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The Best Apps & Virtual Games for Childhood Development

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No matter how committed you are to offline playtime and outdoor activities, more than likely the use of technology has increased by quite a bit in the year of COVID-19. And while there are downsides to too much screen time, there are also quite a few benefits to using technology for learning and early childhood development. 

So, since we’re all using more tech, why not use the best apps and games that will not only be fun for your kids but also educational. We love a parenting win-win! 

Take a look at our top recommendations below.

1. Read Along by Google

As the name suggests, this app helps kids learn to read with self-paced, rewarding reading activities that are as fun as they are educational. The app includes interactive games and reading activities that help with language development, reading, and spelling. Plus they’re rewarded with badges along the way, encouraging them as they do better and better.

2. Khan Academy for Kids

Khan Academy is an incredible program of free educational resources online. (There are adult programs as well!) You’ll find an expansive library of all sorts of categories and topics for different grade and age levels. 

The characters are fun and engaging, making it feel more like play than learning. But, trust me, the activities are all rooted in childhood development and education!

3. OK Play

Looking for more connection with your little ones? OK Play is designed to “spark creation, conversation, and connection between parents and their kids.” With curated weekly activities, you’ll enjoy a wide variety of learnings that span the arts and sciences. 

This is a great app to help unleash some creativity and think out of the box. Additionally, it helps with emotional development (controlling impulses, anger 101, turn-taking, spreading kindness, etc.) 

4. National Science Foundation “Science 360”

This is a great app for kids who are a little bit older and have an interest in all things science. You get direct access to some of the most advanced scientific studies in the world, with hi-definition photos, videos, and interactive maps right on your device. 

Categories span astronomy & space, physics, biology, zoology, people & societies, and engineering. Watch lemurs in the rainforest and then check out how to build a robot.


5. TinyTap


It’s hard to find something TinyTap doesn’t do. It’s a teacher-approved program of online learning and games with levels for all ages starting at 2 years old.

With dozens of subject categories and an endless supply of activities, you can curate your own learning program for each kid based on their needs and interests.

6. Epic!

  • Download Epic!

  • Free Version + Unlimited Version for $7.99/month

  • 12 and Under

Epic is a library of books, games, and quizzes designed to teach reading skills in a fun, interactive way. There’s a built-in dictionary, so any time kids are uncertain of a word, they can simply click a button and hear the definition.

They’ll never run out of fun books to read (40,000+) and it’s easy for kids to use on their own, so you can have a little bit of time for yourself without worrying about what they’re watching.


7. Barefoot World Atlas

Calling all geography lovers!

This app allows you to travel the globe without leaving your couch. The interactive map puts “the world at your fingertips” as you scroll around the globe, exploring oceans and countries.

Learn fascinating facts about different places and check out photos and videos immersing you in new landscapes and cultures.


8. Duolingo Kids

Duolingo is wildly popular and for good reason. It’s perfectly designed for fun and effective language-learning and fortunately, they have a version for kids. The app offers Spanish, English, and French, and the lessons are “gamified” which kids love. They’ll earn prizes and badges as they complete each level and when they get correct answers. 

It’s never too early to start learning a language, and Duolingo Kids makes it easier than ever!


9. Me: A Kids Diary

Distanced learning and being in isolation during quarantine can be really tough for young kids who thrive on social interaction. These are also critical years for childhood development as kids are exploring their surroundings and discovering their own personal identities. 

That’s why the “Me: A Kids Diary” app is so incredible. It’s an exploratory journal for kids to express themselves and share their experiences in a safe and fun environment. They can answer questions about their likes and dislikes, and share their feelings and experiences with the world around them. This app is better experienced on a tablet (rather than a phone), with more space to draw and write.   


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