August 16, 2021
The apps and websites listed here offer a nice mix of absorbing gameplay and first-rate learning, sure to please kids and adults alike. Plus, they're all free!
After a school year dominated by technology, parents and caregivers may be ready for kids to take a long break from their devices. However, if you want to keep your kid learning this summer, having a few well-chosen, high-quality apps and websites downloaded or bookmarked will ensure any screen time kids do have is time well spent.
Preschoolers
Make Way for Books (iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android)
Good for: Early literacy
Parents and caregivers will find lots of great resources to support meaningful interactions with little ones in this bilingual digital library app.
Khan Academy Kids (iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android, Kindle Fire)
Good for: Math, literacy, social and emotional learning
This collection of videos, songs, and activities covers a lot of ground in a creative, highly accessible format.
Peep Ciencias: Colores (iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android)
Good for: Science, Spanish
Part of a series of free bilingual learning apps, Peep Ciencias: Colores engages kids with animated videos about colors. Plus, grown-ups get guidance on how to explore key concepts with kids through questions, conversations, exploration, and activities.
Age 5–8
Dotopedia (iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android)
Good for: Reading, writing, creativity
Based on the character Dot from the TV show and book, Dotopedia is a collaboration app kids can use to read about everything from butterflies to grandparents, or to create articles of their own.
Pet Bingo by Duck Duck Moose (iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android)
Good for: Math
Pet Bingo by Duck Duck Moose covers a broad range of math skills, from adding one-digit numbers to dividing double digits.
Zigazoo (iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android)
Good for: STEM
Kids and their adults can use this TikTok completing various fun challenges that can get them thinking, trying new things, and investigating the world.
Age 9–12
Libby, by Overdrive (iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android)
Good for: Reading
This app allows kids to browse and borrow ebooks and audiobooks from public libraries for free. Families can set the audience preference to juvenile or young adult to put some limits on the content kids can access.
Math Snacks (Website)
Good for: Math, critical thinking
This fun site offers middle school kids online math games and animations that will keep them engaged with action-packed graphics, witty storylines, and upbeat music.
Scratch (Website)
Good for: Coding, STEM
This free, downloadable application gives kids a taste of programming as they combine graphics, photos, music, and sound to create simple, interactive animations and games.
Teens
Global Oneness Project (Website)
Good for: Reading, cultural awareness, empathy
The stories on this website range from short videos and films to photo essays, articles, and virtual reality experiences. Each offers culturally diverse, inspiring content that helps build knowledge and empathy.
ChessKid (Website)
Good for: Critical thinking, math
ChessKid teaches the game of chess with lessons and videos that cover topics including an introduction of each chess piece, opening offensive and defensive strategies, and common attacking patterns.
Made with Code (Website)
Good for: Coding, creativity, STEM
Google's Made with Code introduces kids to the world of coding through resources including tutorials, videos, partner projects, and community connections.
