Spanish apps for kids

The Top Spanish Apps for Kids in 2023

Inside: A guide to the best Spanish apps for kids and toddlers. 

Are you looking for ways to teach your kids Spanish? Learning a new language is easier than ever, even in families where the parents aren’t fluent themselves. Through our phones or tablets, we can bring native speakers and Spanish resources right into our homes!

We all know that there are many benefits to learning a second language at a young age. Studies also show that direct human interaction through talking, reading, singing, and playing is the most effective way for children to acquire language. The Spanish apps for kids I’m recommending below are fun, but they will be most effective if they’re just one part of your family’s language learning plan. 

If you’re looking to create a comprehensible language learning plan with your kids, you can read my post on how to learn Spanish at home with your kids.

In the meantime, some of us still have to rely on tech as we learn Spanish with our kids. Language learnings apps are one of the best uses of screen time, as you get access to audio and pronunciation from native speakers. They are definitely motivating and engaging to young learners as well

And what better way of celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month than learning or improving your Spanish?

Related: Spanish Learning Apps for Teens and Adults

TOP SPANISH APPS FOR KIDS

I know that apps for kids can be hit or miss! You can waste a lot of time searching and downloading, only to find they’re not what you expected or the “free” part only includes one game. You’ll find this list is different because I actually tried each one out with my kids, and here I’ll give you all the info on compatible devices and pricing. Where possible, I also included video previews so you can quickly decide which language apps might work for your family.

This is an extensive list, so if there’s something specific you’re looking for, click on that section below. Otherwise, take your time and browse these suggestions!

If you find any information here is outdated or incorrect, please let me know in the comments so I can keep everything up to date. Let’s get started!

SPANISH APPS FOR YOUNG LEARNERS

These are apps specifically designed for young children learning Spanish for the first time. 

1. Gus on the Go

Gus on the Go is one of my top choices for young children who want a simple app for learning some new vocabulary words in Spanish. The video demo above shows French (there are 30 languages to choose from), but for Spanish you’ll be able to get an intro to topics like colors, numbers, animals, and more. 

For iOS and Andriod. Recommended for beginners who are just getting started, ages 2-5.
Only available version is paid, at $3.99

2. Spanish School Bus App

Spanish School Bus was created by a Spanish teacher to teach Spanish through vocabulary games and music. Inspired by her Montessori-based approach, the images in this Spanish app are really nice and the activities both show and say the words. The free version includes numbers, colors, and shapes, as well as some songs.

For iOS. Recommended for beginners, ages 6-8.
Paid version is $4.99 to access all 300 words and 60 levels. 

3. Gus on the Go Stories

Here’s one of the few Spanish apps for kids that used whole sentences and the context of classic stories like fables and fairy tales. Gus on the Go stories offers three options for each story: an introduction to the basic phrases, a quiz to practice the, and finally the full text in story format. Both audio/listening and reading skills are developed through the stories. Two stories are available for free and the rest are paid.

For iOS and Android. Recommended for beginners, ages 5+. 
2 Free Stories, $1.99 per additional story. 

4. Duolingo for Kids

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8OebgtUjLg4&feature=emb_logo

DuoLingo for Kids was just recently rolled out from the popular language app DuoLingo. (The video above gives an introduction to the original app version.) Through games, kids can learn whole phrases and sentences in Spanish. Though access is currently limited to iOS systems, it’s one of the only Spanish apps for kids that is fairly comprehensive and free. For older kids (10+), the regular DuoLingo can be helpful for extra practice as well. Just be aware that there are some terms about alcohol, flirting, etc, and should be used under supervision.

For iOS 10 or later. Recommended for beginners, ages 4+. 
FREE!

5. Fun Spanish by Study Cat

Fun Spanish offers games that teach listening, speaking, spelling, useful vocabulary and simple sentences, while introducing 200 basic words. The free version include colors and animals, while the paid version includes additional themes like the house, school, numbers, food, vehicles, actions, and more.

For iOS. Recommended for beginners, ages 3-10.
Paid version is $39.99 per year.

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    6. Pacca Alpaca

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7snT5kXP2RQ

    Pacca Alpaca differs from many of the other apps in this list because it is very much play-based, and won’t feel to kids like they’re learning a new language. This one is based on a friendly alpaca who explores Australia and learns language along the way.

    For iOS and Andriod. Recommended for beginners, ages 2-5.
    Only available as a paid version, for $0.99.

    7. Lingu Pinguin

    LinguPinguin is a friendly app for young language learners with sweet graphics and audio. The free version is very limited, but the paid includes nine vocabulary themes that introduce the vocabulary words and little quizzes to practice listening and identifying the terms. 

    For iOS and Andriod. Recommended for beginners, ages 2-6.
    Paid version $1.99.

    8. Fabulingua

    FabuLingua teaches Spanish through interactive storytelling. This is different most of the other apps on this list that are mostly teaching vocabulary, as it presents language in context. You can choose a mix of Spanish and English, or Spanish-only mode.

    For iOS and Andriod. Recommended for beginners-advanced, ages 2-10.
    Free features, paid version $3.99. per month

    9. Mama Lingua

    How about an app for parents who want to speak more Spanish with their kids, but need some support? MamaLingua includes over 900 words and everyday phrases parents use with their kids, and includes audio to help with pronunciation. 

    For iOS Android. Recommended for all ages.
    Paid version $1.99. 

    10. Little Pim

    Little Pim is a sweet series based on panda bear. The phone app contains six themes which offer what are basically flash cards with audio. The iPad app (featured in the video above) looks much more engaging and interactive, and this could be a helpful option if you are willing to buy or rent the videos that go with each theme, or have an account through Little Pim (The videos are unfortunately pricey: $19.99 to buy and $4.99 to rent for 48 hours, though I think you can get a better deal from their Little Pim website.)

    For iOS and Android. Recommended for beginners, ages 0-6.
    Free, but with limitations unless you plan to purchase or rent the videos. 

    11. KINDER LINGO

    Kinder Lingo teaches basic vocabulary and includes games for practicing them. The app introduces 150 words and includes ocean, jungle, and farm animals, fruits, vegetables, shapes, vehicles, clothing, and colors. 

    For Android. Recommended for beginners, ages 3-8.
    FREE 

    SPANISH APPS FOR OLDER LEARNERS

    These suggestions are for kids that can read and are ready for something with an “older” feel.

    1. DUOLINGO

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WyzJ2Qq9Abs&feature=emb_logo

    DuoLingo is by far the most comprehensive, easy to use, and engaging language app available right now. You can’t beat the price either (free!), and though it’s not a replacement for a complete language curriculum by any means, it does provide lots of structure and exposure for students who are diving into Spanish or want to supplement their studies. 

    For iOS or Andriod. Recommended for beginners, ages 12+. 
    FREE

    2. MEMRISE

    Memrise is somewhat similar to the DuoLingo model, and may be helpful if you are looking for an introduction to Spanish for older kids. It teaches basic phrases through both the written phrase and audio, with a video clip showing the phrase in action, and then quickly quizzing the user. For kids just getting started, this app is a nice introduction to the language.

    For iOS and Android. Recommended for beginners, ages 10+.
    Paid version is $29.99 for the first year.

    APPS FOR LEARNING TO READ AND SPELL IN SPANISH

    If your kids are bilingual or already know a fair amount of Spanish, you may be looking for apps that continue to immerse them and offer more complex language. Here are some choices that provide lots of Spanish and culture. 

    1. APRENDER A LEER – SILABARIO

    Aprender a Leer – Silabario helps children establish the building blocks of reading in Spanish sight and sound, through working with syllables. The images and activities are very simple and clear, and you can even choose between cursive and print.  

    For iOS and Android. Recommended for ages 4+. 
    FREE

    2. ABC MÁGICO – ABECEDARIO

    This app is designed to teach the sounds of the alphabet letters, with three game levels and images for each letter. Learning the sounds (not the names) of the letters is foundational to reading readiness, and this is an attractive, clean way to do just that. (A second app is available as well- ABC Mágico 2.)

    For iOS. Recommended for ages 4+. 
    FREE

    3. ESCRIBIR CON LAS SÍLABAS

    Escribir con las sílabas is a fun little game that lets kids practice combining syllable chunks to spell the name of a picture they see. This is a simple app that kids will enjoy, while reading and writing skills. 

    For iOS and Android. Recommended for ages 4+. 
    FREE

    4. LEE PASO A PASO

    An Editor’s Choice Award Winner, this app teaches phonics build early reading skills, beginning with vowels, then syllables, and then words. There are lots of games and activities for each skill. You can also get Lee Paso a Paso 2 and 3. 

    For iOS. Recommended for ages 4+. 
    FREE

    5. APRENDER A LEER CON GRIN

    An Editor’s Choice Award Winner, this app teaches phonics build early reading skills, beginning with vowels, then syllables, and then words. There are lots of games and activities for each skill. You can also get Lee Paso a Paso 2 and 3. 

    For iOS. Recommended for ages 4+. 
    FREE

    7. SPANISH CROSSWORD PUZZLES FOR KIDS LITE

    The lite version of this fun app contains 8 crosswords for kids in Spanish, and the full version contains 48. 

    For iOS and Android. Recommended for ages 6+. 
    FREE

    8. LEO CROSSWORDS

    Another fun Spanish crosswords app for kids, that teaches spelling skills and includes pronunciation. You can choose crosswords according to their syllable type: open, mixed, blends, and digraphs.

    For iOS and Android. Recommended for ages 6-12. 
    Free version for two syllable types, paid version is $0.99 (possibly per game).

    SPANISH APPS WITH ONLINE AND AUDIO BOOKS

    If your kids are bilingual or already know a fair amount of Spanish, you may be looking for apps that continue to immerse them and offer more complex language. Here are some choices that provide lots of Spanish and culture. 

    1. CUENTOS CLÁSICOS

    A collection of online stories to read, with 34 classic stories and fairy tales in Spanish, some with pictures. 

    For iOS. Recommended for ages 3-12. 
    FREE.

    2. CUENTIDUBI

    This simple app contains 11 fairy tales in Spanish to read aloud to kids. 

    For iOS and Android. Recommended for ages 1-9. 
    FREE.

    3. UNITE For LITERACY

    Unite Literacy is an incredible collection of online picture books for Spanish-speaking kids and learners. Though their website has audio in Spanish, so far on the app the book are only available as text. 

    For iOS and Android. Recommended for ages 2-6.
    Free.

    4. Calm App

    The wildly popular Calm App just added a section called “Calm Kids,” with beautifully done sleep stories (most last 20-30 minutes), as well as meditations created for children. Just set the language to Spanish and you are ready to go!

    For iOS and Andoid.
    Free 7-day trial, $39.99 per year.

    5. CUENTOS PARA DORMIR

    Although Cuentos Para Dormir only has a few free stories, the overall quality of the graphics and audio in these stories make it worthwhile to check out. The app includes 109 stories that are a mix of older classics and fairy tales, and some more modern stories.

    For iOS and Android. Recommended for ages 3-10. 
    Free version with several stories, or 109 stories for $19.99.

    6. JAKHU CUENTOS

    You can access dozens of animated stories with Spanish text and audio with this app. I found the home page gimmicky and hard to manipulate, but once you get into the books, they are nice. 

    For iOS and Android. Recommended for ages 3-10. 
    FREE

    7. BIBLE FOR KIDS

    This app has Bible stories with really nice images and audio, along with an interactive game at the end of each story. 

    For iOS and Android. Recommended for ages 3-10. 
    FREE

    APPS FOR SPANISH-SPEAKING KIDS

    If your kids are bilingual or already know a fair amount of Spanish, you may be looking for apps that continue to immerse them and offer more complex language. Here are some choices that provide lots of Spanish and culture. 

    1. PBS PARENTS PLAY AND LEARN

    PBS Parents Play and Learn is available in both Spanish and English, and includes 13 games that practice math and literacy skills. If you kids already know a little Spanish, this app provides some extra reinforcement. 

    For iOS and Android. Recommended for ages 3-10. 
    FREE

    2. MUNDO LANUGO

    The Mundo Lanugo app was created to put young learners in touch with Hispanic culture and Spanish language, through games and play.

    For iOS and Android. Recommended for Spanish speakers, ages 2 and up. 
    Paid version $1.99.

    3. SESAME STREET BREATHE APP

    This is a bilingual app from Sesame Street that teacher socio-emotional skills and dealing with frustration. 

    For iOS and Android. Recommended for Spanish speakers, ages 2-5. 
    FREE

    4. CANTICOS

    Canticos introduces young children to classic songs in Spanish and includes lots of interactive activities for each song. You do have to download a separate app for each song/book.

    For iOS and Android. Recommended for ages 2-5. 

    5. LEO EL CAMIÓN

    Leo el Camión is designed for young children to develop “attentiveness, motor skills, and spatial thinking,” through play. This 3D game is available completely in Spanish. 

    For iOS and Android. Recommended ages 2-5. 
    FREE

    I hope these Spanish Apps are helpful to you! Let me know in the comments if I’m missing one of your favorites.

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    15 Comments

    1. Thank you for your research. I will be trying these out.

    2. Such a great resource! Thank you!

    3. I’m looking for resources for reading for my 3rd and 4th graders in dual immersion Spanish. Their Spanish reading is about grade level, but I’m struggling to find engaging materials for them to practice reading at home. Any suggestions for kids ages 8+ who are bilingual?

    4. Elisabeth, your effort, including locating, reviewing and organizing these apps, is just amazing. It is such a useful resource for anyone who wants to help a child learn Spanish . Thank you!

    5. This is an amazing list, so we wanted to thank you first. The only thing I could suggest is making a note about county availability. Duolingo Kids and Pacca Alpaca aren’t available in the US 😩

    6. Please update the info on Duolingo Kids- It’s not available in the US, and I know I for one was incredibly disappointed when I went to go download it after reading your article. It would be nice to have a note about that (especially since it looks like the pricing info is in USD?).

    7. Great list. Which ones are best for 4 and 5 year olds

    8. Thx so much for puttin this together. Ive downloaded the ones for moms.

      Per your request, Im in TX, on Android and could not find Pacca Alpaca or Lingu Pinguin either.

      Thanks

    9. David Shelton says:

      Thank you. I am already learning Spanish from Duolingo and I am sure that these apps will help me too.

    10. How do I download these videos?

      Pl ease snswer asap

      1. Hi, the videos are YouTube videos and not meant to be downloaded. Are you trying to download the apps? You will need to go to the App store on your phone and search there.

    11. Estas aplicaciones son simplemente increíbles. Realmente atraerá a los niños en diferentes aspectos. Los niños se interesarán y leerán todas las historias.

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