Every parent—or older sibling, auntie, uncle, or guardian—has had this thought at some point: “Should I really be handing a child a screen?” It’s a fair question. Screens can distract, overwhelm, or even dull a child’s natural curiosity when used carelessly.
But here’s the other side of that coin: when used wisely, a tablet or phone can unlock powerful learning. It’s not just cartoons and noise. It can be vocabulary, confidence, STEM exposure, digital skills, and yes, even Yoruba proverbs.
The truth is: kids learn differently now. They’re wired visually, learn interactively, and often engage better through games and simulations than chalkboards and textbooks. So, the real task is not to block the screen, but to filter what flows through it.
That’s why this list isn’t just a trendy roundup. It’s a carefully selected guide to the best educational apps for kids, particularly useful for Nigerian learners—but also powerful enough to serve curious minds across Africa and the world. Every app here supports active learning, local/global relevance, data-light usage where possible, and parental oversight.
Why These Apps?
A 2013 study by Lopuch showed that students using iPad apps improved their performance by 9% in just three months. Another study by Pearman (2008) found that students reading digital storybooks had higher comprehension scores than those using print. The tech isn’t just flashy—it works when done right.
We didn’t just pick apps that teach, but those that connect. Kids don’t just want to read. They want to hear, touch, explore, build, and ask questions. And while these apps serve Nigerian learners beautifully, they’re equally powerful in any context—urban or rural, English-speaking or multilingual, at home or in school.
Best Educational Apps for Kids
1. ABCmouse.com – Best Overall App for Early Learning
Ideal for ages 2–8, this app offers a full pre-K curriculum covering reading, math, science, art, and music. It’s bright, interactive, and backed by solid pedagogy.
🟢 Available on: Android, iOS
💰 Pricing: Free trial + $14.99/month
🔗 ABCmouse.com
2. Quick Maths Jr. – Best App to Improve Math Skills
This one helps learners in grades 2–6 sharpen their mental math through timed challenges and handwriting-friendly interactions.
🟢 Available on: iOS only
💰 Pricing: Free
🔗 Quich Maths Jr. – Great for learners who want to build fluency without boredom.
3. CodeMonkey – Best for Coding and Game Development
For kids aged 5+, CodeMonkey introduces real-world programming (Python, CoffeeScript) via fun games. It’s perfect for building logic and future skills early.
🟢 Available on: Web (iOS/Android coming soon)
💰 Pricing: Free version available, full version starts at $6/month
🔗 CodeMonkey
4. Starfall ABCs – Best Alphabet and Early Literacy App
This foundational app for ages 2–5 uses songs, games, and phonics-based activities to teach the English alphabet joyfully.
🟢 Available on: Android, iOS, Kindle Fire
💰 Pricing: Free version available
🔗 Starfall ABCs – Great starting point for toddlers learning letter recognition.
5. Handwriting Success – Best App for Writing Practice
Using tablet styluses, kids can trace, erase, and refine their handwriting through interactive lessons based on the Getty-Dubay method.
🟢 Available on: iOS, Android
💰 Pricing: Free app, workbooks start at $13.75
🔗 Handwriting Success – Excellent for developing fine motor skills and letter formation.
6. Science 360 – Best Science App for Curious Minds
From space exploration to biology, Science 360 offers high-quality videos and science news sourced from researchers and universities. Great for K–12 learners.
🟢 Available on: iOS, Android
💰 Pricing: Free
🔗 Science 360 – Produced by the National Science Foundation.
7. Epic! – Best Unlimited Reading App for Kids
With over 40,000 children’s books, audiobooks, and read-alongs, Epic! is a reading treasure chest for kids aged 6–12.
🟢 Available on: Android, iOS
💰 Pricing: Free 30-day trial, $9.99/month
🔗 Epic – Great for bedtime reading, travel, or literacy growth.
Bonus: Honourable Mentions
- Google Read-Along: Voice-recognition reading tutor (offline mode available)
- Duolingo: Great for kids learning French or English as a second language
- BBC Bitesize: Ideal for older kids prepping for WAEC/IGCSE
- Socratic (by Google): For teens stuck on complex math/homework problems—scan, learn, solve.
Final Word: You Don’t Need to Buy “Brain Power”
Let’s kill the guilt. A screen isn’t the problem—passive consumption is. The right apps don’t turn your child into a screen zombie. They teach. They build confidence. They open doors. And in today’s Nigeria, where parents juggle 2-3 jobs just to keep things going, every advantage counts. Equip your child’s tablet with more than Baby Shark and Tegwolo. Put some brain fuel behind that glass.
Want to build your kid’s first digital library? Check out our Best Budget Tablets for Kids—durable, affordable, and made for learning. [Read the full guide here: The Best Budget Tablets for Kids in 2025]
