10 Best Science Apps for Kids
Fun, Learning, and Screen Time Well Spent!
Picture this: it’s Saturday morning, and my three kids are bouncing with energy. The weather? Not cooperating.
With a sigh and a quick glance at my coffee cup, I pull out my phone, secretly hoping to find a way to channel that enthusiasm into something educational. I’ve got just the thing: science apps.
These apps not only satisfy their curiosity but also sneak in valuable learning—and trust me, they barely notice!
Here’s my roundup of tried-and-tested science apps that have kept my kids engaged, entertained, and quiet when I need a moment (or several!). Each one of these comes with the “Mom of 3 Seal of Approval.”
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Best Science Apps For Kids
1. Khan Academy Kids
Ages: 2-8
Price: Free
Why It’s Awesome: Khan Academy Kids is more than just a science app—it’s a full suite of activities covering math, language, and science. It’s like having a digital learning center in your hands, perfect for younger kids starting out with basic concepts in science. Plus, it’s ad-free, which means they can explore safely while I catch my breath.
Tip: This app is entirely free, so there’s no guilt in letting them explore every nook and cranny!
2. Toca Lab: Elements
Ages: 6+
Price: $3.99
Why It’s Awesome: Toca Lab lets kids play “scientist” with elements from the periodic table. They can heat them up, cool them down, spin them around—it’s an excellent way for them to experiment in a safe (and fun) virtual lab. My 7-year-old spent hours with this one, and he’s already telling his little brother about “weird metals and gases” at the dinner table.
Tip: It’s easy to download right from the app store—no waiting! (And no cleanup required, unlike my last science experiment at home…)
3. Star Walk Kids
Ages: 4+
Price: Free with in-app purchases
Why It’s Awesome: This app brings the night sky indoors! Star Walk Kids is the junior version of the popular stargazing app Star Walk, simplified for younger kids. It lets kids point their device at the sky and learn about stars, planets, and constellations. My 5-year-old loves looking up at the stars and recognizing constellations. Perfect for after-dark screen time that doesn’t involve cartoons.
Bonus: Add a small telescope to make it an even bigger adventure!
4. Crazy Gears
Ages: 5-9
Price: $2.99
Why It’s Awesome: Ever wanted your kids to understand how machines work? Crazy Gears teaches them about pulleys, gears, and levers by challenging them to solve puzzles. I’ve even found myself playing with this one a few times! It’s excellent for building problem-solving skills and introducing kids to mechanics.
Mom Tip: Works great in the car or at a restaurant while waiting for food. Less boredom = happier meal times for everyone!
5. The Human Body by Tinybop
Ages: 4+
Price: $3.99
Why It’s Awesome: Tinybop has really nailed it with The Human Body. Kids get to explore a virtual body, complete with beating hearts, blinking eyes, and a digestive system. My 8-year-old was fascinated when he learned why his heart beats faster after running (and now he never misses his bedtime story about the “amazing human body”).
Fun Addition: Pair this with an illustrated anatomy book to keep that curiosity alive even after screen time ends.
6. PlantSnap
Ages: 8+
Price: Free with premium options
Why It’s Awesome: PlantSnap lets your budding botanists identify plants and flowers just by taking a picture. Perfect for outdoor adventures! My kids and I had a blast using it on a nature walk. Suddenly, they wanted to know all about trees, shrubs, and even weeds! The best part? They can get outdoors, explore, and learn at the same time.
Note: Consider downloading on a phone with a decent camera for best results. Or, if the kids are old enough, set them up with a kid-friendly camera.
7. NASA App
Ages: 6+
Price: Free
Why It’s Awesome: Directly from the experts at NASA, this app is packed with videos, photos, and interactive features about space exploration. If your kids are fascinated by space (like mine are!), they’ll love learning about rovers, satellites, and the latest Mars missions. They’ll even watch rocket launches live!
Parent Perk: This app has “cool factor” for older kids, too. You can bond over missions to Mars and (almost) feel like astronauts together.
8. Hopscotch
Ages: 8+
Price: Free with in-app purchases
Why It’s Awesome: Coding is a big deal these days, and Hopscotch makes it accessible for kids. It teaches them how to code using fun, colorful games they can design themselves. My 9-year-old made her own game within a week and loved showing it off to her friends. Coding has now officially taken over our dinner conversations—no complaints here!
Mom Hack: If you’re new to coding, watch a couple of YouTube tutorials on Hopscotch basics. It’s super easy to learn, and kids love the idea of making their own games.
9. Earth School by Yateland
Ages: 4-8
Price: Free with in-app purchases
Why It’s Awesome: This app brings Earth Science to little ones through interactive lessons about the solar system, seasons, and more. It’s ideal for younger children just starting to learn about our planet. My littlest one loves the cheerful animations and simple touch activities. It’s like a science show come to life!
Bonus: Grab an Earth or solar system puzzle as a perfect add-on.
10. DIY.org
Ages: 6+
Price: Free with subscription options
Why It’s Awesome: DIY.org is packed with kid-friendly projects, lessons, and videos covering everything from science experiments to art. My older kids love watching the videos and then trying out the projects themselves (with a bit of help from me, of course). There’s even a community element where kids can share their projects and learn from each other.
Mom Hack: Use DIY.org for rainy days or summer boredom—no fancy equipment required!
Bottom Line
If you’re like me, these science apps are a lifesaver! They keep the kids entertained, learning, and (quietly!) engaged.
Whether they’re coding, learning about the stars, or exploring plants in the backyard, these apps make screen time feel like time well spent. Happy learning!
