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The kids' software directory

Science, nature and the world

Simulations, nature ID apps, maps and space.

  • 77 researched
  • 3 to know about

Peabody's own: science games. It is ours, so it is not in the list below and we do not rate it.

Researched by Peabody

Facts from each maker's own pages (terms, pricing, privacy), with our one-line take. A to Z; we rank nothing until we have tried it.

  • Desk researchPaidNo ads

    Adafruit Circuit Playground Express

    Adafruit Industries · ages about 8+ with adult help

    A low-cost, flexible first electronics board for kids 8+ with a helper; kids who want a guided kit may prefer a subscription box.

  • Desk researchFreeNo ads

    Adafruit Learning System

    Adafruit Industries · ages about 10 and up with an adult

    A top free resource for families building electronics together; kids should not work through it alone.

  • Desk researchFree, with paid extrasNo ads

    Algodoo

    Algoryx Simulation AB · ages about 8 and up

    A great creative sandbox for curious kids and science classes; parents should supervise use of the public sharing site and forum.

  • Desk researchFree

    Babble Dabble Do

    Ana Dziengel · ages about 3-12

    Great for families and teachers who want craft projects with a design or science twist; an adult should pick and prep the projects.

  • Desk researchFree, with paid extras

    Birdbuddy (AI bird feeder)

    Bird Buddy Inc. · ages family use; kids with a parent's account

    A fun family science gadget for bird-curious kids if parents accept the subscription and default model training; skip it if you want an offline camera.

  • Desk researchFreeNo ads

    BirdNET

    Cornell K. Lisa Yang Center for Conservation Bioacoustics and Chemnitz University of Technology · ages about 9 and up with a parent

    A good pick for a curious older child with a parent who is comfortable sharing recordings for science; Merlin is friendlier for beginners.

  • Desk researchPaidNo ads

    BrainPOP (and BrainPOP Jr.)

    BrainPOP · ages about 5-14 (K-8+)

    Excellent when a school provides it; families paying alone should try the free sneak peek first.

  • Desk researchPaidNo ads

    Britannica Kids

    Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc. · ages PreK-12

    A trustworthy paid encyclopedia for homework; check whether your school or library already provides it before subscribing.

  • Desk researchFreeNo ads

    Chrome Music Lab

    Google · ages about 4 and up

    A safe, free first stop for music play at any age; look elsewhere if you specifically want AI music tools.

  • Desk researchFreeNo ads

    CK-12 (with Flexi AI tutor)

    CK-12 Foundation (nonprofit) · ages about 6-18 (grades 1-12)

    Useful free study help for middle and high schoolers with an adult checking in; parents who don't want an AI chatbot or AI training on their child's input should look elsewhere.

  • Desk researchFree

    Crash Course (and Crash Course Kids)

    Complexly · ages about 13-18 (Crash Course Kids about 8-11)

    Great for teens reviewing for class; younger children should watch Crash Course Kids on a supervised account.

  • Desk researchPaidNo ads

    CrunchLabs

    CrunchLabs LLC (Mark Rober) · ages 6-10, 8-13 and 14+ by box

    A strong pick for kids who love Mark Rober's videos and building things; families wanting deep coding should weigh Hack Pack's price against a plain Arduino kit.

  • Desk researchThrough schoolsNo ads

    Discovery Education Experience

    Discovery Education · ages grades K-12

    A solid teacher resource library; parents will see it only through school, and it is a supplement rather than something to judge a child's learning by.

  • Desk researchFreeNo ads

    Discovery Education Virtual Field Trips

    Discovery Education, Inc. · ages grades K-12 (each trip lists grades)

    A useful free extra for teachers and homeschoolers, with an eye on who sponsored each trip; kids looking for hands-on learning will want more than video.

  • Desk researchFree

    Ducksters

    Technological Solutions, Inc. · ages about 8-14

    A handy free starting point for elementary and middle school homework, best paired with a library source.

  • Desk researchPaidNo ads

    DWARF Mini Smart Telescope

    DWARFLAB (Tinyphoton (Wuhan) Technology Co.) · ages about 8-adult (with an adult)

    A strong fit for a family that wants to photograph the night sky together with little setup; families wanting kids to learn to find stars by hand should start with binoculars or a manual telescope.

  • Desk researchFreeNo ads

    eBird

    Cornell Lab of Ornithology · ages 13+ (a family can log together on a parent's account)

    A strong fit for serious teen birders or a parent's family account; younger kids will enjoy Merlin more.

  • Desk researchPaid

    Ei Mindspark

    Educational Initiatives (Ei) · ages classes 1-10 (about 6-16)

    One of the few practice tools with a real randomized trial behind it; best for families following Indian curricula who accept a dated privacy policy.

  • Desk researchPaid

    Embibe

    Embibe (Indiavidual Learning Ltd) · ages classes 1-12 and exam prep (about 6-18+)

    Useful for Indian students preparing for board or entrance exams; privacy-minded parents should note the ad tracking.

  • Desk researchFreeNo ads

    Exploratorium Science Snacks

    Exploratorium (San Francisco science museum) · ages about 8-18 (written for grades 6-12, also used with younger kids)

    A strong free pick for families and teachers who want real hands-on science; kids who need a game-like app will want something else.

  • Desk researchFreeNo ads

    FarmFood 360

    Farm & Food Care (Canadian agriculture group) · ages about 9 and up (grades 5-12)

    A good free look inside farms for classes and curious kids, best paired with a talk about where the content comes from.

  • Desk researchFreeNo ads

    Fight BAC!

    Partnership for Food Safety Education (nonprofit) · ages K-12, plus parents of babies

    A solid free pick for teachers and parents teaching kids to cook safely; kids wanting a game will find only a little here.

  • Desk researchFreeNo ads

    Foldit

    University of Washington Center for Game Science and partners · ages about 12 and up (terms allow 7+)

    A rewarding challenge for science-minded teens and biology classes; younger kids will likely find it too hard, and parents should note the public chat.

  • Desk researchThrough schoolsNo ads

    Gale In Context: Elementary

    Gale, part of Cengage Group · ages grades K-5 (about 5-11)

    A safe, free-through-the-library place for young kids to start research projects; check your library's website for a login.

  • Desk researchPaidNo ads

    Generation Genius

    Newsela (Generation Genius) · ages about 5-14 (grades K-8)

    Useful for teachers and homeschool parents who want ready science videos with activities; families wanting hands-on exploration or proof of learning gains may look elsewhere.

  • Desk researchFree, with paid extrasNo ads

    Gizmos

    ExploreLearning · ages grades 3-12

    A good free science and math sandbox for curious kids, and better with a school license and a teacher.

  • Desk researchFree, with paid extrasNo ads

    Google Earth

    Google · ages about 8 and up

    A rich free tool for geography and earth science at home or school; younger kids should explore Street View with an adult nearby.

  • Desk researchFree

    Google Lens homework help

    Google · ages 13+ on own account; younger with Family Link

    Handy for a parent checking homework; children who need to learn the steps are better served by a tutor that holds answers back.

  • Desk researchFreeNo ads

    iNaturalist

    iNaturalist (nonprofit) · ages 13+; younger only through a parent-made account

    Excellent for teens and for families who post together under a parent's account; younger children should start with Seek.

  • Desk researchFreeNo ads

    Instructables

    Autodesk · ages 13+ to post; younger kids with an adult

    A rich idea bank for teens and parents planning projects together; younger kids should browse with an adult.

  • Desk researchPaidNo ads

    KAI: The Artificial Intelligence Robot

    Thames & Kosmos · ages 10+ with help, 12+ alone

    A good, privacy-friendly introduction to machine learning for ages 10-14; younger kids will need an adult for the build.

  • Desk researchFree, with paid extrasNo ads

    KidsGardening

    KidsGardening (Kids Garden Community nonprofit, Vermont) · ages grades Pre-K-12 (through adults)

    A strong free resource for teachers and parents who want to garden with kids; not something a child would browse on their own.

  • Desk researchPaidNo ads

    KiwiCo

    KiwiCo, Inc. · ages 0-100 (crate lines by age)

    A convenient way to bring regular hands-on building into the home; families on a budget can find free project guides instead.

  • Desk researchThrough schoolsNo ads

    Labster

    Labster ApS · ages about 13-18 (high school), mostly college

    A good add-on for high school science classes that lack lab space or equipment; it should prepare students for hands-on labs, not replace them.

  • Desk researchFreeNo ads

    Learn.Genetics

    Genetic Science Learning Center, University of Utah · ages about 11-18 (grades 6-12)

    An excellent free biology resource for middle and high school students; too advanced for most young children.

  • Desk researchFree, with paid extrasNo ads

    Legends of Learning

    Legends of Learning · ages about 5-14 (grades K-8)

    A strong fit for K-8 classrooms that want game-based science and math; parents wary of reward loops and paid passes should watch how their child uses Awakening.

  • Desk researchFree, with paid extras

    Little Bins for Little Hands

    Little Bins for Little Hands · ages about 3-13 (preschool to middle school)

    A go-to free idea bank for parents and teachers of young kids; expect lots of ads and supervise the messier experiments.

  • Desk researchPaidNo ads

    Little Passports

    Little Passports, Inc., a Begin brand (Conscious Content Media, Inc.) · ages about 3-12

    A good gift or monthly ritual for curious kids who like making things; families on a tight budget can find similar projects for free.

  • Desk researchFree, with paid extras

    Make: and Maker Camp

    Make Community, LLC · ages under 5 to 14+ (Maker Camp); magazine for teens and adults

    A strong free option for parents, librarians or teachers willing to lead a summer or after-school maker group; not a self-serve kids' app.

  • Desk researchPaidNo ads

    Makey Makey

    JoyLabz / Makey Makey LLC · ages 8+ (the box says ages 8 to infinity)

    A fun, low-risk way to spark interest in circuits for kids 8+; kids who want to program hardware directly should look at a micro:bit or Circuit Playground.

  • Desk researchFreeNo ads

    Merlin Bird ID

    Cornell Lab of Ornithology · ages about 7 and up with a parent

    A standout family birding tool when a parent runs the phone; children under 13 should not have it on their own under Cornell's terms.

  • Desk researchFree

    Mission: Mars

    Museum of Science, Boston, with Filament Games · ages about 8-14 (the museum says all ages)

    A good pick for kids who already play Roblox with parental controls set; families who keep children off Roblox should skip it.

  • Desk researchFreeNo ads

    MIT OpenCourseWare

    Massachusetts Institute of Technology · ages about 14+ (college-level material)

    Excellent for a self-motivated teen who loves a subject; skip it for kids who need structure or feedback.

  • Desk researchThrough schoolsNo ads

    Mystery Science

    Discovery Education · ages about 5-11 (grades K-5)

    A good fit for elementary teachers and homeschool parents who want ready science lessons; kids looking for something to explore alone will find it teacher-centered.

  • Desk researchFreeNo ads

    NASA Learning Resources

    NASA (Office of STEM Engagement) · ages grades K-12 and college

    A reliable free starting point for any family or class curious about space; pair it with NASA Space Place for younger children who want more games.

  • Desk researchFreeNo ads

    NASA Space Place

    NASA (produced at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory) · ages about 8-12 (upper elementary)

    A trustworthy free science corner for curious 8-12-year-olds; not a full course.

  • Desk researchFreeNo ads

    NASA's Eyes

    NASA (Jet Propulsion Laboratory) · ages about 8 and up

    An excellent free window into real space missions for curious kids and classrooms; it works best with an adult or teacher framing what to look for.

  • Desk researchFree

    National Geographic Kids games

    National Geographic Partners (The Walt Disney Company) · ages about 6-12

    A pleasant free stop for animal-loving kids; treat it as fun trivia rather than lessons.

  • Desk researchFreeNo ads

    Nature Lab

    The Nature Conservancy · ages about 5-18

    A good free source of nature lessons for teachers and families; kids wanting an interactive game should look elsewhere.

  • Desk researchFree, with paid extrasNo ads

    OpenStax

    OpenStax, a nonprofit initiative of Rice University · ages about 14 and up (high school and college)

    A solid free textbook source for teens and homeschooling families at the high school level; parents of younger children will find little here.

  • Desk researchFreeNo ads

    oPhysics

    Tom Walsh · ages about 13-18 (high school physics)

    A solid free tool for high school physics students and teachers; younger children will find it too advanced.

  • Desk researchFree

    PBS KIDS Summer of Adventure

    PBS (Public Broadcasting Service) · ages about 2-8

    Handy for parents of preschoolers and early grade-schoolers who want low-cost summer ideas; families wanting a summer learning plan with tracking should look elsewhere.

  • Desk researchFreeNo ads

    PBS LearningMedia

    PBS and local public TV stations · ages pre-K to grade 12

    A trustworthy free source of short educational videos for teachers and curious families; check your local station's version for state-specific collections.

  • Desk researchFreeNo ads

    PhET Interactive Simulations

    University of Colorado Boulder · ages about 5-18 and college (the sims are open to any age)

    A great free science and math sandbox for curious kids, homeschoolers and teachers; children who want a guided game with rewards will find it too open.

  • Desk researchFree, with paid extras

    PictureThis

    Glority Global Group Ltd. · ages adults (terms say 18+)

    Accurate for a parent's own gardening questions; not a children's app under its own terms.

  • Desk researchFreeNo ads

    Pl@ntNet

    Pl@ntNet consortium (CIRAD, INRAE, Inria, IRD) · ages about 9 and up with a parent

    A solid, ad-free plant identifier for families who use it logged out or under a parent's account.

  • Desk researchFreeNo ads

    San Diego Zoo Wildlife Explorers

    San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance · ages about 4-12

    A pleasant free animal site for younger kids and zoo fans; it is a supplement, not a science program.

  • Desk researchFreeNo ads

    Science Buddies

    Science Buddies (nonprofit) · ages grades K-12

    The go-to free resource for science fair season for any grade; parents of under-13s should approve accounts promptly.

  • Desk researchFreeNo ads

    SciStarter

    SciStarter, with Arizona State University · ages about 8 and up with an adult; 13+ to upload data alone

    A good launchpad for families who want to do real science together; a parent should hold the account for younger kids.

  • Desk researchFreeNo ads

    Seek by iNaturalist

    iNaturalist (nonprofit) · ages about 5-12 (App Store: made for ages 9-11)

    The safest first nature-ID app for young kids; pair it with an adult before anyone touches or tastes what it names.

  • Desk researchFree

    Sheppard Software

    Sheppard Software · ages about 3-14 (preschool to middle school)

    Fine for supervised map and math practice; parents of young children may prefer a site that rules out tracking ads.

  • Desk researchFree, with paid extrasNo ads

    Sky Guide

    Fifth Star Labs LLC · ages about 6 and up (rated 4+ on the App Store)

    A lovely, privacy-light stargazing app for families with iPhones or iPads; Android families and those avoiding subscriptions should look elsewhere.

  • Desk researchFreeNo ads

    Smithsonian Learning Lab

    Smithsonian Office of Educational Technology · ages grades PreK-12

    A trustworthy free source for teachers and older students; younger children do best with a teacher-made collection.

  • Desk researchFree, with paid extrasNo ads

    SparkFun Learn

    SparkFun Electronics · ages about 12 and up (younger with an adult)

    A good free companion for a teen who has a SparkFun or Arduino kit and wants to build real gadgets; younger kids need a parent alongside.

  • Desk researchFree, with paid extras

    Star Walk 2

    Vito Technology · ages about 6 and up (rated 4+ on the App Store)

    A fun way to get kids looking up; parents should buy the ad-free upgrade or turn off ad tracking for younger children.

  • Desk researchFreeNo ads

    Stellarium Web

    Stellarium Labs / Noctua Software · ages about 7 and up

    An easy free way for families to identify stars and planets together; kids who want guided lessons will need a book or class alongside it.

  • Desk researchFree, with paid extrasNo ads

    Story Time From Space

    Global Space Education Foundation (nonprofit) · ages about 4-10 (lesson plans for K-12)

    A memorable free story time for young space fans at home or in class; teachers wanting full ready-made units will find the curriculum thin.

  • Desk researchFreeNo ads

    TeachEngineering

    University of Colorado Boulder (with partner universities, funded by the National Science Foundation) · ages about 5-18 (grades K-12)

    A great free source for teachers and homeschool families who want real engineering projects; kids looking for something to do alone online won't find it here.

  • Desk researchFreeNo ads

    TED-Ed

    TED Conferences (nonprofit) · ages about 9-18

    A reliable free video library for upper elementary through high school, best watched with a teacher's or parent's questions.

  • Desk researchPaidNo ads

    Thinkrolls (Avokiddo)

    Avokiddo Ltd · ages about 2-8

    A good fit for iPad families who want puzzle-based thinking games for preschool and early grades; Android and Chromebook homes can't use it.

  • Desk researchFreeNo ads

    Tinkercad

    Autodesk · ages about 8 and up

    A strong free pick for kids who like building things, from 3D models to circuits; under-13s need a parent or teacher to approve the account.

  • Desk researchPaidNo ads

    Tinybop

    Tinybop, Inc. · ages about 4-10

    Great for curious kids who like to tinker and explore science; not for parents who want guided lessons or progress tracking.

  • Desk researchPaidNo ads

    Turing Tumble

    Upper Story LLC (Minnesota) · ages 8 to adult

    A great screen-free logic game for kids 8+ and families who like puzzles; kids who want to write code or make apps need a different tool.

  • Desk researchPaidNo ads

    Universe Sandbox

    Giant Army · ages about 10 and up

    A memorable way for older kids and teens to explore gravity and climate; younger children need a parent's Steam account and some guidance.

  • Desk researchFree, with paid extrasNo ads

    Wokwi

    Wokwi B.V. (Netherlands) · ages about 13+

    Great for teens learning electronics or prepping before buying parts; younger kids do better with a physical kit and blocks.

  • Desk researchFree, with paid extras

    Wolfram|Alpha

    Wolfram Research · ages about 13+ (high school and up)

    Good for teens checking math and science work or exploring data; not designed for elementary-age children.

  • Desk researchFreeNo ads

    Zooniverse

    Zooniverse (Adler Planetarium, University of Oxford and partners) · ages about 8 and up

    A meaningful way for kids to do real science; parents should pick projects together and supervise any use of the Talk boards.

Know before you buy

Shut down, exposed children's data, or said unsafe things in tests.

  • WarningFree, with paid extras

    America's Test Kitchen Kids

    America's Test Kitchen (owned by Marquee Brands) · ages about 3-17 (preschool boxes were 3-5, Young Chefs' Club 6-12, plus teen cookbooks)

    Worth it today for the kids' cookbooks; families looking for the monthly Young Chefs' Club box should look elsewhere, since it no longer shows up on ATK's own shop.

  • WarningFree, with paid extras

    SkyView

    Terminal Eleven LLC · ages about 6 and up

    Pay the few dollars for the full version, which keeps location on the phone; skip the free Lite version for children.

  • WarningPaidNo ads

    Steve Spangler Science

    Steve Spangler Science (owned by Excelligence Learning Corporation) · ages about 4-14 (K-8 classroom and home kits)

    Fine for buying a proven science kit through a retailer, but parents should not expect the club or online content the brand's site once offered.