Star Walk Kids

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

app2017

91%

WISE Score

4.2

App Store

Point your phone at the sky and turn your backyard into a planetarium—astronomy education that actually makes kids look up.

Star Walk Kids

app

Everyone, 2017

91%

WISE Score

4.2

App Store

Point your phone at the sky and turn your backyard into a planetarium—astronomy education that actually makes kids look up.

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Where to Find

App Store

Google Play

Screenwise Verdict

This is what educational apps should be: simple, purposeful, and actually educational. Instead of gamifying learning with fake rewards and manipulation, Star Walk Kids just makes astronomy accessible and fun by letting kids point their phone at the sky and discover what they're looking at.

The AR-style interaction is brilliant—it turns abstract space concepts into something tangible. Your kid isn't just reading about Orion; they're physically finding it in the night sky above their house. The graphics are appealing without being overstimulating, and the content is legitimately informative.

It's not trying to be the next Roblox or Minecraft. It's a tool for curious kids who want to understand the universe, and it does that job beautifully. If your kid has ever asked 'what's that bright thing in the sky?' this app is the answer.

Age Fit

Perfect for ages 4-10, especially that sweet spot around 6-8 when kids are obsessed with space but can't yet read dense astronomy books. Older kids (10+) might find it too basic unless they're genuinely passionate about astronomy.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Pure educational astronomy app with kid-friendly graphics and narration. No violence, competition, or social pressure—just exploration of space at your own pace. Common Sense Media reviewers praise the appealing graphics and kid-friendly information. The tone is encouraging and wonder-filled without being chaotic or overstimulating.

Imaginative

Invites genuine exploration and discovery by having kids physically point their device at the sky to find constellations, planets, and satellites. The AR-style interaction (holding phone to sky) transforms the real world into a learning playground. Educational movies and quizzes add variety, though the core experience is guided exploration rather than open-ended creation.

Safe

Extremely safe app with kids mode available. No ads, no social features, no chat, no user-generated content. Google Play reviews note it 'doesn't let them skip' content, suggesting intentional design to prevent mindless tapping. No manipulation tactics or compulsive loops—it's a tool for stargazing, not a game designed to hook attention. Only minor concern: unclear if there are in-app purchases beyond initial download.

Enriching

Genuinely educational astronomy content with encyclopedia entries, constellation information, planet facts, and Hubble telescope imagery. The interactive sky-pointing mechanic makes abstract space concepts concrete and accessible. Quizzes provide knowledge checks. Common Sense Media education review notes it's a 'fantastic tool for young stargazers' though it 'provides no way for kids to assess learning' formally. Builds real scientific knowledge and curiosity about the universe.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Transforms stargazing into an interactive AR-style experience by having kids physically point their device at the sky to identify constellations, planets, and satellites
Genuinely educational with encyclopedia entries, planet facts, educational videos, and quizzes—builds real astronomy knowledge
Kid-friendly graphics and narration designed specifically for young learners (not just a dumbed-down adult app)
No ads, no social pressure, no manipulation—just pure exploration at your own pace
Editor's Choice on App Store and highly recommended by Common Sense Media educators

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What to Watch For

Best experienced outside at night with a clear sky—not much to do if you're stuck indoors during the day
Requires device camera/sensors to work properly, so older tablets might struggle
Some kids might want more game-like features or rewards; this is more educational tool than entertainment

Conversation Starters

"What's the coolest planet or star you found tonight? Why does it interest you?"
"Can you find the Big Dipper? What stories do you think ancient people told about that constellation?"
"If you could visit any planet in our solar system, which would you choose and why?"
"How far away do you think that star is? What does it mean when we say light takes years to reach us?"

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Star Walk Kids – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise