Best Apps of the Year: 2021

Whether you want to teach your kid a new skill, listen to the latest podcast, be guided through meditation, or play a fun game, there's a mobile app to suit your needs. Our editors have gathered the best apps released this year that are great for kids and families. Christine Elgersma, Senior Editor of Social Media and Learning Resources, loves Kinderling Kids Radio for its large library of high-quality audio content. The creators have curated the content by time of day, so kids and parents can easily fit a podcast or song into their routines. Senior Editor of Video Games & Web Jeff Haynes applauds League of Legends: Wild Rift for condensing the complex action of the computer-based esports game into a portable version for a mobile device, and without losing any of the fast-paced gameplay or tactics. It's an incredible way to introduce the game to a new group of players while also keeping veteran skills sharp while they're on the go. Check out these apps and the rest of our top picks for 2021 below.

Don't miss the rest of our 2021 favorites: Movies | TV Shows | Books | Video Games

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Encantos - Play, Learn, Grow Poster Image
APP

Encantos - Play, Learn, Grow

age 2+

Stories with early learning themes highlight diversity.

Devices: iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad (2021)
Pok Pok Playroom Poster Image
APP

Pok Pok Playroom

age 2+

Explore and play with inviting virtual toys.

Devices: iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad (2021)
Kinderling Kids Radio Poster Image
APP

Kinderling Kids Radio

age 3+

Stellar stories, music, podcasts to fit your daily routine.

Devices: iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad , Android (2021)
FabuLingua - Learn Spanish Poster Image
APP

FabuLingua - Learn Spanish

age 4+

Vivid interactive stories introduce kids to Spanish.

Devices: iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad , Mac , Android (2021)
Rebel Girls, Dream On Poster Image
APP

Rebel Girls, Dream On

age 5+

Inspiring stories of extraordinary women, now in audio.

Devices: iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad (2021)
Thinkrolls Play & Code Poster Image
APP

Thinkrolls Play & Code

age 5+

Delightful puzzles inspire innovation and problem-solving.

Devices: iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad (2020)
GoGoGames! Audio Adventures Poster Image
APP

GoGoGames! Audio Adventures

age 6+

Move and get silly with immersive interactive audio stories.

Devices: iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad (2021)
Kinzoo Messenger for Families Poster Image
APP

Kinzoo Messenger for Families

age 6+

Cute communications platform puts safety first.

Devices: iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad , Android (2021)
Light & Color by Tinybop Poster Image
APP

Light & Color by Tinybop

age 6+

Shed light on scientific concepts through open-ended play.

Devices: iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad (2021)
Loóna: calm, relax and slee‪p Poster Image
APP

Loóna: Sleep Stories

age 8+

Calm interactive stories transition from screens to sleep.

Devices: iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad , Mac , Android (2021)
Queen Rock Tour Poster Image
APP

Queen Rock Tour

age 8+

Music game really rocks, but hard to play with small hands.

Devices: iPhone , iPad , Android (2021)
Wallace & Gromit: Big Fix Up Poster Image
APP

Wallace & Gromit: Big Fix Up

age 8+

Wacky duo heads up complex, multi-day, immersive AR story.

Devices: iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad , Android (2021)
Balance: Meditation & Sleep Poster Image
APP

Balance: Meditation & Sleep

age 10+

Guided plans adjust to meet personalized mindfulness goals.

Devices: iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad , Android (2021)
Dragon Quest Tact Poster Image
APP

Dragon Quest Tact

age 10+

Tactical battles, slow pace aid players' strategy in battle.

Devices: iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad , Android (2021)
League of Legends: Wild Rift Poster Image
APP

League of Legends: Wild Rift

age 10+

Popular multiplayer game gets fantastic mobile version.

Devices: iPhone , iPad , Android (2021)
Contra Returns Poster Image
APP

Contra Returns

age 13+

Classic-style arcade shooter hits mobile from the consoles.

Devices: iPhone , iPad , Android (2021)
ThatHelps Poster Image
APP

ThatHelps

age 13+

Pinpoint some positive actions with do-good social network.

Devices: iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad , Android (2020)