Technology is woven into everyday life, and when used intentionally, it can support your preschooler’s learning in meaningful, developmentally appropriate ways. The key is choosing apps that spark curiosity, encourage creativity, and strengthen early skills without overwhelming children. At The Gardner School, we value thoughtful technology and aim to empower parents with tools that support whole-child learning at home.
Below is a parent-curated list of engaging preschool learning apps. Each one is currently active, available to download, and designed to help children explore literacy, math, creativity, emotional development, and early STEM skills. We’ve separated them into paid and free options to make your search easier. We have also highlighted which apps include notable inclusive or ADA-supportive features.
Paid Learning Apps for Preschoolers
(Some may include optional in-app purchases or subscription models.)
These apps offer richer content libraries, ad-free environments, or expanded features that grow with your child.
Endless Alphabet is a cheerful, animated app that teaches vocabulary, letter recognition, and early spelling through interactive puzzles and lively characters. It requires a one-time purchase and is especially helpful for building early phonics skills. While its simple navigation supports young learners, it does not list full ADA-verified accessibility features.
ABCmouse.com is a full early-learning platform with thousands of activities across reading, math, science, music, and art. With a monthly subscription, families can access a comprehensive program designed to build sequential skills that grow with your child. Large text, clean layouts, and clear navigation help support diverse learners.
HOMER offers a research-backed mix of reading, math, creativity, and social-emotional learning activities. Its subscription model allows parents to personalize content based on a child’s interests, making it a strong choice for whole-child development. HOMER’s teacher-designed interface and inclusive visuals make it easy for young children to navigate.
Monkey Preschool Lunchbox provides short, engaging mini-games that introduce colors, shapes, counting, and early problem-solving. It requires a small one-time purchase and is designed for independent play. The app’s simple layout and intuitive actions make it welcoming for many learning styles.
Toca Nature is a soothing, open-ended app that allows children to explore nature, shape landscapes, and interact with animals in a calm digital environment. This one-time purchase encourages creativity and sensory-friendly play. With gentle visuals and soft background audio, it is often a good fit for sensory-sensitive children.
Pok Pok Playroom is a Montessori-inspired digital playroom filled with open-ended tools like blocks, drawing, and sensory activities. Families can choose a subscription or lifetime purchase. The ad-free, intuitive design supports creative exploration and is known for its inclusive features, making it one of the more ADA-friendly apps available.
Lingokids is a global learning app that includes lessons in reading, math, social-emotional learning, science, and cultures around the world. Offered as a subscription model, it appeals to multilingual families and those looking for inclusive representation in content. Its multilingual support features make it especially accessible.
Free Learning Apps
PBS KIDS Games offers more than 50 interactive learning games featuring familiar PBS characters. Children can practice literacy, SEL, and early math in a safe, ad-free environment designed for young learners. High-contrast visuals and diverse character representation support inclusive play.
Khan Academy Kids is a completely free, research-backed learning app created by education experts. With books, games, SEL lessons, and academic practice, it provides one of the strongest inclusive experiences available. Multi-language support and accessible design make it a standout option for families.
Duolingo ABC helps children build early reading skills through phonics, sight words, stories, and handwriting practice. It is fully free and uses bright visuals and voice-guided activities to help support beginning readers, including those who benefit from auditory cues.
ScratchJr introduces children to coding through story creation and simple animations using visual programming blocks. Its free, intuitive interface is designed specifically for pre-readers, making it accessible for many developmental and learning needs. It also encourages early STEM thinking and creativity.
Teach Your Monster to Read is a literacy adventure created by reading experts. Free on many platforms, it guides children through phonics, blending, and reading readiness skills. With colorful, high-contrast visuals, it supports a range of learning preferences.
Storyline offers a library of children’s books read aloud by well-known actors, bringing stories to life through expressive storytelling. It is free with optional upgrades and helps support listening comprehension and early literacy. The read-aloud format is especially helpful for emerging readers and children with visual impairments.
YouTube Kids provides a safer, simplified version of the YouTube experience with strong parental controls and curated content for little learners. It is free to use and includes captioning and other visual accessibility features, which can be helpful for children with varying needs.
How to Choose Preschool Learning Apps: What Parents Should Look For
Following guidance from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), parents can focus on apps that offer:
- Developmentally appropriate experiences
- Hands-on, exploratory learning
- Inclusive or ADA-supportive design
- Multiple languages or cultural representations
- A balance of calm and engaging activities
- Minimal ads or distractions
- Opportunities for parent involvement
- Alignment with real learning goals
At The Gardner School, technology is used intentionally and thoughtfully, always in ways that support the whole child. Our teachers incorporate a few digital tools to support creativity, problem-solving, fine motor development, and foundational academic skills. At home, these apps can extend your child’s learning and give families simple, engaging ways to explore new concepts together.
If you’d like to see how TGS blends technology with hands-on learning, schedule a tour at a location near you. We’d love to welcome your family, and you can see firsthand how we explore many ways of learning.
Sources referenced:
NAEYC Tech Recommendations for Families
ThoughtMedia: Accessibility in Kids’ Apps
Feedspot Curated App Lists