Toddler app recommendations are something that I get asked for all the time and my top apps for toddlers post is one of my most popular.
While that post has some great toddler apps, I've been getting lots of request for FREE toddler apps specifically for the iPad or the iPhone so here you go!
Best FREE Toddler Apps for iPads 2025
While it's great to get free toddler apps, be aware that some apps contain in app purchases or are so full of ads that they are not worth downloading.
The free toddler ipad apps I've listed here have very limited (or no) in app purchases, and if they do they are not essential for the use of the app.
They also don't contain advertising. If you are looking for toddler apps, sometimes it's worth paying a few dollars for a high quality app rather than some 'dodgy' free ones. Make sure you check out my Best Toddler Apps for 2025 list if you have a few dollars to spend on some.
If you do let your toddler use your iPad there are a few 'tough' accessories that I highly recommend - because you know the chances of dropping them are high!
An iPad case like the one below (available HERE on Amazon). These are the kinds of cases you will often find in schools and they are super durable and make it much more difficult to break!
You might also want to think about headphones. I recommend headphones designed for children mainly because they are volume limiting (no matter what button they press!).
There are lots of options out there but my current favorites (and ones that are VERY popular with toddlers) are these Bluey headphones. How cute are they! You can get these ones HERE on Amazon.
Let's get started with the best FREE iPad or iPhone apps for toddlers in 2025!
Khan Academy Kids
As a teacher and a parent I absolutely love Khan Academy Kids! It offers a well-rounded curriculum covering everything from math and reading to writing and even social-emotional skills.
The interactive lessons are t designed to grow with your child, adapting to their progress and keeping them engaged every step of the way.
Best of all, Khan Academy is a non profit organisation and it’s completely ad-free. Khan academy's collaboration with educators and researchers ensures the content is both fun and educational. Highly recommend! Download on the App Store
PBS Kids Games
I think PBS KIDS Games is an absolute gem! The app is packed with over 100 games that cover everything from math and reading to science, all while incorporating favorite PBS characters like Elmo and Curious George.
What sets it apart for me is the offline play—it’s a lifesaver for road trips, waiting rooms and plane trips!
They also keep things fresh by regularly adding new content, so there’s always something exciting for the kids to explore. It’s fun, educational, and super easy to use! Download on the App Store
Peek-a- Zoo App
Peek-a-Zoo is such a delightful free app for toddlers and preschoolers. The company behind Peek-a-Zoo is owned by Khan Academy and their apps and I recommend almost all of them! Very high quality, educational content - and free for the iPad!
Peek-a-Zoo introduces toddlers to a variety of animals and their sounds in a fun, interactive peekaboo format that my kids can’t get enough of.
The app is fantastic for building early language skills and improving auditory recognition, as kids match the sounds to the animals.
The adorable animations and engaging characters keep them entertained while they learn.
I’ve always been impressed with Duck Duck Moose apps—they consistently create high-quality, educational tools that kids love, and Peek-a-Zoo is no exception
Crayola Create and Play
Crayola Create and Play is a fun free toddler app. It’s packed with fun activities that inspire creativity, like drawing, coloring, and designing, while also sneaking in learning with mini-games about shapes, colors, and problem-solving.
The app is super interactive and colorful, which keeps my kids engaged for hours. While there are in-app purchases for extra content, the free version has more than enough to keep toddlers entertained and happy. It’s a wonderful blend of creativity and learning! Download on the App Store
Peekaboo Barn Lite is such a charming app and a big hit in our household! It’s perfect for toddlers who love animals and surprises. The app introduces kids to farm animals and their sounds through an interactive peekaboo game—my toddler absolutely adores opening the barn doors to see which animal is inside! It’s a wonderful way to teach animal names, sounds, and even early language skills in a super fun and engaging way.
The lite version is free for iPad or iPhone and includes enough content to keep little ones entertained for a while. If your child falls in love with it (which mine did!), you can easily upgrade to the full version for just $1.99 to access even more animals and features. The app’s adorable animations and simple interface make it perfect for tiny hands, and it’s even available in multiple languages, which is great if you’re raising a bilingual child or just want to introduce them to new sounds.
It’s definitely a must-try app for toddlers! Download the lite version here
Fish School
This is a great educational app aimed at children 2+. This app is totally free and another one from the higly rated Duck Duck Moose company.
Fish School is a fun, award-winning app (Parents' Choice Silver Honor Award) perfect for toddlers and preschoolers aged 2-5. It uses playful fish to teach letters, numbers, shapes, and colors, making learning feel like play.
Your toddler will love the matching games and "Find the Fish" activity, which build memory and focus skills. With bright underwater visuals and interactive features, it’s an engaging way for little ones to learn essential early concepts. Download on the App Store
Starfall ABCs
The Starfall ABCs app makes learning letters and sounds so much fun for little ones with its catchy songs, adorable animations, and interactive games. It’s perfect for helping toddlers and preschoolers build early reading skills and phonemic awareness in a way that feels like play.
The multisensory approach is great for engaging different types of learners, and the content is so engaging, my kids don’t even realize they’re learning. It’s a must-have for teaching alphabet basics!
The app is free to download and while there are in app purchases the free version has enough activities to keep a toddler happy!
Musical Me!
I think the Musical Me app is such an adorable and engaging app for toddlers who love music (and honestly, what toddler doesn’t?). This app is packed with beautifully crafted versions of classic nursery rhymes, giving kids a chance to explore rhythm, melody, and music in a hands-on way.
What I love most is how it introduces little ones to instruments and musical patterns, helping them develop an ear for rhythm while keeping the experience fun and playful. The app’s interactive activities encourage creativity, and the charming graphics and easy-to-use design make it a hit with young kids.
Best of all, it’s completely free, so it’s an excellent option for introducing toddlers to the joy of music. Download on the App Store
Duolingo ABC App
Duolingo ABC is a great app for kids 3 and up! It’s such a fun and interactive way to introduce early reading skills.
The app features bite-sized lessons that teach letters, sounds, and words, making it perfect for toddlers with short attention spans. My preschooler loves the playful animations, and the games make learning feel like a treat instead of a chore.
One of the best features is how it adapts to your child’s skill level, so they’re always learning at the right pace. It also has engaging stories that help kids practice their reading in a way that feels natural. Plus, it’s 100% free and has no ads.
If you’re looking for a fun, effective way to help your toddler or preschooler learn to read, Duolingo ABC is a fantastic choice! Download on the App Store
These are my current list of the best FREE toddler apps for the Ipad. If you have any you think I should add, join our Facebook group and let me know! You can also follow us on Facebook , Instagram or Pinterest for more great toddler activities and ideas.
More Educational Toddler Apps
Need more toddler apps? Try some of these....
As I mentioned at the beginning of this post, quality free apps can be hard to find. One of my favorite early learning apps is from ABCMouse.com and is one that does require payment, however they offer a very generous 30 day Free trial.
Homer Learning - 45 Day Free Trial (limited time)
The proven and personalized early learning program helps kids ages 2-8 discover a lifelong love of learning. Designed by learning experts, HOMER takes each child’s interests and abilities and combines them to make learning fun!
Homer focuses on
- Reading
- Math
- Social and Emotional Learning
- Thinking Skills
- Creativity
Check it out with your 45 Day Homer Free Trial HERE.
As well as the desktop version of the program, during the free trial you also get access to their iPad apps which I highly recommend. If you want to give them a try you can sign up to your FREE 30 Day Trial HERE.
Some more posts you may enjoy are:
Sensory Play Ideas for Toddlers
20 Painting Ideas for Toddlers
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