An Honest Khan Academy for Kids Review (2023)

Finding educational content for kids can be challenging. Some of them aren’t intuitive. Some aren’t cheap. Some require a Ph.D. in computer science. However, Khan Academy for Kids is none of those things. In my Khan Academy for Kids review, I’ll discuss how helpful, educational, and easy to use this platform is.

Things to consider before using Khan Academy for Kids

The chances are good that you’re not going to find the perfect curriculum anywhere online. I quickly discovered that I have to supplement my core curriculum with other apps and resources. One of the best resources I found was Khan Academy for Kids. 

Khan Academy for Kids is the perfect app for parents with young children looking to supplement their current curriculum. Kids who are learning their letters, numbers, or just starting to read will enjoy using this app. If, however, your kids are older, you might want to take a long look at the Khan Academy app instead. 

Before you let your kids loose on Khan Academy for Kids, you might want to take a few minutes and check out the app yourself. Does it provide the content your kids need? Think about what you want your children to learn. If it’s colors, numbers, letters, and basic science, then Khan Academy for Kids might be the right app for you.

Another consideration before signing up for Khan Academy for Kids is the way you want your children to learn. Personally, I like interactive apps that have the kids tap or click to make progress. Sites like YouTube don’t offer this type of interaction, which is something I prefer to have.

If you choose apps that force your kids to make the appropriate selection before continuing, it ensures they’re learning something, and it can help you monitor their progress.

Additionally, you may want to consider how much screen time you want your small children to have. Some parents are more strict about this than others, but if you don’t mind letting your kid spend thirty minutes to an hour each day, I would highly recommend Khan Academy for Kids.

Khan Academy for Kids Review

Khan Academy for Kids is a free mobile app that provides everything you’d get from a paid application. Included are a wide variety of educational lessons, individual profiles for each of your children, and the ability for parents to track progress. Plus, perhaps one of the most significant benefits, it works very well with older hardware.

So if you have an old iPad or tablet you’re no longer using, you can throw Khan Academy for Kids on it and let your kid start learning. The app is ad-free and doesn’t cost a dime, which is excellent for parents struggling to find ways for their kids to learn.

Who is Khan Academy for Kids For?

Let’s face it, we’re all human. And because of that, there are times when we just want a little peace and quiet when our kids are being certain words that we won’t repeat here. Thanks to advances in technology, we can hand them a piece of hardware, turn on a show or movie, and enjoy an hour or two of silence.

But, what if, instead of watching Paw Patrol or PJ Masks, your kid spent some time learning? Wouldn’t that ease a little bit of the guilt you feel as a parent when you hand them a screen? I know I feel better knowing my child is singing their ABCs or learning what shapes are instead of watching cartoons. If that sounds like you, then maybe you should give Khan Academy for Kids a try.

Features and Benefits

Kahn Academy for Kids is an app that offers plenty of features and benefits for both kids and parents alike. Let’s take a more in-depth look into what this educational app is all about.

Massive database

A lot of children’s education apps on the market nowadays only focus on one or two areas. Some are great for learning to read, while others are good for math or science. Khan Academy for Kids wants to do it all. That’s why the app has a comprehensive database of activities and courses available for your kids.

Not only will they be learning letters and numbers, but they’ll also have the option to learn much, much more. For example, my Kindergartener is learning about opposites as I type this. The app gives him a word and asks him what it’s opposite is. He selects the appropriate picture and moves on to the next word.

Kids also have access to age-appropriate books. That means not only are they learning their letters, shapes, and numbers, but they’re also in the early stages of learning to read. But Khan Academy for Kids doesn’t stop there. There are also various coloring and drawing pages so kids can express their creativity right in the app.

Multiple Platforms

As a parent, it’s frustrating to find an app that your child loves, only to discover that the only device it is compatible with is your smartphone. Fortunately, this is not the case with Khan Academy for Kids. The app supports Android devices, iOS devices, and Amazon Kindle devices. Of course, these devices have to meet minimum operating system requirements, but at least there’s no shortage of options.

Customizable learning experience

With such an extensive database at your fingertips, it can be hard to know where to start. Fortunately, Khan Academy for Kids gives you a way to customize each child’s learning experience. This allows your kid to learn at his or her own pace, along a path that makes the most sense.

Makes learning fun

When it comes to small children, it can be critical to make learning as fun as possible. Otherwise, you run the risk of losing their interest, which is precisely what you don’t want to have happen. Fortunately, Khan Academy for Kids offers plenty to keep your children entertained and engaged.

For starters, the app has five characters that challenge your children to learn and think. These characters offer fun and educational activities and games for your learner. As they progress, your child can collect hats, toys, and fun bugs, which will keep them learning more and more.

Develops other skills

Not only does Khan Academy for Kids address necessary educational skills, but it also addresses simple physical and emotional development as well. This includes areas on self-control, empathy, and relationships. The app also coaches the children in both fine and gross motor skills.

Additionally, Khan Academy for Kids has sections that allow for expression through creativity. This includes areas that focus on coloring, drawing, and storytelling.

Parent involvement

With Khan Academy for Kids, you can be heavily involved in what your child is learning. Parents have the option to view their child’s progress on specific subjects, topics, or activities, so they have a solid idea of where improvement is needed.

The library allows you to read books to your young one while also engaging in fun activities that promote learning. Parents also can create multiple profiles in the app if they have more than one child using Khan Academy for Kids.

Alternatives

It could be argued that Khan Academy for Kids is the best option available on the market. However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t alternatives out there to give you additional resources. Here are some other options you might consider.

ABC Mouse

Many people are under the impression that ABC Mouse only focuses on reading, but that’s not the case. ABC Mouse offers a complete online experience for both teachers and parents. No hard materials are required, and you can install the app on as many devices as you want. 

The app comes with a 30-day trial. After that, you’ll be charged $10 each month. ABC Mouse has no shortage of apps, including social studies, reading, art, math, science, and language arts. Additionally, the curriculum is developed by teachers, which means you can be confident your children are receiving adequate instruction.

However, ABC Mouse doesn’t focus as intensely on reading as other education apps do. Still, it’s a reliable app for parents when you want to supplement your child’s learning.

• Free 30-day trial
• Printable content
• Multiple subjects
• Online classroom
• Low monthly subscription costs

Check out our comprehensive ABC Mouse review.

PBS Kids

Another reliable alternative to Khan Academy for Kids is PBS Kids. It’s a fun-filled app that provides over 100 games to play. PBS Kids features games that integrate characters from their top shows. These include Super Why, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Wild Kratts, and many others. 

The app has designed all its games to promote science, reading, math, and creativity.  One feature your kids are sure to enjoy is the character customization option. With this, your child can create a character they like using color combinations, accessories, and more.

PBS Kids also offers puzzles, mazes, songs, stories, and much more. Additionally, the app regularly updates, adding more content your children will love. If you want an alternative to Khan Academy for Kids, PBS Kids is a fantastic option.

• Free to use
• App supports multiple devices
• Integrates characters your children already love
• Offers games that teach math, reading, science, and much more

Hooked on Phonics

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, Hooked on Phonics is a reading program nearly everyone recognizes. In the early 1990s, the program came with a CD. Nowadays, it’s a mobile app that will teach your children to read using the phonic method. Hooked on Phonics is arguably the most well-recognized program in its industry.

The app teaches your children to read using fun and engaging activities and games. It will run you $1 for the trial and then a monthly subscription fee after that. It’s well worth the cost, though, since it will be no time before your child is reading.

You can only use the Hooked on Phonics app on three devices, but that shouldn’t be a problem for most parents. The app is an excellent option for busy parents as you can take it with you wherever you go. Plus, the app works both online and offline, so you don’t have to worry about having connectivity.

• $1 trial period
• Sync offline as needed
• Comes with welcome kit that includes activities and books
• Use the mobile app on three devices

Check out our comprehensive Hooked on Phonics review.

Should You Use Khan Academy for Kids?

I don’t know about you, but given the current circumstances in which we find ourselves, it’s more challenging than ever to ensure our children receive the education they need. This is true even for small children, who need to learn the basics before moving on to more advanced topics.

That’s why apps like Khan Academy for Kids are so important. With this app, your children can learn what they need to know, and you, as the parent, can check their progress. The app is self-paced, so children don’t have to feel like they should be at a certain level by a specific time. 

Plus, it will work on multiple operating systems. So if you have an old tablet or smartphone lying around, it’s quick and easy to install Khan Academy for Kids onto it. Sounds good, doesn’t it?

What are you waiting for? Click here to check out the app so your kids can begin their educational journey.