Britain’s first imperialist settlements in the Americas through this multimedia journey, which involves regular quizzes to test how well players paid attention.

  11. GarageBand:

    It’s an entire recording studio available in an iPad app! Nothing could be more enjoyable for aspiring young musicians than an open-ended creative outlet like GarageBand.

  12. ThinkerToy:

    Play with tangram puzzles of famous landmarks, favorite animals, familiar objects, and more. Even customize some new ones to share with friends!

  13. Kapu Toys:

    Mix up graphics and photos in this toddler-friendly app that asks them to snap and play with pictures and learn the basics of using iDevices safely and responsibly.

  14. Mad Libs:

    Mad Libs make for a super fun way to teach children about the different parts of speech, not to mention it nurtures bonding time when sharing the silly stories that result!

  15. MathBoard:

    Take multiplication, division, addition, and subtraction quizzes with customizable sizes, difficulty levels, and time limits.

  16. Ultimate Word Search Free (Wordsearch):

    Pass the time and build vocabulary and vision skills by indulging in some hot themed wordsearch action.

  17. Rocket Math:

    Solve increasingly difficult math problems and earn the parts necessary to build rocket ships in this wildly popular puzzle game.

  18. Civilization Revolution:

    Suitable for older students, Civilization Revolution provides an empire-building simulator with cultural and historical information about some of the planet’s most influential societies.

  19. I SPY Riddle Race:

    More than 60 puzzles involving in-depth riddles and object searches challenge the mind in a race against the timer to solve and find everything.

  20. Coin Catcher:

    Play with or without story mode and chase money while learning about responsible fiscal practices by using the iPad’s motion sensors.

  21. Tozzle:

    42 puzzles teach toddlers how to recognize basic shapes while simultaneously helping to strengthen their basic eye-hand coordination.

  22. Let’s Create! Pottery:

    Less messy (and expensive) than a pottery wheel, this app introduces creatively-leaning young players to the basics of crafting with clay and designing the finished results.

  23. iWriteWords:

    Thanks to the iPad’s super duper ultrasensitive touch screen, kids with access to the device enjoy a neat, engaging game helping them perfect their handwriting.

  24. Mathemagics – Mental Math Tricks:

    The lightning-fast challenges presented here teach kids how to perform some basic and not-so-basic multiplication and division problems without a calculator or pencil and paper.

  25. Story Wheel:

    Spin a wheel and collect separate parts of a story to be assembled in the correct order; finished tales pop into life as animations!

  26. What’s the Difference?:

    Build the brain and sharpen observation skills by checking out two seemingly identical pictures side-by-side and spotting the departures in high-def.

  27. Time, Money & Fractions On-Track:

    Preschoolers and early elementary students pick up the basics of how money and time work, as well as fractions, through both interactive videos and games.

  28. Dr. Frankenstein’s Body Lab:

    Learn the basic parts of the human body while building abominations straight out of Mary Shelley and taking quizzes about how everything fits together.

  29. SoundTouch:

    Perfect for toddlers, the SoundTouch matching game asks them to pair up familiar sounds with what animal or object makes them with … get this! … only a touch. WOW!

  30. Monster Physics:

    Kids pick up some basic physics lessons and construct their very own machines to digitally play with in real time.

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37 Comments

Scott Strong
12/31/2012

Hello,
I recently released an iPad game to the App Store that I think should be considered for your top-30 list. It's a simple memory matching game that allows kids to match concepts in order to learn about the particular topic. For example, in the Numbers topic, the user can select to match numbers to Roman numerals, or to the spelling of the number in English, French or Spanish. There are currently topics for the following: Animals, Colors, Countries, Shapes, Numbers, and Time.
The name of the game is "Match To Learn", and it can be found at this URL: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/match-to-learn/id583563447?ls=1&mt=8 . Or, to learn more about the game visit my website at http://www.pureforte.com/match-to-learn.
Thank you for your consideration, and please contact me if you have any questions.
regards,
- Scott

goran
2/24/2013

I recently released an iPad game to the App Store that I think should be considered for your top-30 list. It is Essay Starter.
I want introduce you with Essay Starter. You can find it on next link.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/essay-starter/id593023126?mt=8
I want to invite you to feel free to try this app and write review if you are interested about it.
What is Essay Starter?
The new iPad app "Essay Starter" is here...Make writing easy. The new iPad app "Essay Starter" is perfect for students, writers, and professionals, anyone whose writing involves a research component. Use the split screen feature to view your research on one side, and take notes on the other. Select text from research material and insert it directly into your notes, along with an automatically generated footnote.
Description
Be inspired! Writing is easy when you have easy access and control of your sources. Automatic footnotes let you stop worrying about references and just write. Split screen mode lets you open and read multiple PDF files, and take notes at the same time.
Get your writing started quickly:
* Upload your research as PDF files
* Automatic reference information for footnotes
* Edit optional additional bibliographical information for footnotes
* Read and highlight PDF files on the full screen or split screen
* Easily navigate within PDF files with tile view
* Create a new worksheet to make notes and start your essay
* Use split screen to view the worksheet and PDFs at the same time
* Select PDF text and send it to the worksheet, with an automatic footnote reference
* Easy file management system
* Left or right handed layout

Chuck The Turtle
2/25/2013

Hello everyone! You should try Chuck The Turtle! It is a fun and educational game for kids. They get to paint, jump, do puzzles, cross some dangerous roads, jump, climb and much more! Chuck the Turtle is easy to play, rewarding and mind-challenging!!
Check it out and also watch the video:
http://itunes.com/apps/chucktheturtle
http://youtu.be/ObGMIc9HgqI

Liz Griffiths
3/19/2013

There are some things the iPad can't replace:
http://buildingblocksmedia.blogspot.com/2013/03/there-are-some-things-ipad-just-cant.html

Reuben
5/13/2013

"Hello,
Another great new app for kids is Jazzy World Tour. They have a free version. My kids have learned so much from it.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/jazzy-world-tour-free-musical/id574909527?mt=8"

Rob
10/30/2013

Love Space Exploration?
This is the only ABC learning app that focus on Space.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_kBGWoEaAuw

Ashley Wells
11/23/2013

Nice to hear this thanks for sharing. I want this for my son.

Ashley Wells
11/25/2013

Sheer portability and convenience of app, makes learning activity a complete joyride for both parents and kids.

Maryna Petrenko
12/10/2013

Hi,
Our new educational app "City Letters" is now available on App Store. City Letters teaches children to identify alphabet letters, recognize their sounds, trace them, and solve exciting puzzles and mini games: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/frugoton-city-letters-education/id730991933?ls=1&mt=8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M66cp7ni958

Paweł Kitajewski
1/17/2014

I would like to recommend you Joypa Colors. It is interactive coloring game for kids 3 years+
While making progress object on your screen are coming to life. Trees are bending, sun starts to move on the sky, animals are starting to move it's simple but brilliant :) It can be played on your tablet or smartphone.
Game can be downloaded for free on Appstore:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/joypa-colors-free-interactive/id789651365?mt=8
And Google play:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.dm.joypacolorsfree

Laurakelly
2/20/2014

Superb list...Math ninja is best math game for kids ever. Math is always boring subject for kids and by this game kids will learn math vey easily.

igeniuspets
2/23/2014

iGeniusPets is a fun pet game with 9 mini educational games.
Available on both ios and android.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/igeniuspets-lite/id817614884?ls=1&mt=8

Theodore
2/27/2014

Our son loves playing this animal app called MiniPlaces on our iPad http://goo.gl/iXY6so. Games like these helped to stimulate his interests in animals and going to the zoo as he got older.

Roy Walhof
4/30/2014

Great blog!
I have published a new educational slide puzzel game for iPad called Scramble Fest that is available for free on the App Store. It features a total of 300 puzzels ranging in subjects from animals to people and architecture. Presented in an original manner this game includes a variety of stage designs that challenges the player to get ahead in the game.
Why don't you take a look at the iTunes page? https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/scramble-fest-free/id838310529?ls=1&mt=8
There's also a paid version that costs $0.99 and doesn't include ads.
To see more of the game be sure to check out the Facebook page which features a number of videos here: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Scramble-Fest/515100568601397?ref=ts&fref=ts
And the official website: http://www.royniginal.nl/ScrambleFest/index.html
Enjoy! And feel free to contact me at any time.
Best regards,
Roy

Marina
5/20/2014

Hello,
Check this Fun & Educational Math App for kids:"Flappy Owlet - The Adventures of a Baby Bird". It’s a free game that test your reflexes and first grade math skills.
App store url: goo.gl/w2eCWV

Lisa
5/22/2014

Excellent list, I would also add Bubble Shooter puzzle game - its educational value lies in rather something different than schools subjects.. This game can improve responses and fast thinking, absolutely love it!

Parks j Daniel
6/11/2014

Such a fantastic educational game for kids listed here in this post. Educational game are best way for teach to child some educational activities. I like all the games appears here.

Tess
10/26/2014

How about an educational game that is full of interactivity, animations, fun, vocal and sounds for many repeat plays? Jungle game provides endless entertainment and learning to your kids!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EZuF_AtQV_E&feature=youtu.be
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/jungle-educational-game/id929575979

Rodel Ednalan
11/20/2014

More apps availlable at Educational Fun For Kids

learning system
1/26/2015

Sheer portability and accessibility of app, makes acquirement action a complete joyride for both parents and kids.

iPad Game
2/2/2015

Thanks. Play new filled puzzle game and help Astropup save Earth. The simple tap mechanic have some complex challenges. Discover black holes, radiation, space anomalies & the dastardly alien fleet in Astropup. Free to Download for ‪#‎iPhone‬, ‪#‎iPad‬ and ‪#‎iPod‬ touch. Download Link: http://bit.ly/astropup-ios

Mike
2/26/2015

I try to review mobile games best for kids at my site here: mobileappsforkids.wordpress.com

fred marcx
2/28/2015

Hey everyone!
I'm super excited to share the project I've been working on for such a long time...
Dino Kids Free is already for Apple : https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/dino-kids-free/id958288574?l=fr&ls=1&mt=8
and Android : https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...e.DinoKidsFree
See example in Youtube : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s0asTg2Acw4
Thinks for your support.

parks daniel
4/14/2015

awesome list..loved all these games..after i read these facts : http://goo.gl/KnRXAf

Alex
5/5/2015

I think you could add this game to the list also. It is loved by kids of all ages from all over the world and it has over 200.000 downloads worldwide.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=air.com.dlgames.GuessThatAnimal

anna
6/30/2015

Great way to learn through play is to pick boardcraft game, which is a set of educational games adapted for children of all ages, supporting development, creativity, imagination.your child create new game by drawing and then play in tablet. very simple.

Jaakko
2/5/2016

Hey!
We are working on a puzzle game with deep narrative element. Both the story and the puzzles are designed to require deep concentration and the puzzles teach visual pattern recognition skills. It is designed both for adults and children. We will be searching beta testers in future and would love feedback from both adults and children.
If you think this interesting please follow us:
www.galacticechoes.com
Best regards,
Jaakko

omar
4/6/2016

"NUMBERS SWAPPER" is a smart educational game for ages 8 and up. it is published on iPhone but could play on other Apple devices. the player organizes and manipulates numbers that are close or look alike. it teaches digits/place value in a fun way. Also "MONEY MATTERS" can be played on the iPhone/Apple devices. It teaches budgeting, quick adding, decision making and avoiding bankruptcy. it has nice graphics and different levels of difficulties.

Taylor Donaway
5/9/2016

I really think my new baby sister will like the game hangman and Braimpop.Maybe even Mathninja and Madlibs.

Patricia C.
8/9/2016

Hi, I don't like to post these kind of comments but I would like to recommend this puzzle.. My son love it. I think is because of the colors and sounds. Sadly is only for android. But I'm using my husband's tablet. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.queleas.wheelspuzzlesforkids

Matias
1/30/2017

Thank you for the list! Here is one more for children who are learning how to read: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/app/hales-tale-learn-to-read/id1184892804

Elena
9/2/2018

Hello everyone! I would add to this list the educational website Koikiwi http://koikiwi.com/ where kids could learn about ecological issues while they playing games. It's set of games: action games, puzzle games, trivia and other fun games - which all are focused on ecology, the environment and the future of our planet.

Shweta Kale
3/13/2019

Great! Thanks for sharing your information. They are really useful games. I have just come across an article, which says they are brain child award winner. You can give it a read to the link. https://logicroots.com/MathBlog/tillywig-brain-child-award-winner-2019/

Morse
4/16/2019

The theme of kids' computer games is the same - an anonymous person brutally fights an anonymous enemy. This type of kids' computer game infuses violent behavior into kids. Playing computer games has become the biggest addiction among kids. They even save money to buy the latest game titles.

Sofielafée
4/7/2020

Please consider Rocket Mouse by Sofielafée in your selection. Rocket Mouse is an original English French learning game for preschoolers, made by parents and available on iPad, iPhone and Android

Diya Kapoor
4/30/2020

Thanks for sharing this useful list. During lockdown, I am trying to engage my son in taking some brain games or learning quizzes.
One of his favorite learning app these days is : The Quizopedia. You can also install for your kid for free GK and many more quizzes and practice tests.
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/thequizopedia/id1480799124

reetamorson
9/22/2020

Hi,
You have build such an amazing site. thanks for sharing this amazing information with us. It is really going to be very helpful for kids. You may also visit: https://www.thelearningapps.com/

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