7 Best AI Apps For Kids in 2024

Do you have kids who can’t get off their screens? Want their screen time to at least be useful and productive?

I’ve rounded up the best AI apps for kids so they can learn about artificial intelligence in a fun and engaging way.

With AI playing an increasingly significant role in our lives, especially for kids, you want to be sure that they have a great AI education and do not miss the best opportunities.

Why not integrate this learning with their existing screen time?!

Scroll down to download one (or more) of our favorite AI apps for kids so that you can find an alternative for the Candy Crush marathons…

What Are The Best AI Apps For Kids?

1. Mimo

Mimo is a learn-to-code app focused on web development and offers courses on HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and more for Pro members.

Its well-designed and user-friendly interface makes it great for kids to use independently.

Their monthly subscription is aimed at ages 11+

KEY BENEFITS

• Well-designed interface with easy navigation and clear course breakdown.
• Motivates users with daily streaks, leaderboard standings, and challenges.
• Offers a glossary feature that provides quick definitions and examples.

PROS

• Mimo gamifies learning based on a daily routine, making it fun and engaging to build up coding skills.
• Provides structured learning paths for beginners and gradually introduces more advanced topics.
• Positive user ratings and reviews indicate the app’s effectiveness and quality.

CONS

• Some features, like projects and challenges, are only available with the Pro version.
• The app may feel overly hand-holding with questions that guide users instead of allowing them to practice independently.
• Limited revisiting of previous topics without the Pro version.

BOTTOM LINE

Mimo is a highly-rated learn-to-code app for web development, particularly suitable for kids aiming to learn about AI. I love Mimo’s well-designed interface, structured courses, and motivational features like daily streaks and challenges that offer an engaging learning experience.

The app’s glossary provides quick access to definitions and examples which is great for parents as well as kids. Overall, Mimo is an effective tool for beginners seeking to establish a coding routine and learn essential web development skills.

2. Osmo

The Osmo Coding app encourages learning and logical thinking aimed at ages 5 to 10.

The app requires using both the app on screen and playing with physical blocks, making it super engaging for both visual and kinetic learners.

KEY BENEFITS

• Available on either the iPad (iOS) or Fire Kindle.
• The Coding game makes kids think logically and gets progressively more difficult at each new level.
• The Starter Pack includes 31 tangible coding blocks, 1 Osmo base for iPad or Fire, 3 coding games, and stackable storage

PROS

• Well-made and durable Osmo blocks complement the app.
• Engaging gameplay that combines physical and screen interaction
• Tangrams and Numbers offer spatial recognition and progressive difficulty
• Coding game encourages logical thinking and has a well-handled difficulty progression
• Introduces kids to coding in a tactile way, great for kids who learn through play.

CONS

• Requires removing the iPad case for Osmo to work
• Lack of creativity in the drawing app
• More expensive than other apps due to the physical product that comes with the app.

BOTTOM LINE

The Osmo Coding app is a great way for children to learn to code without even realizing it. It offers well-made durable physical blocks that encourage logical thinking and engagement.

While some aspects like the Words game and drawing app may not be as impressive, the app provides a powerful and fun tool for children’s education. However, potential buyers should consider the need to remove the iPad case, making it unsuitable for kids under 5 – you don’t want them to smash your screen!!

3. Machine Learning for Kids

Machine Learning for Kids introduces AI and machine learning to children through project work.

The tool offers an easy-to-use learning environment for training machine learning models to recognize text, numbers, images, or sounds.

It integrates with educational coding platforms like Scratch and App Inventor, allowing children to create projects and games with the machine learning models they train.

KEY BENEFITS

• Introduces children to machine learning in a practical and engaging way.
• No installations needed or complicated setup, as it is entirely web-based.
• Provides an admin page for teachers or parents to manage kids’ access.
• Offers pre-trained models for more advanced projects, enabling learning by providing hands-on experiences.

PROS

• Totally free making it accessible to everyone.
• Integrates with popular educational coding platforms, expanding the possibilities for project creation.
• The machine learning tools have been used by thousands of schools, code clubs, and families worldwide since its launch in 2017.
• Pre-trained models are available to facilitate complex projects and provide insights into the capabilities of machine learning.

CONS

• Initial setup may require time and patience.
• The complexity of the tool may necessitate teacher guidance for effective understanding.
• Limited scope for making something beyond training and testing the models.

BOTTOM LINE

Machine Learning for Kids is a valuable tool for introducing children to machine learning and artificial intelligence.

It offers a free, accessible, and engaging learning experience. It allows students to train machine learning models without the need for coding. While the setup may require some effort, the support provided by the tool’s creators ensures a smooth learning process.

4. Tynker

Tynker is an app that teaches coding to kids aged 7+ and Tynker Junior for kids aged 5-7.

It offers courses in various programming languages, including Python, JavaScript, and HTML/CSS, as well as block coding options.

KEY BENEFITS

• Affiliation with popular kids’ brands, like Barbie, Hotwheels, Monster High, and LEGO, makes learning coding more engaging.
• Offers a wide variety of courses in Java and Python, providing in-depth practice.
• Introduces advanced topics like machine learning and deep learning, exposing kids to cutting-edge concepts.

PROS

• Offers two one-to-one live coaching sessions (worth $120)
• Multiplayer code-offs and challenges encourage collaboration and skill improvement.
• Tynker Junior provides learning options for kids under 6, addressing a younger age group.
• 5,000+ lessons built to improve problem-solving skills and academic performance.
• The app has multiplayer code-offs and challenges to engage kids with other coders and improve their skills.
• Tynker provides advanced courses on topics like artificial intelligence.
• Available on web, iOS and Android.

CONS

• Mobile/tablet learning is limited, with some topics not covered in the iPad courses.
• Some courses limit creativity to focus on teaching specific concepts.
• Tynker accounts are auto-renewing, making cancellation a bit tricky and inconvenient.

BOTTOM LINE

Tynker is a great coding app for kids aged 7 and up, offering engaging courses in Java, Python, and block coding. Its affiliation with popular brands adds fun to the learning process, while advanced topics like artificial intelligence expand kids’ knowledge.

The community allows kids to connect with other users to work together. Tynker provides valuable coding education and caters to young children to teenagers.

5. Box Island

Box Island is a great free option to get kids started with coding.

It is free for teachers in school, making it a great classroom resource for coding basics.

KEY BENEFITS

• Block programming makes coding accessible and engaging for kids.
• A fun way for young students to learn algorithms, patterns, loops, and conditionals.

PROS

• Beautiful 3D game world and captivating story keep kids highly engaged.
• Clear objective and well-crafted levels gradually transition kids toward mastery of coding fundamentals.
• The gender-neutral design promotes inclusivity and supports closing the gender gap in technology.

CONS

• Additional lessons may be required as the app lacks explicit instruction on coding concepts.
• Implementation in the classroom may be challenging unless coding is a dedicated subject or Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) system is in place.
• Lack of initial notification about unlimited trial and error may cause confusion for some users.

BOTTOM LINE

Box Island is a handy app for introducing younger students to computational thinking. With a captivating storyline, it engages kids in a fun and interactive learning experience.

The gradual progression of levels and clear objectives help children master the fundamentals of coding, while the gender-neutral design promotes inclusivity. Box Island is a great app for building a foundation in coding.

6. Swift Playgrounds

Swift Playgrounds for iPad (iOS only) teaches the fundamentals of coding through puzzles and the interface of a game.

The app provides challenges that gradually increase in difficulty, introducing new coding concepts and encouraging problem-solving skills.

It’s a really valuable tool for teaching coding in schools, but external support materials are necessary to reinforce concepts and ensure best practices.

KEY BENEFITS

• Engaging and intuitive interface with fun graphics and characters.
• Well-designed lessons for kids who want to grasp basic coding concepts.
• Built-in hints, complementary video lessons, and teacher guides for support.

PROS

• Flexible and diverse challenges that allow for creative coding.
• Totally free, making it accessible (to everyone with an iPad)
• Colorful and intuitive interface, flexible challenges, and its ability to spark interest in coding among students.
• Free to download with no ads. Created by Apple.
• Aimed at both kids and adults.

CONS

• Only able to use on an iPad.
• A narrow focus on the Swift programming language, limiting its use in general coding classrooms.
• Limited external support materials, although more resources are becoming available.

BOTTOM LINE

We highly recommend Swift Playgrounds as an AI app for kids that teaches computer science and coding fundamentals.

Its engaging interface, comprehensive lessons, and supportive resources make it an effective learning tool. Although it has some limitations, such as only being available on iPad, kids can learn valuable coding skills and an understanding of core programming concepts.

7. Cognimates

Cognimates is an open-source and free web-based AI app for kids for AI literacy designed for children aged 7-14.

The platform allows kids to program and customize intelligent devices like Alexa and Cozmo and train their own AI models.

Children can create projects such as a game that improves over time or an interactive installation.

KEY BENEFITS

• The platform builds on Scratch, a visual programming language created by the Lifelong Kindergarten group at the MIT Media Lab.
• The goal of Cognimates is to extend coding education to AI and machine learning.
• The free tool introduces machine learning by providing hands-on projects.

PROS

• Allows customization and programming of intelligent devices, fostering creativity.
• Encourages critical thinking and informed use of AI technologies.
• Builds on Scratch, a popular and user-friendly programming platform.
• Supports collaborative and communication skills development.

CONS

• The platform may require some technical knowledge and guidance for younger children.
• The scope of projects may be limited to the programmed devices’ capabilities.
• The open-source nature of the platform may result in limited support and resources.

BOTTOM LINE

The Cognimates app is great for introducing kids to AI and machine learning concepts. It offers hands-on experience, encourages creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration.

The integration with Scratch makes it accessible and user-friendly. However, younger children may require assistance, and the platform’s open-source nature could limit available support. Cognimates is a great choice for parents and educators looking to teach AI literacy to children for free.

FAQs

What are AI and machine learning?

Artificial intelligence is where machines perform tasks that normally require human intelligence. Look here for further explanation.

How do AI and machine learning work?

AI works by enabling machines to process large amounts of data and use that data to make predictions or decisions. Machine learning algorithms are one of the key tools used in AI. They allow machines to learn from data and improve their performance over time. Some of the popular machine learning algorithms include decision trees, random forests, and neural networks.

Real-life applications of AI and machine learning for kids

AI and machine learning are being used in a wide range of applications, including image recognition, speech recognition, natural language processing, robotics, and autonomous cars. Kids can benefit from these technologies by using AI-powered educational apps that are designed to help them learn in a fun and interactive way.

How can AI technology help kids?

AI-powered educational tools can be used to create personalized learning experiences for kids. These tools can adapt to a child’s learning style and provide them with tailored learning experiences. It can also be more engaging and interactive than traditional learning methods. These tools can make learning fun and help kids stay engaged with the material.

Special needs kids can benefit especially from AI-based educational apps. They can help kids learn at their own pace and provide them with customized learning experiences.

Summary

My top pick is Mimo, a learn-to-code app focused on web development. It provides well-designed courses and motivates users with challenges and daily streaks.

Each app has its strengths and limitations, catering to different age groups and coding interests. By integrating AI learning into their screen time, children can enhance their coding skills and gain valuable knowledge about AI.