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Top Picks: The Best Free Apps for Neurodivergent 5 Year Olds

Apr 24, 2024

4 min read

best free apps for 5 year olds. a 5 year old is riding his bike down the road.

In an exciting breakthrough for early childhood development, researchers have unveiled a groundbreaking list of the top 3 free apps designed specifically for 5-year-olds, catering to both neurotypical and neurodivergent kids. These game-changing apps promise to blend fun and education, providing an engaging and inclusive learning experience for young minds. With a staggering 1 in 6 children experiencing developmental delays, this thrilling revelation offers a lifeline for parents seeking accessible resources to support their child’s growth. As families eagerly await the unveiling of these must-try apps, a new era of empowering and enjoyable early education beckons.

1. PBS Kids Games

First on our list is PBS Kids Games, a fantastic option for parents seeking a diverse range of educational games for their 5-year-olds. This app offers a plethora of games featuring popular PBS Kids characters, covering various subjects such as math, science, and literacy. The best part? It’s to be accessible and engaging for all children, including neurodivergent kids and kids with thinking and learning differences.

best free apps for 5 year olds. a 5 year old is playing with a dog.

Moreover, PBS Kids Games regularly have new content, ensuring that your child will always have fresh and exciting games to explore. Here’s a quick overview of what this app has to offer:

FeaturesBenefits
Over 100 free gamesKeeps your child engaged and entertained
Popular PBS Kids charactersMakes learning relatable and fun
Adaptive gameplaySuitable for neurodivergent kids and kids with thinking and learning differences

2. Fish School by Duck Duck Moose

Next up is Fish School by Duck Duck Moose, an award-winning app that offers a colorful and interactive learning experience for 5-year-olds. This app stands out due to its playful animations, catchy music, and intuitive interface, making it suitable for both neurotypical and neurodivergent children. Fish School encourages curiosity and creativity while helping your child develop essential skills.

The app’s vibrant underwater world is sure to captivate your child’s imagination and make learning a delightful experience. Here are some of the key features and benefits of Fish School by Duck Duck Moose:

  • Eight educational activities, including letters, numbers, shapes, and colors
  • Playful animations and catchy music that keeps kids entertained
  • Intuitive interface suitable for both neurotypical and neurodivergent children
  • Compatible with Goally, making it even more accessible for your child

3. ABCmouse.com Early Learning Academy

Last but not least, ABCmouse.com Early Learning Academy is a comprehensive educational app that offers a wealth of content for children aged 2-8. While the app requires a subscription after the 30-day free trial, it’s worth considering due to its extensive content and personalized learning path tailored to your child’s needs and progress. The app’s compatibility with various learning styles makes it ideal for neurodivergent kids.

best free apps for 5 year olds. a 5 year old is eating an orange.
Read More: Learning Apps for Kids

In addition, ABCmouse.com can be alongside Goally. This will provide a well-rounded learning experience that adapts to your child’s unique abilities and interests. Here’s a snapshot of what ABCmouse.com has to offer:

  • Over 10,000 learning activities, including games, books, songs, and puzzles
  • Personalized learning path tailored to your child’s needs and progress
  • Compatibility with various learning styles, making it ideal for neurodivergent kids
  • Integration with Goally for a seamless learning experience

Goally | Apps To Support Child Development

Looking for fun ways to help your child learn life skills? Try Goally! The Goally tablet comes with award-winning learning apps and video classes to help kids develop the skills they need to become independent with FUN & evidence-based practices.

An assortment of interactive video class thumbnails, including dental care and cooking, on the best tablet for kids by Goally.

Our apps teach executive function, language, emotional regulation, finger dexterity skills, and more.

As your child develops new skills, you can increase the difficulty level of the tasks in the app to challenge and motivate them even further. This helps your child grow and progress at their own pace, while also keeping them engaged and excited about their development.

Goally kids tablet makes bedtime easy with bedtime routines completely controlled by the parent.

In short, these three best free apps for 5 year olds offer a diverse range of educational content that caters to both neurotypical and neurodivergent children. PBS Kids Games, Fish School by Duck Duck Moose, and ABCmouse.com Early Learning Academy each provide unique features and benefits that can support your child’s learning journey. By introducing these apps to your child, you’re not only providing them with a fun and engaging way to learn, but you’re also helping them develop essential skills that will serve them well in the future. So, give these apps a try and watch your child’s curiosity and knowledge flourish!


FAQ’s About Best Free Apps for 5 Year Olds

What are the best free educational apps for 5-year-olds?
The best free educational apps for 5-year-olds include "Khan Academy Kids," which offers a range of subjects, and "PBS Kids Games," featuring educational games based on popular PBS shows.

Are there any free apps that help 5-year-olds learn to read?
"Teach Your Monster to Read" is a highly recommended free app that helps 5-year-olds learn to read through fun and engaging phonics games.

What free apps improve emotional regulation for 5-year-olds?
"Breathe, Think, Do with Sesame" is a free app designed to help young children practice problem-solving and self-control, using familiar characters from Sesame Street.

Can 5-year-olds use free apps to learn math effectively?
"Moose Math by Duck Duck Moose" is a free app that introduces 5-year-olds to basic math concepts through engaging and interactive activities.

What are some free apps that encourage creativity in 5-year-olds?
"Toca Kitchen Monsters" offers a free and creative play experience where 5-year-olds can experiment with food preparations and reactions from fun monster guests.

This post was originally published on 06/07/2023. It was updated on 04/18/2024.

Article by

Emily is a seasoned blog writer for Goally, leveraging her extensive background in child psychology and special education to provide valuable insights and resources for parents. Her commitment to understanding and addressing the unique needs of these children, combined with her expertise in educational strategies, makes her a credible and empathetic voice for families.