{"id":959,"date":"2026-02-12T15:15:53","date_gmt":"2026-02-12T15:15:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/s37407.p1377.sites.pressdns.com\/resources\/20-free-toddler-apps-without-hidden-in-app-pu\/"},"modified":"2026-02-12T15:16:17","modified_gmt":"2026-02-12T15:16:17","slug":"20-free-toddler-apps-without-hidden-in-app-pu","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/20-free-toddler-apps-without-hidden-in-app-pu\/","title":{"rendered":"20 free educational apps for toddlers"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Any busy parent or caregiver with small children will tell you that having a few fun, educational 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&rsquo;re out running errands. But you may not know where to find free learning apps for kids or if little ones should be getting screen time at all.<\/p><p>Christine Elgersma, a senior editor at media rating site <a href=\"https:\/\/www.commonsensemedia.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Common Sense Media<\/a> and a former teacher, says parents should view &ldquo;technology as a tool, and set boundaries around this tool.&rdquo;<\/p><p>There are lots of entertaining free toddler apps available for screen time, but it&rsquo;s important to make sure the apps kids are using have some educational benefit, are appropriate for their age and are completely safe.<\/p><p>&ldquo;Free apps don&rsquo;t always mean free,&rdquo; says Sara Kloek, vice president of education policy at the&nbsp;Software and Information Industry Association. &ldquo;Oftentimes, those free apps will charge you later through things like in-app purchases or play advertising in lieu of charging. Those advertisements will sometimes collect data on your children.&rdquo;<\/p><figure class=\"wp-block-pullquote\"><blockquote><p>&ldquo;Free apps don&rsquo;t always mean free.&rdquo;<\/p><cite>&mdash; Sara Kloek, vice president of education policy at the&nbsp;Software and Information Industry Association<\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure><p>Making your way through the different app stores in search of fun and safe free toddler apps can be challenging, so we&rsquo;ve done the legwork for you. Here are 20 free toddler games and apps without in-app purchases.<\/p><div class=\"wp-block-careblocks-enrollment\" aria-live=\"polite\"><div class=\"enrollment-background\"><div class=\"enrollment-content\" id=\"enrollment-block\"><div class=\"enrollment-start\"><span>Like what you&rsquo;re reading?<\/span><h2>Join Care for free<\/h2><form name=\"enrollment\"><div class=\"enrollment-field-wrapper\"><label for=\"enrollment-block-firstname\" class=\"sr-only\">First name<\/label><input name=\"firstname\" type=\"text\" class=\"enrollment-field enrollment-firstname\" placeholder=\"First name\"><p class=\"enrollment-error enrollment-block-firstname-error hidden\">First name is required.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"enrollment-field-wrapper\"><label for=\"enrollment-block-lastname\" class=\"sr-only\">Last name<\/label><input name=\"lastname\" type=\"text\" class=\"enrollment-field enrollment-lastname\" placeholder=\"Last name\"><p class=\"enrollment-error enrollment-block-lastname-error hidden\">Last name is required.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"enrollment-field-wrapper\"><label for=\"enrollment-block-email\" class=\"sr-only\">Email<\/label><input name=\"email\" type=\"email\" class=\"enrollment-field enrollment-email\" placeholder=\"Email\"><p class=\"enrollment-error enrollment-block-email-error hidden\"><\/p><\/div><div class=\"enrollment-field-wrapper\"><label for=\"enrollment-block-zip\" class=\"sr-only\">Zip code<\/label><input name=\"zip\" type=\"text\" class=\"enrollment-field enrollment-zip\" placeholder=\"Zip\"><p class=\"enrollment-error enrollment-block-zip-error hidden\">Zip code is required.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"disclaimer\"><p>By clicking &ldquo;Join now,&rdquo; you agree to our <a href=\"\/about\/terms-of-use\/\" target=\"_blank\">Terms of Use<\/a> and <a href=\"\/about\/privacy-policy\/\" target=\"_blank\">Privacy Policy<\/a>.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"enrollment-loading\"><div class=\"enrollment-loading-animation\"><\/div><\/div><p class=\"enrollment-error enrollment-error-message hidden\">We&rsquo;re sorry, your request could not be processed at this time. Please <a href=\"https:\/\/www.care.com\/app\/vhp\/get-started\">click here<\/a> to try again.<\/p><button name=\"submit\" type=\"submit\" class=\"button button-primary button-sm enrollment-submit\" data-loading=\"Sending...\">Join now<\/button><\/form><\/div><div class=\"enrollment-already-registered hidden\"><h2>Already Registered<\/h2><p>The email you entered is already registered. Would you like to log in?<\/p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.care.com\/login\" class=\"button button-primary button-sm\">Log In<\/a><\/div><div class=\"enrollment-complete hidden\"><span>Congrats!<\/span><h2>Your account has been created.<\/h2><a href=\"https:\/\/www.care.com\/app\/job\/cc\" class=\"button button-primary button-sm enrollment-cta\" id=\"enrollment-block-cta\">Find care now<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-free-toddler-apps-that-teach-problem-solving-skills\">Free toddler apps that teach problem-solving skills<\/h2><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-1-breathe-think-do\">1. Breathe, Think, Do<\/h3><p>Elgersma says this Sesame Street app is great for teaching kids &ldquo;chill skills&rdquo; and how to think their way through a tough situation.<\/p><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Download it from the <a href=\"https:\/\/itunes.apple.com\/us\/app\/id721853597?ign-mpt=uo%3D4\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Apple App Store<\/a>.<\/li><li>Download it from <a href=\"https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=air.com.sesameworkshop.ResilienceThinkBreathDo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Google Play<\/a>.<\/li><li>Download it from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B00H56X50O?tag=comsenmed07-20\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Amazon<\/a>.<\/li><\/ul><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-2-lego-duplo-train\">2. LEGO DUPLO Train<\/h3><p>This free toddler 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&rsquo;s speed and play with the train&rsquo;s horn and headlights.<\/p><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Download it from the <a href=\"https:\/\/apps.apple.com\/us\/app\/lego-duplo-trains\/id6642692918\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Apple App Store<\/a>.<\/li><li>Download it from <a href=\"https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=com.lego.duplo.interactivetrains&amp;hl=en_US\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Google Play<\/a>.<\/li><li>Download it from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/LEGO-System-A-DUPLO%C2%AE-Connected\/dp\/B07D8RTXSW\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Amazon<\/a>.<\/li><\/ul><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-3-baby-games-piano-baby-phone\">3. Baby Games: Piano, Baby Phone<\/h3><p>This app was developed by parents and features games to help toddlers strategize, learn first words, practice basics like colors and animal names and even create their own music.<\/p><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Download it from <a href=\"https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=com.rvappstudios.baby.games.piano.phone.kids&amp;hl=en_US\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Google Play<\/a>.<\/li><li>Download it from the <a href=\"https:\/\/apps.apple.com\/us\/app\/baby-games-piano-baby-phone\/id1455967837\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Apple App Store<\/a>.<\/li><\/ul><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-free-toddler-apps-that-help-with-reading-language-and-math-skills\">Free toddler apps that help with reading, language and math skills<\/h2><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-4-khan-academy-kids\">4. Khan Academy Kids<\/h3><p>This comprehensive learning app has hundreds of games and lessons to help kids get an early education in math, reading, phonics, writing and social-emotional development. You can choose lessons or let kids work through series customized to their age. The app also has music and yoga.<\/p><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Download it from the <a href=\"https:\/\/apps.apple.com\/us\/app\/khan-academy-kids\/id1378467217\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Apple App Store<\/a>.<\/li><li>Download it from <a href=\"https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=org.khankids.android&amp;hl=en_US&amp;gl=US\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Google Play<\/a>.<\/li><li>Download it from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Khan-Academy-Kids-BETA\/dp\/B07FDP9QCB\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Amazon<\/a>.<\/li><\/ul><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-5-shapes\">5. Shapes!<\/h3><p>In this popular game, toddlers are encouraged to identify different shapes and colors and to differentiate between different sizes.<\/p><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Download it from the <a href=\"https:\/\/itunes.apple.com\/us\/app\/shapes-toddler-kids-games-baby-boys-learning-free\/id1043509765\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Apple App Store.<\/a><\/li><\/ul><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-6-play-pbs-kids\">6. Play PBS KIDS<\/h3><p>Toddlers will love playing along with their favorite PBS characters as they learn about letters, shapes and simple mathematical concepts. This app will work for preschool and early elementary school-aged kids, too, so you&rsquo;ll be able to use it for years.<\/p><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Download it from the <a href=\"https:\/\/itunes.apple.com\/us\/app\/pbs-kids-games\/id1050773989\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Apple App Store<\/a>.<\/li><li>Download it from <a href=\"https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=org.pbskids.gamesapp\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Google Play<\/a>.<\/li><li>Download it from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/PBS-KIDS-Play-Games\/dp\/B01EBEB1UI\/?tag=apps0a3-20\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Amazon<\/a>.<\/li><\/ul><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-7-fish-school\">7. Fish School<\/h3><p>Colorful little fish swim around and create different shapes, numbers and letters for toddlers to identify. There&rsquo;s even a memory matching game for older toddlers and preschool kids.<\/p><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Download it from the <a href=\"https:\/\/itunes.apple.com\/us\/app\/id367567459\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Apple App Store<\/a>.<\/li><li>Download it from <a href=\"https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=com.duckduckmoosedesign.fish\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Google Play<\/a>.<\/li><li>Download it from<a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B01LY7VUA2\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> Amazon<\/a>.<\/li><\/ul><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-8-peek-a-zoo\">8. Peek-a-Zoo<\/h3><p>In this adorable app, toddlers will learn about different animals and will also begin to identify different emotions and behaviors.<\/p><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Download it from the <a href=\"https:\/\/itunes.apple.com\/us\/app\/id477766317\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Apple App Store<\/a>.<\/li><\/ul><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-9-first-words-sampler\">9. First Words Sampler<\/h3><p>This learning game is for toddlers and preschoolers and helps with letter recognition and first spelling words.<\/p><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Download it from the <a href=\"https:\/\/itunes.apple.com\/us\/app\/first-words-sampler\/id312571156\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Apple App Store<\/a>.<\/li><\/ul><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-10-preschool-baby-learning-games\">10. Preschool&nbsp;Baby Learning Games<\/h3><p>In this all-in-one app, toddlers can play 14 different interactive games to learn the basic skills they need to be <a href=\"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/14-preschool-activities-to-get-your-child-rea\/\">ready for preschool<\/a>, including basic shapes, counting and numbers, colors, letters and more.&nbsp;<\/p><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Download it from the <a href=\"https:\/\/apps.apple.com\/us\/app\/preschool-toddler-kids-learning-abby-games-free\/id526934974\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Apple App Store<\/a>.<\/li><\/ul><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-11-little-stars-toddler-games\">11. Little Stars Toddler Games<\/h3><p>This game asks toddlers to find the correct letter or shape. Correct answers earn virtual stickers.<\/p><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Download it from the <a href=\"https:\/\/itunes.apple.com\/us\/app\/little-stars-toddler-games\/id512457288\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Apple App Store<\/a>.<\/li><\/ul><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-12-starfall-abcs\">12. Starfall ABCs<\/h3><p>In this beloved 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.<\/p><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Download it from the <a href=\"https:\/\/apps.apple.com\/us\/app\/starfall-abcs\/id395623983\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Apple App Store<\/a>.<\/li><li>Download it from <a href=\"https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=com.starfall.StarfallABCs&amp;hl=en_US\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Google Play<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-13-laugh-and-learn-animal-sounds\">13. Laugh and Learn Animal Sounds<\/h3><p>One of the cutest free toddler apps! This app from Fisher Price helps toddlers to learn the names of different animals and to identify the sounds they make. Simple to use, even the smallest toddlers will enjoy this one.<\/p><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Download it from the <a href=\"https:\/\/apps.apple.com\/us\/app\/animal-sounds-fun-toddler-game\/id445259736\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Apple App Store<\/a>.<\/li><\/ul><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-free-toddler-apps-that-encourage-creative-play\">Free toddler apps that encourage creative play<\/h2><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-14-crayola-scribble-scrubbie\">14. Crayola Scribble Scrubbie<\/h3><p>This free app lets kids &ldquo;adopt&rdquo; adorable, colorful pets and practice caring for them. There are more than 30 pets to choose from, plus hours of creative games and activities.<\/p><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Download it from the <a href=\"https:\/\/apps.apple.com\/us\/app\/crayola-scribble-scrubbie-pets\/id1475682282\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Apple App Store<\/a>.<\/li><li>Download it from <a href=\"https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=com.crayolallc.crayola_scribble_scrubbie_pets&amp;hl=en_US&amp;gl=US\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Google Play<\/a>.<\/li><\/ul><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-15-toca-boca-jr\">15. Toca Boca Jr<\/h3><p>This free-play app allows little ones to prepare food and feed a friendly monster.<\/p><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Download it from the <a href=\"https:\/\/apps.apple.com\/us\/app\/toca-boca-jr\/id943869618\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Apple App Store<\/a>.<\/li><\/ul><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-16-musical-me\">16. Musical Me!<\/h3><p>Teaching toddlers about rhythm, notes and even pitch, this is another top-notch, creative and free app from Duck Duck Moose.<\/p><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Download it from the <a href=\"https:\/\/itunes.apple.com\/us\/app\/id441152315\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Apple App Store<\/a>.<\/li><\/ul><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-17-farm-kids-games\">17. Farm: Kids Games<\/h3><p>This intuitive and easy-to-use app lets toddlers solve take care of farm animals by cleaning and feeding them &mdash; so cute!<\/p><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Download it from the <a href=\"https:\/\/apps.apple.com\/us\/app\/farm-for-toddlers-kids\/id1633402873\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Apple App Store<\/a>.<\/li><\/ul><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-18-dentist\">18. Dentist&nbsp;<\/h3><p>Kids play dentist to a variety of cute, fuzzy animals while practicing fine motor skills, visual perception and observational skills.&nbsp;<\/p><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Download it from the <a href=\"https:\/\/apps.apple.com\/us\/app\/dentist\/id1251284248\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Apple App Store<\/a>.<\/li><li>Download it from <a href=\"https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=com.YovoGames.dentist&amp;yovogames.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Google Play<\/a>.<\/li><\/ul><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-free-toddler-apps-for-entertainment-and-watching-videos\">Free toddler apps for entertainment and watching videos<\/h2><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-19-pbs-kids-videos\">19. PBS Kids Videos<\/h3><p>Recommended by Elgersma, this app provides tons of free educational video content for kids to keep them occupied when you need a quick diversion.<\/p><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Download it from the <a href=\"https:\/\/itunes.apple.com\/us\/app\/pbs-kids-video\/id435138734\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Apple App Store<\/a>.<\/li><li>Download it from <a href=\"https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=org.pbskids.video&amp;hl=en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Google Play<\/a>.<\/li><li>Download it from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/PBS-KIDS-Video\/dp\/B009P8EMCK\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Amazon<\/a>.<\/li><\/ul><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-20-happykids\">20. HappyKids<\/h3><p>A safe streaming app for kids of all ages. Little ones can watch videos of their favorite characters from a number of shows, such as Blippi, Peppa Pig, Cocomelon and Pokemon. <\/p><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Download it from the <a href=\"https:\/\/apps.apple.com\/ca\/app\/happykids-videos-for-kids\/id799330801\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Apple App Store<\/a>.<\/li><li>Download it from <a href=\"https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=com.future.HappyKids&amp;hl=en_US\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Google Play<\/a>.<\/li><\/ul>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Looking for free learning apps for kids? We&#8217;ve got you covered with our list of fun, safe, no-cost apps for toddlers, preschoolers and more.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1258,"featured_media":7400,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"enable_toc":false,"care_reviewed_by":0,"care_post_updated_flag":false,"care_updated_date":"2026-02-12T15:15:53.007Z","last_update":"2026-02-12","view_count":1612686,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[1075],"member-type":[4],"vertical":[6,17],"platform":[2],"class_list":["post-959","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-kids-media-tech","member-type-all","vertical-children","vertical-child-care-advice","platform-resources"],"acf":[],"created":"2015-07-01","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/959","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1258"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=959"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/959\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":225936,"href":"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/959\/revisions\/225936"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7400"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=959"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=959"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=959"},{"taxonomy":"member-type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/member-type?post=959"},{"taxonomy":"vertical","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/vertical?post=959"},{"taxonomy":"platform","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/platform?post=959"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}