Discovering a new language is like unlocking a secret door to endless adventures for kids—it expands their view of the world while giving their brains a serious workout. And let’s face it, learning a language has never been more exciting than it is today.

Thanks to a wave of creative and interactive language apps, kids can dive into Spanish, French, English, German, Chinese, and more in ways that feel more like play than study. From apps that turn lessons into games to those that weave education seamlessly into everyday fun, this guide showcases the best options out there, including gems like Studycat, which blends colorful, playful experiences with rock-solid teaching methods. Buckle up—your child’s linguistic journey is about to get a whole lot more engaging!

1. StudyCat

  • Languages: English, Spanish, French, German, Chinese
  • Why It’s Great: Designed specifically for kids, StudyCat uses interactive games and fun visuals to teach vocabulary, pronunciation, and sentence structure.
  • Best For: Ages 3–10
  • Learn More

2. Duolingo

  • Languages: 40+ (including Spanish, French, German, Japanese)
  • Why It’s Great: With its gamified lessons and colorful design, Duolingo is a hit with older kids who enjoy earning points and leveling up.
  • Best For: Ages 8+
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3. Lingokids

  • Languages: English, Spanish, French
  • Why It’s Great: Ad-free and created for younger children, Lingokids combines play and learning with songs, activities, and interactive stories.
  • Best For: Ages 2–8
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4. Babbel

  • Languages: 14+ (including Spanish, French, Italian)
  • Why It’s Great: Known for its conversational approach, Babbel now offers features tailored to kids for learning basic vocabulary and phrases.
  • Best For: Ages 10+
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5. Mondly Kids

  • Languages: 30+ (including Mandarin, Korean, Portuguese)
  • Why It’s Great: With augmented reality (AR) and fun games, Mondly Kids helps children build vocabulary and conversational skills.
  • Best For: Ages 4+
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6. Pili Pop

  • Languages: English, Spanish
  • Why It’s Great: Pili Pop emphasizes listening and speaking through engaging activities and voice recognition technology.
  • Best For: Ages 5–12
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7. FabuLingua

  • Languages: Spanish
  • Why It’s Great: Vivid, interactive stories introduce kids to Spanish vocabulary in a fun, storybook format.
  • Best For: Ages 4–10
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8. Mango Languages

  • Languages: 70+
  • Why It’s Great: Offers cultural insights alongside vocabulary and grammar, making it great for more advanced learners.
  • Best For: Ages 9+
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9. Drops: Droplets for Kids

  • Languages: 30+
  • Why It’s Great: A kid-friendly version of Drops, Droplets uses short, visually engaging lessons to teach vocabulary.
  • Best For: Ages 5+
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spanish apps for kids

10. HelloTalk

  • Languages: 100+
  • Why It’s Great: Focuses on connecting kids with native speakers for real-world practice.
  • Best For: Ages 10+
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11. Montessori Letter Sounds

  • Languages: English, Spanish, French, Italian
  • Why It’s Great: Perfect for toddlers and preschoolers, this app focuses on phonics and early literacy.
  • Best For: Ages 3–6
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12. LingoDeer

  • Languages: Korean, Japanese, Mandarin, and more
  • Why It’s Great: Excellent for kids learning Asian languages, with structured lessons that focus on grammar and vocabulary.
  • Best For: Ages 8+
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13. Endless Spanish

  • Languages: Spanish
  • Why It’s Great: Adorable animations teach kids Spanish vocabulary and sentence structure through games and repetition.
  • Best For: Ages 2–5
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14. Busuu

  • Languages: 12+ (including Italian, German, Russian)
  • Why It’s Great: Offers a mix of vocabulary, grammar, and conversation practice in bite-sized lessons.
  • Best For: Ages 10+
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15. Spanish School Bus

  • Languages: Spanish
  • Why It’s Great: Engaging games and music introduce kids to Spanish vocabulary and culture.
  • Best For: Ages 4–10
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16. Beelinguapp

  • Languages: Multiple
  • Why It’s Great: Features side-by-side translations of stories, making it perfect for reading practice.
  • Best For: Ages 8+
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17. Little Chatterbox

  • Languages: Multiple
  • Why It’s Great: Simple and engaging games introduce kids to new languages with ease.
  • Best For: Ages 3–6

18. FunEasyLearn

  • Languages: 30+
  • Why It’s Great: Gamified lessons and interactive visuals make vocabulary learning easy and fun.
  • Best For: Ages 5+
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19. DinoLingo

  • Languages: 50+
  • Why It’s Great: Uses songs, stories, and games to immerse toddlers and preschoolers in new languages.
  • Best For: Ages 2–7
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20. LingQ

  • Languages: 25+
  • Why It’s Great: Ideal for more advanced learners, LingQ uses real-world content to build vocabulary.
  • Best For: Ages 12+
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21. MamaLingua

  • Languages: Spanish, English
  • Why It’s Great: Helps parents teach their toddlers through daily interactions.
  • Best For: Parents teaching toddlers

22. PBS Kids Games

  • Languages: English, Spanish
  • Why It’s Great: Free and ad-free, this app offers educational games featuring beloved PBS characters.
  • Best For: Ages 2–8
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23. Memrise

  • Languages: 20+
  • Why It’s Great: Combines humor and gamification to help kids build vocabulary.
  • Best For: Ages 10+
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24. FabuLingua

  • Languages: Spanish
  • Why It’s Great: Interactive storytelling makes it a favorite for younger kids learning Spanish.
  • Best For: Ages 3–7

25. Lingokids

  • Languages: English, Spanish
  • Why It’s Great: Combines play and learning with songs, games, and stories.
  • Best For: Ages 2–8

Quick Comparison Table of the Best Language Learning Apps for Kids

App NameBest ForLanguages OfferedUnique FeaturePrice
StudyCatAges 3–10English, Spanish, French, German, ChineseFun games and visuals for foundational skillsFree trial, $4.99+/mo
Duolingo KidsAges 8+40+Gamified lessons and streak rewardsFree, Premium $6.99/mo
LingokidsAges 2–8English, Spanish, FrenchPlay-based learning with songs and storiesFree, Premium $14.99/mo
Babbel KidsAges 10+14+Conversational grammar-focused lessons$6.95+/mo
Mondly KidsAges 4+30+Augmented reality (AR) featuresFree trial, $9.99/mo
Pili PopAges 5–12English, SpanishVoice recognition for speaking practiceFree, Premium $6.99/mo
FabuLinguaAges 4–10SpanishInteractive storytellingFree, Premium $4.99/mo
Mango LanguagesAges 9+70+Cultural insights alongside language lessons$7.99+/mo
Drops for KidsAges 5+30+Quick, engaging vocabulary lessonsFree, Premium $9.99/mo
HelloTalkAges 10+100+Chats with native speakers for real practiceFree, Premium $12.99/mo
Montessori Letter SoundsAges 3–6English, Spanish, French, ItalianFocus on phonics and early literacy$3.99
LingoDeerAges 8+Korean, Japanese, Mandarin, moreStructured lessons for Asian languagesFree trial, $11.99/mo
Endless SpanishAges 2–5SpanishAdorable animations for vocabulary building$8.99
Busuu KidsAges 10+12+Grammar and vocabulary in bite-sized lessonsFree, Premium $9.99/mo
Spanish School BusAges 4–10SpanishSongs and games for cultural immersion$4.99
BeelinguappAges 8+MultipleSide-by-side translations of storiesFree, Premium $5.99/mo
FunEasyLearnAges 5+30+Interactive, gamified vocabulary lessonsFree, Premium $6.99/mo
DinoLingoAges 2–750+Songs and stories for preschoolersFree trial, $12.99/mo
LingQAges 12+25+Real-world texts for advanced learnersFree, Premium $12.99/mo
MamaLinguaParents teaching toddlersSpanish, EnglishDaily interaction prompts for parentsFree, Premium $9.99/mo
MemriseAges 10+20+Humor and cultural phrases in lessonsFree, Premium $8.99/mo

English Language Learning Apps for Kids

StudyCat has been quietly making an impact with over 15 million app store downloads, 70 million YouTube views, and multiple awards for excellence in language education. It’s a favorite for its fun, interactive approach to teaching languages to kids—parents rave about it! But since it’s a small team of mostly creatives and educators, despite winning multiple awards they don’t get as much attention.

1. Studycat: Fun English for Kids

Overview: Studycat’s English app combines engaging games, music, and visuals to introduce English to young learners. The app focuses on vocabulary, sentence structure, and pronunciation through interactive lessons.

Highlights:

  • Over 200 activities and games covering various topics (colors, animals, food, etc.).
  • Audio by native speakers ensures correct pronunciation.
  • Progress tracking for parents and fun rewards to motivate kids.

Why It Stands Out: Studycat blends education with entertainment, keeping kids engaged while learning essential English skills.

Explore Studycat English App

2. Lingokids

Overview: Lingokids provides a play-based learning experience for English. The app features games, videos, songs, and interactive stories designed for children aged 2-8.

Highlights:

  • Features content from Oxford University Press.
  • Incorporates real-life scenarios to teach vocabulary.
  • Parent dashboard to monitor progress.

3. ABCmouse

Overview: ABCmouse is an all-in-one app offering a structured English curriculum for young children, focusing on reading, phonics, math, and early literacy skills.

Highlights:

  • Interactive puzzles, games, and books.
  • Personalized learning paths.
  • Engaging visuals to keep kids entertained.

Spanish Language Learning Apps for Kids

1. Studycat: Fun Spanish for Kids

Overview: Studycat’s Spanish app offers fun and immersive learning through games, songs, and visuals. Children build vocabulary and learn sentence patterns in an intuitive, interactive environment.

Highlights:

  • Covers over 150 words and phrases with audio by native speakers.
  • Fun challenges and progress-tracking features.
  • Designed for kids aged 3-8.

Why It Stands Out: The app keeps children engaged through a balance of structured lessons and playful activities.

Explore Studycat Spanish App

2. Gus on the Go: Spanish

Overview: Gus on the Go introduces Spanish to kids through storytelling and animated adventures, helping them pick up vocabulary and simple phrases.

Highlights:

  • Interactive mini-games.
  • Basic themes like animals, numbers, and food.
  • Appealing to kids aged 2-6.

3. Duolingo Kids

Overview: Duolingo Kids simplifies the language-learning experience, offering game-based lessons to teach Spanish in short, manageable segments.

Highlights:

  • Bright visuals and fun exercises.
  • Focuses on vocabulary and sentence structure.
  • Encourages regular practice through daily challenges.
best apps for kids

French Language Learning Apps for Kids

1. Studycat: Fun French for Kids

Overview: Studycat’s French app introduces children to the French language through vibrant games, songs, and lessons. It’s perfect for kids starting their French learning journey.

Highlights:

  • Audio recorded by native French speakers.
  • Over 150 essential words and phrases.
  • Includes games that reinforce vocabulary and sentence patterns.

Why It Stands Out: Studycat makes learning French accessible and fun, encouraging children to develop confidence in the language.

Explore Studycat French App

2. Muzzy BBC French

Overview: Muzzy BBC uses animated stories and immersive videos to teach French. The app builds language skills naturally, similar to how children learn their first language.

Highlights:

  • Engaging storylines that captivate young learners.
  • Suitable for preschoolers and beginners.
  • Focuses on repetition and immersion.

3. Gus on the Go: French

Overview: Like its Spanish counterpart, Gus on the Go introduces French vocabulary through fun and interactive games.

Highlights:

  • Focuses on core vocabulary: numbers, animals, and everyday words.
  • Simple design perfect for preschoolers.
  • Encourages exploration through animated adventures.

German Language Learning Apps for Kids

1. Studycat: Fun German for Kids

Overview: Studycat’s German app offers a playful and engaging introduction to the language, combining visuals, games, and music to teach kids essential vocabulary and phrases.

Highlights:

  • Covers 150+ words across key themes (colors, numbers, animals, etc.).
  • Audio recorded by native German speakers.
  • Interactive challenges and rewards.

Why It Stands Out: Studycat’s creative approach ensures kids stay motivated while learning foundational German skills.

Explore Studycat German App

2. LingoAce

Overview: LingoAce offers live classes with native German-speaking teachers, tailored to children learning German as a second language.

Highlights:

  • Real-time interaction with instructors.
  • Customized lessons for various levels.
  • Focus on communication skills.

3. Mondly Kids German

Overview: Mondly Kids provides bite-sized lessons that focus on German vocabulary, phrases, and pronunciation, using games and challenges to make learning engaging.

Highlights:

  • Audio from native speakers.
  • Focus on conversational phrases.
  • Fun visuals and playful themes.

Chinese Language Learning Apps for Kids

1. Studycat: Fun Chinese for Kids

Overview: Studycat’s Chinese app introduces kids to Mandarin Chinese with games, visuals, and audio from native speakers. It provides a fun, immersive environment to learn key words and phrases.

Highlights:

  • Audio features correct pronunciation by native speakers.
  • Over 150 words covering topics like animals, food, and numbers.
  • Fun challenges to keep kids engaged.

Why It Stands Out: Studycat simplifies Chinese learning with colorful visuals and playful interactivity, making it accessible even for young beginners.

Explore Studycat Chinese App

2. LingoBus

Overview: LingoBus offers live classes with professional Mandarin-speaking teachers, providing structured and interactive lessons tailored for children.

Highlights:

  • One-on-one live instruction.
  • Cultural immersion through stories and visuals.
  • Curriculum aligned with HSK standards.

3. Pleco Kids Chinese

Overview: Pleco Kids combines language learning with games to introduce Mandarin Chinese to children. It focuses on vocabulary-building and character recognition.

Highlights:

  • Kid-friendly Chinese character learning.
  • Interactive visuals and games.
  • Focuses on listening and speaking skills.

FAQs About Language Learning Apps

What’s the best age to start teaching a second language?

The earlier, the better! Children under 7 have a natural ability to pick up languages, but apps make it easy to start at any age.

How much time should kids spend on a language app?

Experts recommend 10–20 minutes a day to maintain focus and prevent burnout.

Do language learning apps actually work?

Yes, but they’re most effective when combined with real-life practice, whether that’s speaking with native speakers, watching shows in the language, or reading books.


Final Thoughts

With so many amazing apps out there, finding the right one for your child is easier than ever. Whether you’re introducing your toddler to a new language or helping your teenager brush up on conversational skills, these apps make language learning fun, accessible, and effective.

Have you tried any of these language learning apps? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear what’s working for your family!