In this article we round up some of our favorite iPad / iOS apps for kids around 5 years of age and under. Many of these titles are also available for Android as well. For more information on app time limits for kids, please see our other article on child eye health and tablets. 

Peppa Pig: Paint & Play

This app is suitable for ages 2-5 and allows kids to paint, color, and create with Peppa Pig and her friends. Children can choose from a variety of coloring pages, stickers, and backgrounds to create their own Peppa Pig scenes.

ABCmouse

An educational app that helps teach young children about reading, math, science, art and more through interactive lessons, games and activities.

ScratchJr

A visual programming language that teaches young children how to code by allowing them to create their own interactive stories, games and animations.

Toca Kitchen Monsters

An app that allows kids to cook and play with food in a virtual kitchen, while also encouraging creativity and imagination.

Toca Kitchen 2

This app is suitable for ages 4-7 and lets kids prepare, cook, and serve food to virtual guests. Children can experiment with different ingredients and cooking methods to create their own dishes.

Endless Alphabet

This app is suitable for ages 4-8 and teaches kids the alphabet and basic word recognition through interactive puzzles and animations. Each word is presented in an entertaining and engaging way, and kids can practice their spelling skills.

Endless Numbers

An educational app that teaches young children about numbers, counting, addition, subtraction and more through interactive games and activities.

Leo’s Pad

This app is suitable for ages 4-8 and teaches preschoolers how to code through fun and engaging adventures. Children can learn how to program characters to move, jump, and dance, and can also create their own animations.

Sago Mini Friends

This app is suitable for ages 2-5 and is a social and emotional learning app where kids can play and interact with Sago Mini characters. Children can play games, solve puzzles, and make new friends in a safe and friendly virtual world.

The Monster at the End of This Book

This app is suitable for ages 2-5 and is a classic storybook app that lets kids interact with Grover and other Sesame Street characters. Children can read along with the story, tap on interactive elements, and play mini-games.

Daniel Tiger’s Grr-ific Feelings

This app is suitable for ages 2-5 and teaches kids about emotions and how to manage them in everyday situations. Children can explore different emotions through interactive activities and videos, and can learn how to express themselves in healthy and appropriate ways.

Dr. Panda Restaurant 3

This app is suitable for ages 4-7 and is a cooking and restaurant management app that lets kids run their own virtual restaurant. Children can choose their menu, cook and serve dishes, and keep their customers happy.

Sesame Street Appisodes

An app that lets kids interact with their favorite Sesame Street characters in a series of educational adventures.

Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn

This app is suitable for ages 6 months to 3 years and is a collection of educational apps featuring classic Fisher-Price toys and characters. Children can play with shapes, numbers, letters, and more, and learn through fun and engaging games and activities.

Bright Beats Smart Touch Play Space  by Fisher-Price

This app is suitable for ages 9 months to 3 years and helps kids develop fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and cause-and-effect learning. The app features a colorful and interactive play space with a variety of touch-activated activities and games. Children can tap on lights, buttons, and other elements to activate music, sound effects, and animations.

My First Classical Music App

An app that introduces young children to classical music in a fun and interactive way, with games and activities that help them learn about different instruments, composers, and musical styles

Wonder Park Magic Rides

An amusement park attractions. Kids can design and customize their own rides, and then experience the thrills and excitement of the park they created.

Monsters Ate My Birthday Cake

A puzzle game that takes kids on a fantastical journey through a world filled with quirky monsters and sweet treats.Players must solve puzzles to progress through each level, while also collecting ingredients to make a birthday cake.

Animal Puzzle For Kids

An educational puzzle app that teaches young children about different animals and their habitats. The app features interactive puzzles that help kids learn about animals, their habitats and the unique characteristics that make each species special.

Dr. Panda Restaurant 3

An app that lets kids run their own virtual restaurant and cook food for customers. The app helps kids learn about healthy eating habits, nutrition, and food preparation, while also encouraging creativity and problem-solving skills.

My Little Pony Harmony Quest

An app based on the popular My Little Pony franchise, where kids can join Twilight Sparkle and her friends on a quest to save Equestria. The app features exciting adventures and challenges, as well as educational activities that help kids learn about friendship and teamwork.

Little Runner

A fun and interactive game that teaches kids about healthy exercise habits. The game challenges kids to run, jump and collect coins through various levels, while also teaching them the importance of physical activity and exercise.

Mermaid Princess Salon

A beauty salon app that lets young children give makeovers to mermaid princesses. The app features fun and interactive activities that teach kids about grooming and hygiene, while also encouraging creativity and self-expression.

Stack the States

An educational app that teaches kids about geography and the United States. The app challenges kids to stack and identify states and their capitals on a virtual map, helping them learn about the geography and geography of the US.

Fish School HD

A fun and interactive app that teaches kids about numbers, shapes, and colors. The app features colorful fish that swim around a virtual aquarium, helping kids learn about different shapes and numbers through interactive games and activities.

Cookie Run

OvenBreak: An endless running game that takes kids on a sweet adventure through a magical cookie world. The game features fun obstacles and yummy treats, as well as educational activities that teach kids about problem-solving and perseverance.

You may also like 3 Tips in Choosing Children iPad Apps

FAQ – iPad Apps for Kids Under Five

Is iPad suitable for 5 year old?

Yes, an iPad can be suitable for a 5 year old, as there are many educational and entertaining apps available for this age group. The iPad’s touch screen interface is easy for young children to use, and the device is durable enough to withstand the wear and tear that comes with use by young kids. However, it is important to supervise and monitor the use of the iPad to ensure that children are using appropriate apps and not accidentally accessing inappropriate content. Additionally, it is a good idea to consider purchasing a protective case and screen cover to help prevent damage to the device.

What about protecting kids’ eyes?

It’s important to consider the impact of screen time on children’s eyes, especially for young children. Here are some tips to help protect your child’s eyes when using an iPad or other electronic devices:

Set screen time limits: It’s important to limit the amount of time your child spends using the iPad or other electronic devices. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no more than one hour of screen time per day for children aged 2-5 years old.

Encourage regular breaks: Encourage your child to take regular breaks from screen time and engage in other activities such as playing outside, reading a book, or doing a craft.
Adjust screen brightness and contrast: Make sure the screen brightness and contrast are set at a comfortable level for your child’s eyes.

Use blue light filters: Some iPads have built-in blue light filters that help reduce the amount of blue light emitted by the screen. You can also purchase blue light filtering screen covers or use apps that offer a similar function.

Maintain a comfortable viewing distance: Encourage your child to hold the iPad or other device at a comfortable distance from their eyes, and make sure they are not straining to see the screen.

Regular eye exams: Regular eye exams can help ensure that your child’s eyes are healthy and that any issues are detected and treated early on.

What apps can kids download on iPad?

There are many educational and entertaining apps that kids can download on an iPad, ranging from games and puzzles to educational apps that teach skills such as math, reading, and coding. This series of articles aims to teach parents and educators about those apps.

What should a 5-year-olds screen time be?

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends limiting screen time for children aged 2-5 years old to no more than one hour per day.

How much iPad time is OK for kids?

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends limiting screen time for children aged 2-5 years old to no more than one hour per day. For children aged 6 years and older, the recommendation is to limit screen time to no more than two hours per day.

It’s important to remember that screen time should be balanced with other activities, such as physical exercise, outdoor play, reading, and spending time with family and friends. Additionally, it’s important to monitor the content that children are accessing and ensure that it is age-appropriate and educational.

At what age is it OK to give a child an iPad?

The age at which it is appropriate to give a child an iPad can vary and depends on several factors, such as the child’s maturity, ability to follow rules and guidelines, and the specific needs and interests of the child.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, it is recommended that children under the age of 2 should avoid screen time altogether, as their brains are still developing and they learn best through hands-on, interactive play. For children aged 2 to 5 years old, the recommended amount of screen time is no more than one hour per day.

However, for children who are older and have demonstrated the ability to use technology responsibly and in a safe manner, an iPad can be a valuable tool for learning, creativity, and entertainment. It is important for parents to set rules and guidelines for their children’s use of technology and to monitor their screen time and content consumption.

Ultimately, the decision of when to give a child an iPad should be made on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the child’s individual needs and development.

Is there an iPad child mode?

Assuming you want to share your phone or iPad with your child, then yes, there is a child mode on the iPad called “Guided Access.” Guided Access is a feature that allows parents to set limits on their child’s iPad usage and restrict access to certain apps or features.

With Guided Access, parents can set a screen time limit, disable touch input on certain areas of the screen, and restrict access to the Home button and other device controls. This makes it possible for children to use the iPad in a safe and controlled environment, and helps parents to ensure that their child is only accessing age-appropriate content.

To turn on Guided Access, go to the “Settings” app, select “General,” and then select “Accessibility.” From there, you can turn on the Guided Access feature and set up the specific restrictions and limits that you want to apply to your child’s device.