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15 free toddler games and learning apps (without hidden in-app purchases!) worth downloading

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15 free toddler games and learning apps (without hidden in-app purchases!) worth downloading

Any busy parent or caregiver with small children will tell you that having a few fun games and learning apps on your phone can be a real lifesaver. For example, whipping out your phone and providing little ones with instant entertainment can help prevent badly timed meltdowns while you’re out running errands. But you may not know where to find free toddler games and fun preschool apps that are also educational—or if toddlers should be getting screen time at all.

There are lots of entertaining, free toddler games and learning apps available, but it’s important to make sure the fun preschool apps kids are using have some educational benefit, are age appropriate, and are completely safe. Technology is just another page in the parenting playbook, and can be a useful part of a balanced approach—with boundaries—to entertain and educate your child.

When downloading free apps, as a general rule, it’s a good idea to check whether they’re actually free. Hidden charges like in-app purchases or advertising that collects data can trick your kids into thinking they’re enjoying games and learning for nothing.

Making your way through the different app stores in search of free educational apps that are fun and safe for toddlers can be challenging, so we’ve done the legwork for you. Here are 15 free toddler games and apps without in-app purchases.

Apps that teach problem-solving skills

1. Breathe, Think, Do

This Sesame Street app is great for teaching kids how to tackle challenges and stay calm while they solve problems.

2. LEGO DUPLO Train

This app takes kids through a variety of tasks that build and steer a DUPLO train around a track. Kids can also decorate the landscape with fun stickers, control the train’s speed, and play with the train’s horn and headlights.

3. Baby Games

This app was developed by parents and features 5 games to help toddlers strategize, learn their first words, practise basics like colours and animal names, and even create their own music.

Free educational apps that help develop reading, language, and maths skills

4. Khan Academy Kids

This comprehensive learning app has hundreds of games and lessons to help kids get an early education in maths, reading, phonics, writing, and social-emotional development. You can choose lessons or let kids work through series customised to their age. The app also offers music and yoga.

5. Shapes!

In this popular game, toddlers are encouraged to identify different shapes and colours, and to differentiate between different sizes.

6. Fish School

Colourful little fish swim around and create different shapes, numbers, and letters for toddlers to identify. There’s even a memory matching game for older toddlers and preschool kids.

7. Peek-a-Zoo

In this adorable app, toddlers will learn about different animals and will also begin to identify different emotions and behaviours.

8. First Words Sampler

This learning game is for toddlers and preschoolers and helps with letter recognition and spelling their first words.

9. Basic Skills Preschool 

In this all-in-one app, toddlers can play 14 different interactive games to learn the basic skills they need to be ready for preschool, including basic shapes, counting and numbers, colours, letters, and more. 

10. Little Stars Toddler Games

This game asks toddlers to find the correct letter or shape. Correct answers earn virtual stickers.

11. Starfall ABCs

In this phonics and early reading app, kids work through engaging and interactive levels to master letter sounds and learn how to form basic words, sentences, and more.

Apps that encourage creative and imaginary play

12. Balls

This free app was rated one of the best apps for toddlers by Gizmag. Kids use the touch screen to direct brightly coloured paintballs, which produce wind chime sounds as they bounce off the walls and each other.

13. Toca Kitchen Monsters

This free-to-play app allows little ones to prepare food and feed a friendly monster.

14. Musical Me!

Teaching toddlers about rhythm, notes, and even pitch, this is another top-notch, creative, and free app from Duck Duck Moose.

15. Dentist 

Kids play dentist to a variety of cute, fuzzy animals while practising fine motor skills, visual perception, and observational skills. 

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