TL;DR: Procreate is the rare "unicorn" app that justifies the cost of an iPad. It’s a professional-grade illustration tool used by Marvel concept artists and Disney animators, but it’s intuitive enough for a 10-year-old to master. Unlike Roblox or TikTok, there are no predatory loot boxes, no infinite scrolls, and no creepy DMs. It’s just a blank canvas that turns "screen time" into "skill-building time."
Quick Links for the Creative Parent:
- The App: Procreate
- The Animation Version: Procreate Dreams
- Best Tutorial Channel: Art with Flo
- Alternative for Beginners: Tayasui Sketches
If you’ve seen your kid hunched over their iPad with an Apple Pencil, tongue out in concentration, they’re likely in Procreate. It’s a digital painting app that mimics almost every physical medium imaginable—oils, charcoals, watercolors, and even spray paint.
But it’s not just a "coloring book" app. It’s a powerhouse. It uses layers (think of them like clear sheets of plastic stacked on top of each other), customizable brushes, and high-end photo editing tools. It’s the industry standard for digital illustration. When you see a cool character design for a new Pixar movie or a viral fan-art poster for Stranger Things, there’s a massive chance it was born in this app.
We spend a lot of time worrying about "passive" vs. "active" screen time. YouTube is usually passive (unless they're learning a skill). Minecraft is active but can lean into the "addictive loop" territory.
Procreate is pure deep work.
When a kid is learning how to shade a 3D sphere or how to use the "Alpha Lock" feature to keep their colors inside the lines, they are developing spatial awareness, fine motor skills, and technical literacy. This isn't just "playing on an iPad"—it’s vocational training masquerading as a hobby.
Ask our chatbot about the benefits of creative apps vs. social media
Here is the best part, and I say this with all the pent-up rage of a parent who has been "Robux-ed" to death: Procreate has no subscriptions.
In a world where Adobe Photoshop wants a monthly tribute for the rest of your life, Procreate is a one-time purchase (usually around $12.99). You buy it once, you own it forever. No "Pro" tiers, no "brush packs" hidden behind a $4.99 paywall, and no ads.
It is arguably the best value-for-money software in the entire App Store.
If your kid is into "Skibidi Toilet" memes or drawing their favorite Pokemon characters, Procreate is their playground.
- The Time-Lapse Feature: The app automatically records every stroke. Kids love exporting these 30-second videos to show their "process." It’s highly rewarding.
- The "Cool" Factor: Because real pros use it, kids feel like they’re using "grown-up" tools. It’s the digital equivalent of moving from Crayola to professional oils.
- The Community: While the app itself isn't social, the community around it is massive. Kids find tutorials on TikTok and YouTube and share their work on Discord or Instagram.
You can't just hand a kid Procreate and expect them to know how "Gaussian Blur" works. It’s like handing a kid a flight simulator; they need a little ground school.
Flo is the "Bob Ross" of the digital age. Her "You Can Draw This" series is the gold standard for beginners. She walks through every step, and by the end of a 20-minute video, your kid will have a legitimate piece of art they’re proud of.
If your kid has mastered still drawing and wants to move into animation, this is the sister app. It’s newer and a bit more complex, but it’s designed for 2D animation. Think of it as the bridge between drawing and making their own cartoons for YouTube.
Great for older kids and teens who want to see a more "high-design" aesthetic. His videos are mesmerizing and show the more professional side of the app.
- Ages 7-9: They might find the layer system confusing at first. Stick to the basic brushes and let them treat it like a digital finger-painting app. You’ll need to help them with the initial setup.
- Ages 10-13: This is the sweet spot. They have the patience for tutorials and will start experimenting with things like "Clipping Masks" and custom palettes.
- Ages 14+: At this point, they might be using it for school projects, commissions (yes, kids actually sell their "adoptable" character designs online), or building a portfolio for art school.
Is Procreate safe? Yes, 100%.
The app itself is a localized tool. It does not have a built-in social feed. It does not require an account to use. It does not track your kid's location.
The catch: The "risks" associated with Procreate are external.
- Sharing: To show off their work, kids often want to post to Instagram or TikTok. That’s where the standard social media "rules of the road" apply.
- Resource Downloading: Some kids might want to download "custom brushes" from the web. Generally, this is safe, but teach them to only download from reputable sites like Gumroad or the official Procreate forums.
Check out our guide on social media safety for young artists
Before you hit "buy" on the App Store, you need to know that Procreate only works on iPad. It is not on Android, and it is not on the iPhone (though there is a scaled-down version called Procreate Pocket for iPhone, it’s not really the same experience).
Crucially, your kid needs an Apple Pencil. Yes, you can draw with a finger, but it defeats the purpose. The Apple Pencil allows for "pressure sensitivity"—if they press harder, the line gets thicker. That’s where the real magic happens.
Note: Make sure you buy the version of the Apple Pencil that is compatible with your specific iPad model. It’s annoyingly complicated, so double-check before you buy.
Instead of asking "How much screen time did you use today?" try asking:
- "Can you show me the time-lapse of that drawing?"
- "How did you get that texture on the grass?"
- "Are there any new brushes you're trying to master?"
This shifts the conversation from monitoring to mentoring. You’re acknowledging that they are working on a craft, not just zoning out.
Procreate is one of the few apps that I recommend without reservation. In an era of "Ohio" memes and "brain rot" content, it is a sanctuary of actual creativity. It’s a professional tool that treats kids like the capable creators they are.
If your kid has an artistic bone in their body, this is the best $13 you will ever spend on their digital life. It’s not just an app; it’s a career path, a hobby, and a meditative outlet all rolled into one.
- Check Compatibility: Ensure your iPad supports the latest version of Procreate.
- Get the Pencil: If you don't have an Apple Pencil, put it on the birthday or holiday list. It’s the key to the whole kingdom.
- Start with a Tutorial: Sit down with them and watch one Art with Flo video. You might find yourself wanting to grab the Pencil and try it, too.
Ask our chatbot for a curated list of iPad apps for creative kids