Seek by iNaturalist

Seek by iNaturalist

app

Everyone, 2019, Education

WISE
94%

WISE Score

4.8

App Store

Point your phone at literally anything alive and this app tells you what it is—nature walks will never be the same.

Where to Find

App Store
App Store
Google Play
Google Play
Screenwise Verdict

This is the unicorn: an app that's actually good for kids with zero strings attached.

Seek transforms every walk into a nature scavenger hunt without the usual app garbage—no ads begging for attention, no in-app purchases, no creepy data collection, no social features where randos can message your kid. It's built by a non-profit that actually cares about science education, and it shows.

The magic is watching a kid who usually begs for iPad time suddenly sprinting around the yard photographing moss and spiders. Parents rave about their kids becoming tiny naturalists, and Bark (the safety monitoring service) literally says "don't be surprised if your kid starts memorizing the types of bushes in your yard."

The image recognition isn't perfect—sometimes it can't ID things even from good photos—but that's actually a teaching moment about how technology works and why observation skills matter. For families wanting to spend less time on screens and more time outside, this is the rare app that actually delivers on that promise.

Age Fit

Perfect for ages 5-14, though younger kids will need help with photo-taking technique. Teens might use it for biology class projects or genuine nature interest, but the badge system skews younger. Adults who are into hiking, gardening, or nature photography also love it.

WISE Breakdown
Wholesome
95

Encourages outdoor exploration, curiosity about nature, and family time together. No negative social dynamics, advertising, or manipulative elements. Created by a non-profit (iNaturalist) with genuine educational mission. Models respect for living things and scientific observation.

Imaginative
88

Transforms everyday walks into scavenger hunts and discovery missions. Badge system gamifies learning without being manipulative. Sparks genuine curiosity—kids start memorizing plant names and spotting species differences. Image recognition tech feels like magic to younger users. Invites exploration and observation skills, though it's more about discovery than creative expression.

Safe
98

No registration required, no data collection by default, no ads, no in-app purchases, no social features or chat. Location is obscured for privacy. Must be 13+ to create iNaturalist account. Created by reputable non-profit with backing from California Academy of Sciences and National Geographic. Bark and Common Sense Media both confirm strong safety profile.

Enriching
92

Genuine citizen science education—kids learn taxonomy, observation skills, and local biodiversity. Draws from millions of real iNaturalist observations. Gets kids outside and engaged with their environment. Builds scientific literacy and patience (waiting for ID, learning to take clear photos). Parents report kids memorizing species and becoming more aware of nature around them.

Parent Info
✓

Why It Might Be Great

  • Gets kids outside and actually paying attention to the world around them instead of doom-scrolling
  • Zero sketchy stuff: no ads, no data collection, no purchases, no social features—just pure learning
  • Kids genuinely get obsessed—parents report their 7-year-olds memorizing bush species and calling out flower names on the way to school
  • Built by a legit non-profit with backing from National Geographic and California Academy of Sciences
  • Badge system makes learning feel like a game without being manipulative or pushy
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What to Watch For

  • Image recognition isn't perfect—sometimes struggles to ID species even from clear photos, which can frustrate younger kids
  • Requires patience and decent photo-taking skills; wiggly toddlers might find it challenging
  • Best used in areas with decent biodiversity—urban concrete jungles offer less to discover

Conversation Starters

  • "What's the coolest thing you've identified today? Did anything surprise you?"
  • "How many different species do you think live in just our backyard?"
  • "Why do you think this plant has these specific features? What might they help it do?"
  • "Want to see if we can find something we've never seen before on our walk today?"

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