We’ve constantly exploring most popular subscription apps and we've already looked into top 10 apps in the sports and business categories to understand what users are paying for on the US App Store. This week, we’re shifting focus to apps for kids, analyzing the market for game and app creators while exploring parental purchase behavior on the App Store.
What’s a Kids App on the App Store?
On the App Store, kids apps are specifically designed to engage, educate, or entertain children, typically targeting age groups ranging from toddlers to pre-teens. These apps focus on providing a safe, ad-free environment with content appropriate for young users. Apple offers developers the option to categorize their apps under three specific age brackets—Ages 5 and under, Ages 6–8, and Ages 9–11—helping parents and educators choose age-appropriate content.
Apps in this category often emphasize educational value, creativity, and emotional development while avoiding complex mechanics or content unsuitable for children. They are subject to strict guidelines under Apple’s Kids Category policies, ensuring that apps comply with privacy rules (like COPPA) and do not collect personal data without parental consent. As parents increasingly look for high-quality apps that promote learning and entertainment, the Kids category has grown into a lucrative niche within the app market.
How to Create an App for the Kids Category
Creating a successful kids app requires a careful balance between educational value, entertainment, and safety. Developers should begin by identifying the target age group and tailoring the app’s design, themes, and interactions accordingly. For example, younger children respond well to bright colors, simple touch gestures, and playful sounds, while older kids may appreciate more challenging gameplay or interactive storytelling elements.
To qualify for the Kids category on the App Store, developers must follow Apple’s guidelines for child safety and privacy. This includes disabling tracking, minimizing data collection, and offering parental controls or gated sections for any external links or in-app purchases. Monetization strategies also differ: one-time purchases or subscription models are generally preferred over ads to provide an uninterrupted, secure experience.
Top 10 Paid Apps for Kids on the US App Store
Let's break down of the top 10 paid apps currently dominating the Kids category on the US App Store.
Stack the States
Stack the States is an educational game that makes learning about U.S. states fun and interactive. Players answer questions about state capitals, shapes, and locations while stacking states to reach the checkered line. The game includes bonus mini-games and allows users to collect all 50 states on a personalized map. The app is marked for ages 9-11 but it’s fun for adults too. It not only leads the chart for Kids but is also in top 10 for education apps, taking position 6.
App Insights for DevelopersRated 4.4 with 2.1K reviews. Users love its engaging format but suggest improvements in map visuals and multi-device transfer functionality. The most recent update was just a few weeks ago, so we see that the developer is actively working on the app.
2. Teach Your Monster to Read
Teach Your Monster to Read is an award-winning phonics game that helps children aged 0-5 improve literacy through interactive gameplay. It offers three stages of learning: matching sounds and letters, building words, and reading simple books. Developed with educational experts, the app is suitable for both home and school.
App Insights for DevelopersRated 4.6 with 11K reviews, it is praised for its effectiveness and engagement. The latest update on March 11, 2024, adds new features to enhance usability. The app is also popular among Education apps, on 11th position.
3. Stack the Countries
SImilar to Stack the States, Stack the Countries® is a geography-based learning game where players answer questions about countries' capitals, flags, and landmarks. Correct answers allow them to stack countries to reach a goal line. The app offers personalized maps to track progress and includes mini-games like Map It and Pile Up to reinforce knowledge.
App Insights for DevelopersRated 4.6 with 924 reviews, the app is popular for making geography fun. It's marked for children between 9 and 11 but it’s really for everyone. Users typically leave a review with improvement suggestions such as expanding the country selection and addressing minor map inaccuracies.We see that the last update was just recently so it’s a good sign.
4. Note Rush: Music Reading Game
Note Rush is an interactive game designed to help children of all ages (even 30) improve note recognition skills by matching notes to the instrument they play. It supports acoustic and digital instruments, providing instant feedback and various themes to make learning engaging.Includes built-in levels for piano and a range of other instruments as well as custom level design.
App Insights for DevelopersRated 4.3 with 1.7K reviews. Users appreciate the customizable exercises but suggest improvements in note recognition accuracy, especially for digital instruments. The last app update was in October, 2023, though.
5. Elmo Calls
- "All Calls" Pack $6.99
- "Happy Habits" Pack $0.99
- "Laugh With Elmo!" Pack $0.99
- "Sing With Elmo!" Pack $0.99
- "Playdate With Elmo" Pack $0.00
- "ABCs" pack $0.99
- "You Can Do It!" Pack $0.99
- "Elmo is Proud of You!" Pack $0.99
- "Special Visits" Pack $0.99
- "Firsts and Celebrations" Pack $0.99
Elmo Calls offers interactive video and audio calls to engage young children, fostering learning and self-confidence. Parents can schedule calls for various scenarios like bedtime or brushing teeth. It promotes healthy habits, emotional learning, and imagination through fun conversations with Elmo.
App Insights for DevelopersRated 4.4 with 941 reviews. Users love how it engages children, though some report occasional issues with scheduled call notifications. The app reviews are pretty old though, and the most recent app update was in 2021, but it’s still in the top 10 for kids.
6. Endless Alphabet
Endless Alphabet is an interactive learning app that teaches children letters and vocabulary through fun puzzles and animations. Each word features talking letters and playful animations that illustrate its meaning, making it engaging and effective for young learners.
App Insights for DevelopersRated 4.7 with 1.2K reviews, the app is praised for its creativity and effectiveness. Parents enjoy the stress-free experience without scores or time limits. The recent update was in 2022 but this doesn’t stop the reviews from coming and the app from selling in the top 10.
7. Don't Let Pigeon Run This App
This interactive app is actually #5 in Books and #7 in the Kids category. The app is fun, it allows children to create their own stories featuring the Pigeon, inspired by Mo Willems' beloved character. It offers playful storytelling modes, voice recording options, and drawing tutorials, encouraging creativity through fun and engaging activities.
App Insights for DevelopersRated 4.1 with 693 reviews. Users appreciate the creative experience but mention occasional bugs with the voice recording feature on multiple devices. Though the last fix was in 2023, the app remains popular for younger audiences seeking imaginative play.
8. Sesame Street Alphabet Kitchen
With a humble rating of 3.7, only 158 reviews, and the last update as far back as in 2023, the app still remains popular with parents and educators for its engaging approach to teaching letters and words. Users appreciate the creativity it promotes, though some report frustration with limited free content.
9. Toca Hair Salon 2 and Toca Hair Salon 3
One app is rated 4.1 with 877 reviews and the other is 4.1 with 2.3K reviews. Users enjoy the freedom and creativity but suggest adding more characters and challenges for variety. In cases like this when you see your apps working and you try to figure out the best price, try A/B testing different prices to see which generates the most revenue and results for your app business.
10. Monkey Preschool Lunchbox
Monkey Preschool Lunchbox offers seven mini-games for children aged 2-5, focusing on foundational skills like colors, letters, counting, and shapes. Each game is led by a lovable animated monkey and features rewards like stickers to keep children engaged.
App Insights for DevelopersRated 4.0 with 296 reviews. Parents appreciate its educational value and simplicity, although some suggest minor improvements for variety and sound design. The app hasn’t been updated since 2020 but it’s just another example of how paid and subscription apps generate revenue long after they’ve been developed.
Key Takeaways
These top-paid apps for kids highlight the importance of engaging content and premium educational value. Developers can learn from the balance between play and learning in these apps, while marketers can observe the purchase behavior of parents who are willing to pay for trusted, high-quality apps.
Many of these apps rely on one-time purchases without ads or in-app purchases, aligning with parents' preference for a safe, distraction-free learning environment. By understanding these trends, app developers can create compelling offerings that engage children and drive sustainable revenue.
Next Steps
If you're planning to launch a paid app on the App Store, learn how to pass an App Store review and make sure you understand what Apple charges you and when it pays you.Now you're well-equipped to create a kids' app. Feel free to reach out if questions arise, we'll help!
Tatev
Content Manager at Qonversion
Tatev creates content that helps mobile app developers optimize their subscription strategies.
