This is as good as it gets for educational apps, full stop. Khan Academy Kids is what you wish every kids' app would be: genuinely educational content created by actual experts, zero manipulative design, completely free because it's run by a nonprofit with a mission instead of venture capitalists with quarterly targets.

The learning is legit—standards-aligned, research-backed, and it actually teaches the foundational skills kids need for school. The game-based approach means most kids will happily play it without realizing they're doing phonics drills. And the fact that it works offline is clutch for travel or anywhere you need screen time without connectivity.

The only 'downside' is that it's not a creativity tool—this is structured learning dressed up as games, not Minecraft or Toca Boca. If your kid needs to learn their letters or practice counting, this is your app. If they want to build a rocket ship out of virtual blocks, look elsewhere.

For parents trying to make screen time 'count' for something, this is the unicorn. Download it, let your kid explore with Kodi and friends, and feel zero guilt. It's one of the few apps where more screen time might actually be fine.