10 best apps for preschoolers

Apps are fun and entertaining for kids, but there are a bunch of great educational ones out there, too. Here are our favourite apps that will have preschoolers counting, reading, dancing and more!

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Let your children take an educational trip to outer space! This clever app teaches kids all about our solar system, including 36 planet facts and space vocabulary. Best of all, wacky Grandpa is an out-of-this-world wacky guide. Aside from a number of mini games, there is special section to build your very own custom spaceship.

Age: 5-7
Price: iOS, $2 

If your preschooler is showing an interest in numbers, this app will help. There are nine mini-games built into this educational download.  From counting cookies in the bakery to feeding whales the correct number of cabbages, this open play lets your little ones learn at their own pace. It makes a great addition on a family road trip.

Age: 3-6
Price: iOS, $3 

This download is terrific for toddlers. Thanks to 13 original songs, the in-app monsters will dance around to a variety of music.  It will also show your wee ones how to dance to the beat. With simple taps, the colourful characters on screen can do back flips and more.

Age: 3-5
Price: iOS, Free

This little app is big on beautiful graphics. The download focuses on drawing interesting insects, which can move around with a simple tap thanks to the magic button. There are more than 10 colourful backgrounds and seven interactive bug designs. There is no personal information collected, no third-party advertising and no in-app purchases—so nothing to 'bug' Mom and Dad!

Age: 3-5
Price: iOS, $2 

This digital playground helps kids learn about shapes using quick and easy puzzles. There is always positive encouragement during the play process, so your little ones won’t get frustrated. Parents can follow along with their child’s progress with a real-time dashboard.

Age: 3-5
Price: iOS, $2

Here’s another award-winning app on our list. This download was selected by Apple as Best New App in Education. Dexteria Dots teaches kids simple math concepts, such as counting and addition. It also includes games that help to improve fine motor skills, thanks to hand and finger exercises.  

Age: 3-5
Price: iOS, $3

If Mom or Dad needs a break from messy markers, this app can help. Your child can paint purrr-fect pictures that come alive on-screen. Although the app also works with special paper, there is plenty to do without it as you see your 2D photos transfer into 3D fun. Plus, there are no ads—a welcome change for parents.

Age: 3-6
Price: Android, $1 | iOS, $4 | Windows, $3

This interactive storybook is great for young readers. Thanks to highlighted narration, your kids can discover new words—and tap words and images to read along. There is also an opportunity to record your own voice so you can share what your learning with a safe circle of family or friends.

Age: 3-6
Price: Android, iOS, $2

This award-winning app includes Big Bird reading more than 500 words. Plus, Cookie Monster also makes an appearance. Aside from Sesame Street characters, parents will love how this app teaches kids about word sounds and how they relate to each other. Most fun of all, this app uses your smartphone’s built-in camera to help to identify words in the wild.

Age: 3-6
Price: Android, iOS, $1 

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The Internet doesn’t have to be a big, scary place! Check out these 30 fun and safe websites for kids—there’s something fun and educational for everyone.