Most "edutainment" fails because it treats the "game" part as a reward for the "learning" part. (Think: "Solve this math problem to shoot the alien!")

Kids see through that immediately.

The games they actually like are the ones where the learning is the game. You can’t build a working rocket in Kerbal Space Program without understanding physics. You can’t win a match in Prodigy without mastering the math. The motivation is internal—they want to succeed in the game world, so they put in the mental work to get there.

This is the heavy hitter for elementary and middle school. It’s essentially a fantasy RPG (role-playing game) where battles are won by solving math problems. The No-BS Take: It is incredibly effective at getting kids to do math they would otherwise complain about for hours. However, be warned: the "membership" upsells are aggressive. Your kid will see other players with cool pets and gear that are locked behind a paywall. If you can handle the "can I have a membership?" badgering, the actual educational content is solid and aligns with school curricula. Learn more about navigating Prodigy memberships

If you want to see a 7-year-old solve linear equations without knowing they’re doing algebra, this is it. It starts with colorful icons and slowly replaces them with variables and numbers. It’s brilliant design. It’s a paid app, but it’s a "one and done" purchase with no ads or "brain rot" filler.

Often used in schools, but great for home use too. It’s less "gamey" than Prodigy but very interactive. It’s great for kids who need a clear, structured path through math concepts.

Created by the MIT Media Lab, this is the gold standard for teaching kids the logic of coding. It uses blocks that snap together, so they don't have to worry about typos or syntax—just the logic of how a program flows. Why it sticks: It’s a social network too. Kids can "remix" other people's projects. It’s the ultimate "creator mode" for kids who have outgrown just playing games and want to start making them. Check out our guide on getting started with Scratch

If your family is an Apple household, this is a must-download. It teaches Swift (the language used to make real iPhone apps) through a beautiful 3D puzzle game. It’s sophisticated, looks great, and feels like a "real" tech tool rather than a toy.

Wait, Roblox? Yes. While the main app can be a cesspool of weirdness, Roblox Studio is where the magic happens. If your kid is obsessed with Roblox, nudge them toward the "Create" button. They’ll have to learn Luau (a coding language) and basic game design to make anything playable. It’s entrepreneurship 101.

This is a "4X" strategy game (eXplore, eXpand, eXploit, eXterminate). Your kid starts with a small tribe in the Stone Age and builds a civilization through the Space Age. The Educational Value: They learn about geography, diplomacy, technological breakthroughs, and historical figures. They’ll come to dinner asking about the "Code of Hammurabi" or why the Printing Press changed the world. Ages: Best for 10+. It’s complex and requires patience.

The 2021/2022 remake (available on Apple Arcade and PC) is actually fantastic. It keeps the "everyone died of dysentery" charm of the original but adds significant historical nuance regarding Native American perspectives and more realistic survival mechanics. It’s a great conversation starter about American history.

This game is legendary in the "smart kid" circles. You run a space program for a race of green aliens. You have to build rockets that actually work using real orbital mechanics and physics. The No-BS Take: It is hard. Your kid's first ten rockets will probably explode on the launchpad. But when they finally make it to orbit? The sense of achievement is real. NASA engineers actually play this game. It’s the best physics teacher on the planet.

Less of a "game" and more of a "what happens if I crash the moon into the earth?" simulator. It uses real gravity and climate data. It’s visually stunning and great for kids who are space-obsessed.

At this age, focus on apps that feel like play but build literacy and numeracy.

This is the sweet spot for games like Prodigy and Minecraft.

Teenagers can handle complex simulations like Civilization VI or high-level coding in Python. At this stage, the "game" should probably be a tool they use to create something real.

Just because a game is "educational" doesn't mean it's a free pass for unlimited screen time.

Learn more about setting boundaries for "educational" screen time

If you want to turn the screen-time battle into a win, stop looking for "apps that teach" and start looking for "games that challenge."

The best educational games of 2025 are the ones that treat your kid like a scientist, an engineer, or a world leader. They might still use weird slang and talk about "skibidi" whatever, but if they’re doing it while explaining the difference between a liquid-fuel rocket and a solid-state booster, you’re winning.

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