Best Free Learning Apps for Elementary Kids – Top Picks for Ages 5–11
Finding the right educational app for your child can be overwhelming—especially when you’re looking for options that are both effective and free. With so many choices out there, it’s hard to know which ones are worth the download and which will actually help your child learn while still keeping them engaged. That’s where this ranked list of the best free learning apps for elementary kids comes in.
At Kiddometer, we’ve taken the guesswork out of the process. We asked parents just like you to vote on their favorite learning apps for elementary schoolers—kids roughly ages 5 to 11—and compiled this ranked list based on parent votes and app reviews. A go-to guide for parents who want to turn screen time into smart time. Whether you’re building a solid academic foundation for your 1st grader or challenging your 5th grader with more advanced material, this ranked list is a great place to start. Click through to explore the top picks, see how other parents rated them, and find the best-fit learning apps for your child’s needs.
As parents, we know that screen time is a big concern. Many of us are trying to make those hours count by swapping out passive videos for something a bit more meaningful. These apps help strike that balance. They’re fun enough to keep kids motivated, but structured enough to reinforce classroom learning or support homeschool routines. Every app on this list is free to download and includes a quality experience without requiring an upfront payment. While some offer in-app purchases or optional upgrades, we focused on those that deliver real value even in their free versions.
Our rankings take into account educational quality, ease of use, safety, and real feedback from families. We’ve also highlighted which apps are best for specific age groups, so you can quickly find the right fit for your child. Whether you’re at home, on a road trip, or just need 20 minutes of quiet time while dinner’s cooking, these learning apps can be a smart and stress-free solution.
Scroll down to see the full ranked list of free educational apps for elementary kids, complete with descriptions, pros and cons, and why each app stands out.
1
PBS Kids Games
278
41
PBS Kids Games
Age Group: 3–8
Description: Dozens of games featuring PBS characters like Daniel Tiger, Wild Kratts, and Elinor. Focuses on literacy, STEM, and problem-solving.
Pros: Familiar characters, rich educational themes
Cons: Requires space to install multiple games
Why Parents Like It: Trustworthy content from a respected source, with fun and safe gameplay.
2
Khan Academy Kids
231
42
Age Group: 2–8
Description: Offers a comprehensive, interactive curriculum across reading, math, logic, and emotional learning. It features charming animal characters and a progressive learning path.
Pros: No ads, expertly designed curriculum
Cons: Requires internet access
Why Parents Like It: It’s completely free, ad-free, and backed by educational experts.
3
Prodigy Math
225
40
Age Group: 6–12
Description: A fantasy-based math game where kids solve math problems to progress through battles and adventures.
Pros: Gamifies math with rewards and challenges
Cons: Heavy emphasis on premium upgrades
Why Parents Like It: Kids actually ask to play it, and teachers often recommend it.
4
Duolingo ABC
211
30
Age Group: 3–6
Description: Designed specifically for early literacy, it uses mini-games to teach phonics, letters, and reading skills.
Pros: Fun, quick lessons with no ads
Cons: Limited to early literacy only
Why Parents Like It: Created by experts, totally free, and helps early readers gain confidence.
5
ScratchJr
189
28
Age Group: 5–7
Description: Introductory coding app where kids snap blocks of code to make characters move, jump, and interact.
Pros: Great for introducing coding basics
Cons: Limited support for reading-based learners
Why Parents Like It: It builds logic and sequencing skills without requiring reading.
6
Epic! (Free for Educators, Free Trial for Parents)
170
25
Age Group: 5–12
Description: A digital library of 40,000+ books, audiobooks, and read-alouds. Many schools offer free access.
Pros: Huge selection of quality children’s books
Cons: Subscription required after free trial
Why Parents Like It: A great digital reading habit builder with books kids actually enjoy.
7
CodeSpark Academy
142
25
Age Group: 5–9
Description: Teaches coding through puzzles and storytelling without requiring any reading. Kids build games and animations.
Pros: Non-verbal, intuitive interface
Cons: Limited content in free version
Why Parents Like It: Turns screen time into coding time—and kids don’t even realize they’re learning.
8
NASA App
101
16
Age Group: 7–12
Description: Features videos, images, and real-time data from space missions. Includes educational content about planets, astronauts, and exploration.
Pros: Real-world science and visuals
Cons: Some content may be too technical
Why Parents Like It: Great for space-obsessed kids and fosters interest in science.
9
BrainPOP Jr. Movie of the Week
65
7
Age Group: 5–9
Description: Offers one free educational video per week with a related quiz and activity, covering science, math, social studies, and more.
Pros: Engaging animated videos
Cons: Limited content in free version
Why Parents Like It: Introduces complex concepts in a friendly, easy-to-understand way.
10
Sushi Monster (by Scholastic)
56
6
Age Group: 9–12
Description: A fast-paced math game focusing on multiplication and addition. Players feed monsters the correct equations.
Pros: Challenging and fast-paced math
Cons: Focuses only on arithmetic
Why Parents Like It: Makes practicing math fun and builds speed and accuracy.
11
Kodable
49
8
Age Group: 5–10
Description: Game-based lessons in computer programming concepts using fun mazes and cartoon creatures.
Pros: Cute characters, structured learning
Cons: Best features are behind a paywall
Why Parents Like It: A classroom favorite that builds resilience and logical thinking.
12
Starfall ABCs
28
5
Age Group: 3–6
Description: Teaches letters and sounds using songs, animations, and interactive games.
Pros: Gentle and effective phonics intro
Cons: More content available on paid version
Why Parents Like It: A proven early literacy platform used in many schools.