7 Fun Educational Apps for Kids Ages 8–12 (That Don’t Feel Like Homework)
Introduction
By ages 8 to 12, kids are ready for more than just ABC games but that doesn’t mean they want to feel like they’re back in class after school. The good news? There are tons of educational apps out there that sneak in real learning through fun, creativity, and even gameplay.
Whether your child is into coding, art, math, or just exploring the world, these apps offer high quality, screen time worthy experiences that won’t make them roll their eyes or you feel guilty.
1. Prodigy
What it teaches: Math
Why kids love it: It’s basically Pokémon for math. Kids answer problems to cast spells, level up their wizard, and explore a fantasy world. They get immersed in the game and barely notice they’re doing math the whole time.
Good for:
3rd to 6th graders who need practice without pressure
Free/Paid: Free core game; paid membership unlocks extras
Platforms: iOS, Android, Web
2. Toca Lab: Elements
What it teaches: Chemistry concepts
Why kids love it: This quirky, exploratory app lets kids experiment with lab tools to “discover” elements in a colorful, science-themed world. No pressure to memorize anything, just discovery through play.
Good for: Science curious kids who love to tinker
3. Lightbot: Code Hour
What it teaches: Coding logic
Why kids love it: They guide a robot through puzzles using drag and drop code commands. It starts simple and gets challenging fast, but feels more like a puzzle game than a lesson.
Good for: Intro to coding, logic-building, puzzle lovers
Free/Paid: Free
Platforms: iOS, Android, Web
4. Duolingo
What it teaches: Languages
Why kids love it: It’s bite-sized and fun. Kids earn points, unlock levels, and race against streaks as they pick up vocabulary in real world languages from Spanish to Japanese to Klingon (really).
Good for:
Language beginners and curious kids who want to dabble in something new
Free/Paid: Free with ads; optional subscription
Platforms: iOS, Android, Web
5. BrainPOP
What it teaches: A little bit of everything. Science, social studies, health, history, and more
Why kids love it: The animated videos are short, funny, and actually well written. Follow up games and quizzes feel like part of the fun, not a test.
Good for: Visual learners and kids who prefer videos over text
Free/Paid: Free trial; subscription required for full access
Platforms: iOS, Android, Web
6. Stop Motion Studio
What it teaches: Creative storytelling, animation, visual planning
Why kids love it: They can make their own mini movies using toys, drawings, or paper cutouts. It’s hands-on and techy at the same time, and kids love seeing their creations come to life frame by frame.
Good for: Creative kids who like LEGO scenes, art, or making videos
Free/Paid: Free version with optional paid features
Platforms: iOS, Android, Mac, Web
7. GeoGuessr
What it teaches: Geography, observation skills, logical thinking
Why kids love it: GeoGuessr drops players into a random spot on Google Street View and challenges them to figure out where they are.
Good for: Kids who enjoy maps, travel, or visual problem solving. Works especially well as a collaborative game with a parent or older sibling.
Note: Best used in single-player mode or with adult supervision to avoid multiplayer chat features.
Free/Paid: Free version is limited; full access requires a subscription
Platforms: Web, iOS, Android
Final Thoughts
You don’t have to choose between “fun” and “educational”, the best apps for kids blend both. Whether your child wants to explore science, art, coding, or culture, the right app can unlock curiosity and confidence without ever feeling like a worksheet. Try a few and see what sticks. And don’t be surprised if they ask to keep playing after “learning time” is over. That’s kind of the point.
Written by the TimeForFam Team
We explore, review, and share the best in family entertainment so you can skip the research and jump straight to the fun.
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