Look, we all know the summer slide is real. Studies show kids can lose up to 2-3 months of math skills over summer break, and it's not because they're lazy or because you're failing as a parent. It's because brains need practice, and most kids aren't exactly begging to do worksheets when there's a pool outside.
The good news? Math apps have gotten really good at disguising practice as play. We're not talking about digital flashcards here (though those have their place). We're talking about apps that make kids want to come back, that build actual understanding, and that don't make you want to throw your phone across the room when you see the in-app purchase notification.
Here's the thing: the summer slide hits hardest for math, more than reading or other subjects. And it's cumulative—kids who slide in 2nd grade start 3rd grade behind, which makes 3rd grade harder, which makes 4th grade harder, and suddenly you're paying for a tutor in middle school.
But also? Summer is the perfect time to work on math without the pressure of homework and tests. Kids can actually explore concepts, make mistakes, and build confidence when the stakes are lower.
For Building Real Math Skills (Not Just Memorization)
Prodigy Math (Ages 6-14) This is the one that feels most like a video game. Kids battle monsters and explore worlds, but to progress they have to solve math problems that are actually curriculum-aligned. The free version is solid, though they will push the premium membership hard (it's $10-15/month). The good news: you don't need premium for the educational value. The bad news: your kid will absolutely ask for it.
What makes it work: Adaptive learning means it meets kids where they are. If your 4th grader is still shaky on multiplication, Prodigy will give them practice without making them feel behind.
Khan Academy Kids (Ages 2-8) Completely free, no ads, no in-app purchases. If you have younger kids, this is your answer. It covers way more than math (reading, social-emotional learning), but the math content is excellent and the characters are genuinely charming.
What makes it work: It's designed by actual educators and it shows. Plus, zero predatory monetization means you can hand over the tablet without anxiety.
DragonBox (Ages 4-12) This is a series of apps (Big Numbers, Algebra, Geometry) that teach math concepts through puzzles and games. It costs money upfront ($5-8 per app), but there are no subscriptions or additional purchases. DragonBox Algebra is legitimately impressive—kids learn algebraic thinking without even realizing they're doing math.
What makes it work: It builds conceptual understanding, not just procedural skills. Kids aren't just memorizing steps; they're actually getting why math works the way it does.
For Fact Fluency (Because Sometimes You Just Need to Know 7×8)
Reflex Math (Ages 8-12) Your school might already use this one. It's specifically designed for building math fact fluency (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) and uses a game-based approach with a green light/yellow light/red light system. It requires a subscription (usually through school) but some districts offer summer access.
What makes it work: It's research-based and actually effective at building automaticity. Kids need to know their facts, and Reflex makes it less painful than flashcards.
[Todo Math](https://screenwiseapp.com/media/todo-math-game (Ages 4-8) Great for younger kids who are still building number sense. It covers counting, addition, subtraction, and early concepts in a really visual, hands-on way. Free version is generous; premium is $6/month.
What makes it work: Multi-sensory approach helps kids who need to see, touch, and manipulate to understand.
For Kids Who Hate Math (Or Think They Do)
Minecraft Education Edition (Ages 8+) Hear me out. Yes, it's Minecraft. But Education Edition has built-in math lessons and challenges that use building and exploration to teach concepts. If your kid is already obsessed with Minecraft, this channels that energy into actual learning.
What makes it work: It doesn't feel like math class. Kids are solving problems because they want to build something cool, not because they have to.
[Mathland](https://screenwiseapp.com/media/mathland-game (Ages 5-10) A pirate-themed adventure game where kids solve math problems to progress through the story. One-time purchase ($6), no subscriptions. It's less polished than Prodigy but also less aggressive with the upselling.
What makes it work: Story-driven gameplay keeps kids engaged even when the math gets challenging.
Not all "educational" apps are created equal. Here's what separates the good from the garbage:
✓ Adaptive learning - The app should adjust to your kid's level, not just their grade ✓ Conceptual understanding - Not just drill-and-kill, but actual "why" behind the math ✓ Progress tracking - So you can see what they're working on (without hovering) ✓ Reasonable monetization - Free or one-time purchase > subscription > freemium nightmare ✓ Actual fun - If your kid won't use it, it doesn't matter how educational it is
Red flags:
- Apps that lock basic content behind paywalls
- Constant notifications designed to create FOMO
- "Educational" games that are 90% ads and 10% learning
- Apps that feel like digital worksheets (just do actual worksheets at that point)
Real talk: 15-20 minutes, 3-4 times a week is plenty. You're not trying to recreate school; you're just keeping skills from going completely rusty.
Some kids will want to do more, especially if you've found an app they genuinely love. That's great. Some kids will fight you on 10 minutes twice a week. That's also fine—something is better than nothing.
Pro tip: Let them do it in the morning before screens are "officially" allowed for the day, or use it as a screen time option alongside Roblox or YouTube. "You can have 30 minutes of screen time—20 minutes of whatever you want, but 10 minutes needs to be Prodigy" is a trade most kids will take.
Summer math practice doesn't have to be a battle. The right app can make it feel like play, build actual skills, and give you peace of mind that your kid isn't going to forget how to multiply by September.
If you only download one app: Go with Prodigy Math for elementary/middle school or Khan Academy Kids for younger kids. Both are free, both are effective, and both will actually get used.
If your kid is resistant: Try Minecraft Education Edition or another game-first approach. Meeting them where they are is better than forcing something they'll hate.
And remember: perfect is the enemy of good. Some math practice over summer is infinitely better than none, even if it's not every day, even if it's only 10 minutes, even if they're mostly just playing and occasionally learning.
Want more personalized recommendations based on your kid's age and math level? Ask our chatbot about math apps for your specific situation
. Or check out our guide to screen time that actually works to figure out how to fit educational apps into your summer routine without losing your mind.