Every parent wants the very best for their child, especially when it comes to learning and engagement. Downloadable apps can be valuable tools for imagination and education, yet finding downloadable content that is age-appropriate can be frustrating for parents already limited on time.
When life is so busy — the last thing you want to do is read through the myriad of app reviews to find the best fit for your child. Whether your goal is to entertain with a kid-friendly video or teach a preschooler their ABCs, there are plenty of highly rated and tested apps to engage your child today.
Read on for the four best overall apps for kids aged 5 to 8 years olds.
Top Best Overall App for Kids Ages 5 to 8: ABC Mouse For Kids- iOS, Android, Web, or Amazon App Store, $10/Month Subscription
Kid-tested and parent-approved. Researchers spent time observing kids from all age groups as they engaged in ABC Mouse For Kids. This was an overwhelming favorite amongst children of all backgrounds and educational levels. Perfect for children aged four to six, ABC Mouse for Kids is available as both an app and a website (perfect for at home or on the go).
What sets this app apart from rival apps is the use of imaginative and fun storyline-based videos and activities. The characters keep kids engaged and the provided virtual learning map gives little ones a visual representation of their progress. ABC Mouse provides children with a great foundational learning tool that makes understanding new concepts fun and enthralling, never boring or dull.
Best Reading App for Kids Ages 5: EPIC! iOS or Android, $8/month (one-month free trial)
Just as Libby or Overdrive grants adults access to thousands of library books, Epic is an app for kids with a massive e-book library containing more than 35,000 books. For kids learning how to read, it even offers a read-to-me feature. Not only can this feature help children develop linguistically, but it can also engage them in a story as never before.
When kids want a bit of screen time, this is a great alternative to TV shows or games. It fosters a love of reading and the brightly colored displays and virtual library keep kids wanting to dive right in. Epic! also makes it easy to take thousands of books with you on the go. No lugging extra bag is required!
App for Age 5-8-Year-Olds For Playing Pretend: Toca Hair Salon 3, iOS, Android, or the Amazon App Store, $4 One-Time Only
Children need to play pretend. It fosters creativity, garners a sense of world-building, and ignites the imagination. If your child is always wanting to play dress up or live in an imaginary world, this is the perfect app. Crafty and engaging, Toca Hair Salon 3 gives kids the chance to imagine, explore, and express themselves by styling hair in any way they can imagine.
Whether it’s a pink French braid or a lime green pixie, children are free to experiment and follow their whims. There are no instructions or how-tos which builds confidence and gives kids permission to think outside of the box.
Best Video App for Kids ages 4 to 6 in 2023: YouTube Kids, iOS or Android, free
Sometimes your kids just want to sit down and watch a video. Unfortunately, finding programming online that’s age-appropriate and sound in morality isn’t always easy. YouTube kids screen the content for you and only show what is age-appropriate for children ages 2 through 12.
You’ll find hours of engaging and colorful shows with characters that will satisfy your child’s need for a little downtime. Whether it is a fun animated adventure in a faraway land or kid-friendly tunes for a round of freeze-dance, this is the best free video app. Unlike competitor apps, content is never hidden behind a paywall.