Atfal CompassScreen time that's worth it: learning apps and courses
Screens aren't going away, but they can build skills instead of just filling time. These are the apps and courses we would choose, by age.
Updated 14 October 2026 · 9 picks
Ages 3–6: playful first learning
Course · Ages 2–8 · Free
Khan Academy Kids
Khan Academy
Free, ad-free early learning that includes feelings and kindness.
Course · Ages 3–6 · Free
Duolingo ABC — Learn to Read
Duolingo
Bite-sized phonics and early reading lessons.
Ages 6–11: maths, science and first coding
Course · Primary & middle school · Free
Prodigy — Maths & English Games
Prodigy Education
Maths and English practice that feels like a game.
Course · Ages 5–11 (Grades K–5) · Free trial
Mystery Science
Mystery Science
Short science lessons with a hands-on activity at the end.
Course · Ages 5–11 (Grades K–5) · Free
Computer Science Fundamentals
Code.org
Free step-by-step coding puzzles.
Course · Ages 5–18 · Free trial
Tynker — Coding for Kids
Tynker
From block coding to Python, at your child's own level.
Ages 8–16: create, build and explore
Course · Ages 8–16 · Free
Scratch — Creative Coding
MIT Media Lab
Children make their own games and animations.
Course · Lines for babies to teens · Monthly subscription
KiwiCo — Hands-on Project Crates
KiwiCo
Screen-free building projects that arrive every month.
Course · Ages 3–18 · Pay per class
Outschool — Live Online Classes
Outschool
Live small-group classes on almost any interest.
We choose every pick ourselves. Some store and course links are affiliate links, which means Atfal Compass may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you — it never decides what we recommend.