Minecraft is available on the PC and on most gaming consoles and mobile devices. Plus, there’s a story mode version that plays more like a traditional game. But, it’s the classic version that gets the highest marks here.
Best for Ages: 9+Price: $6.99 with in-app purchase offers
Download For: DragonBox Algebra takes the basics of algebra and gamifies it in a way that secretly teaches your kids the concepts behind algebra while they are having fun.
Best for Ages: 12+Price: $7.99
Download For: The Lifeline app modernized the adventure book genre. Notifications come in throughout the day, giving you choices to make for your character’s survival. You can respond immediately or at your convenience. Lifeline can interact with Apple Watch, although that is not a requirement. We love that you can play the story over and over, and create different stories with different endings. Download For:
Best for Ages: 12+Price: $.99 for iOS, free for Android. In-app purchase offers for both platforms.
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Best for Ages: 9-12Price: Free with in-app purchase offers
Download For: The Hopscotch tutorials do a great job of introducing these methods. Plus, the clear design of the app keeps the player’s focus on the challenge of creating a fun game rather than the challenge of coding a game.
Best for Ages: 10+Price: Free with in-app purchase offers
Download For: The best part about this game is how much it teaches children about history while showing them how to invent their own unique history. The game focuses on prominent leaders of different civilizations and unique aspects of that civilization, such as well-known buildings, art, and wonders of the world.
Best for Ages: 12+Price: $4.99
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