Finding the best reading apps for kids can feel overwhelming, and with so many options, how do you pick one that’s both fun and effective in skill development? The good news is that no matter your child’s reading level, there are apps designed to support and encourage every step of their learning journey.
With tablets, phones, and laptops so easily accessible, reading is no longer has to be limited to books and paper. The digital world is full of fun, interactive reading apps that can help your child build essential literacy skills. These apps make it easy to keep kids learning anywhere, anytime.
Whether you're looking to develop your child's early reading skills or hoping to boost their confidence with independent reading, the right app can make all the difference! Remember, the BEST reading app is the one your child actually enjoys using!
Here are 6 great apps for kids that motivate and ignite a love for reading - right from your laptop, phone, or tablet!
Best for ages 6–12
At Night Zookeeper, we believe that learning should be fantastically fun, and that’s the key to helping children stay creative and build confidence. Our award-winning program strengthens reading and writing skills through interactive, research-based activities that make literacy exciting. Children build vocabulary, comprehension, and fluency through thousands of engaging reading lessons. But it doesn’t stop there - Night Zookeeper also inspires young writers with creative prompts, games, and challenges. Kids can design colorful animal characters, write imaginative stories, and connect with other children in a safe, moderated environment. With personalized feedback from real tutors, your child gets the guidance they need to grow as a reader and writer while staying motivated every step of the way. It’s the perfect tool to support your child's development and reward their progress on their leanring journey.
📱Available on: Tablets, laptops, and PCs via web browser, and iOS for tablet. Coming soon to iOS for mobile!
💡 Bonus: Try the 7-day FREE trial to see if it’s the right fit:
Best for ages 2-12
Epic! is a digital library packed with thousands of popular children’s books, audiobooks, and educational videos. Ranging from simple picture books to more advanced chapter books, there’s something here for every interest and reading level. It’s especially helpful for kids who need more reading exposure or those who enjoy listening along as they follow the text. Parents and educators can set goals and track reading progress, making it easy to stay involved in your child's learning.
Best for ages 3-6
This playful app takes kids on a phonics journey where they become a friendly monster learning to read. Created by the Usborne Foundation, the game starts with letter sounds and progresses to full sentences, helping children to gradually build reading confidence step by step. The colorful animations make this app appealing for young learners. It’s a perfect supplement to early reading lessons and works well for preschoolers and kindergarteners.
📱Available on: Android, iOS, Kindle, and web browser.
Best for ages 3-6+
From the makers of the well known language learning app Duolingo, Duolingo ABC offers bite-sized literacy lessons focused on the foundational building blocks of reading. Children learn phonics, letter sounds, sight words, and early reading comprehension skills through quick games and activities. Each session only takes a few minutes, making it ideal for short bursts of learning for children with shorter attention spans, or for when you're on the go.
📱Available on: Android and iOS
Best for ages 2-9
Skybrary is a user friendly digital library that combines high quality eBooks with real-world video field trips hosted by engaging guides. Kids explore different “islands” based on their unique interests. With its strong visual and multimedia approach, Skybrary is especially appealing to young learners who enjoy exploring the world through stories and screen-based adventures, with its interactive approach keeping them curious.
📱Available on: iOS and web browser
Best for ages 2-6+
Homer is a learning app that adapts to your child’s age, reading level, and interests. The reading section includes phonics lessons, sight word recognition, and interactive stories that help young children build early literacy skills at their own pace. It also includes other learning categories like math, creativity, and social learning, making it a great educational app for preschool learning development.
📱Available on: Android, iOS and web browser
These apps offer skill building activities to support children at all stages of their reading journeys. Give them a try today and watch your child develop into an avid reader!
Don't forget, you can try Night Zookeeper for 7 days with a FREE trial - risk free, cancel anytime!
If you have any questions, email us at [email protected] or drop us a message on social media:
“This has been a great resource for our homeschool this year! It is great for all ages and abilities (our 10, 9, and 7-year-olds are currently using it). My kids are always begging to do more Night Zookeeper! It’s fun for them and helps by prompting them to be creative!”
- Michelle, homeschool parent, US