- Science apps for kids compared
- The seven science games
- Matching a science game to your child's age
- What to check in a children's science app
- Turning a science app into a real experiment
- Screens and hands-on science
- Quizzes for older children
- More learning through play
- My take on science apps
- Frequently asked questions
Free science games help children explore topics like the Earth, the human body and simple experiments through play. Younger children do best with gentle explore-and-tap apps, while older kids enjoy virtual labs and quizzes. Look for apps with no ads label for younger players, and check which ones work offline.
Children are natural scientists. They ask why the sky is blue, where rain comes from and what happens if you mix two things together, usually at the most inconvenient moment.
I read the Google Play listings for popular science games for kids and noted the developer, installs, the ads and in-app purchases labels, and any offline wording. They're in no particular order.
Several of these apps show no Contains ads label, which matters a lot for young children. I've noted which ones in the descriptions below.
Science apps for kids compared
| Game | Developer | Google Play installs | Ads / in-app purchases | What the listing says about offline play |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Earth School: Science for kids | Yateland Games for kids | 100K+ | No ads label, in-app purchases | 'Works offline' |
| STEM Buddies: Science for Kids | Sindyan Educational Media FZ-LLC | 500K+ | No ads label, in-app purchases | No offline claim on the listing |
| FunLab: STEM Games For Kids | The Dad Lab | 10K+ | No ads label, in-app purchases | No offline claim on the listing |
| MEL STEM: Science for Kids | MEL Science | 10K+ | No ads label, no in-app purchases | No offline claim on the listing |
| Smart Science | Oxford EduVision (M) | 5K+ | No ads label, in-app purchases | No offline claim on the listing |
| Science Experiments School Lab | Rolling Panda Arts | 500K+ | Contains ads, in-app purchases | No offline claim on the listing |
| Science Quiz | Elanvuelo | 50K+ | Contains ads, in-app purchases | No offline claim on the listing |
The seven science games
Earth School: Science for kids
A science app for children from Yateland about the Earth and the universe, starting with the Big Bang. Its listing says it works offline, and it shows no Contains ads label.
STEM Buddies: Science for Kids
A STEM app from Sindyan Educational with more than 500K installs. Its listing says it's for ages 4 to 9 and is built around seven core science themes.
FunLab: STEM Games For Kids
STEM games for kids from The Dad Lab, with no Contains ads label on Google Play. Good for curious young learners.
MEL STEM: Science for Kids
A science app for kids from MEL Science that shows neither a Contains ads nor an in-app purchases label. A calm pick for younger children.
Smart Science
An interactive science quiz app for primary school students from Oxford EduVision, with chapters based on school textbooks. It shows no Contains ads label.
Science Experiments School Lab
A virtual school lab from Rolling Panda Arts with more than 500K installs. Kids can try experiments on screen that would be messy at home.
Science Quiz
A science quiz game from Elanvuelo for older children and adults. Good for testing what you know in short bursts.
Matching a science game to your child's age
Younger children enjoy apps where they tap, explore and watch things happen, such as volcanoes erupting or seasons changing. School-age children can handle virtual experiments, and older children often enjoy quizzes that test what they've learned in class.
If you're not sure, start with an explore app. It's easier to move up to a quiz than to recover from a game that feels like homework.
What to check in a children's science app
- No ads label: several apps here show none.
- Offline play: one listing here says it works offline.
- In-app purchases: most sell extra content.
- Age range: check the developer's suggested age.
- Real-world links: the best apps spark questions away from the screen.
Turning a science app into a real experiment
- Play the app together and pick a topic your child enjoys.
- Ask what they think will happen before they tap.
- Find a safe version of the experiment to try at home.
- Talk about why the result matched the app or didn't.
- Draw or write down what they found out.
Screens and hands-on science
A science app is a great spark, but the learning sticks when children get their hands dirty. A volcano in an app can lead to a baking soda volcano in the kitchen, and a weather app topic can lead to a homemade rain gauge in the garden.
Keep sessions short and follow the questions. If a game leads to twenty minutes of conversation about why things float, that's a win.
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Quizzes for older children
Once children know the basics, a quiz app is a quick way to check what's stuck. Keep it light: a few questions after school, a friendly family challenge at the weekend, and plenty of praise for a good guess. If a question stumps everyone, look it up together, because that's where the best conversations start.
More learning through play
For puzzles that stretch young minds, here's how to pick the best rated puzzle games.
And for activities away from the screen, try these free printable puzzles.
My take on science apps
Start with an app that shows no ads label and fits your child's age, then use it as a springboard for real experiments. The app opens the door, but the kitchen table is where the science happens.
Frequently asked questions
Are there free science games for kids?
Yes. Every app here is free to install from Google Play.
Which science apps have no ads?
Several apps here show no Contains ads label on Google Play.
Can science apps work offline?
One listing here says it works offline.
What age are science games for?
It varies. Explore apps suit younger children, while quizzes suit older kids.
Do science apps have in-app purchases?
Most here sell extra content, so turn on approval for in-app purchases in Google Play.
Can science games help with schoolwork?
They can make topics more memorable, especially alongside real experiments.
What is a STEM app?
It's an app about science, technology, engineering and maths.
Are virtual lab apps safe for kids?
Yes. They let children try experiments on screen that would be messy or unsafe at home.
