5 Best Tablet For Kids: Top for Fun and Learning (2024)
Thanks for checking out this unbiased article on the best tablets for kids. In today’s digital age, it’s almost impossible to keep the little ones away from screens. But hey, who says screen time can’t be both fun and educational?
As a parent, you want to make sure that the time they spend on tablets is not just safe but also adds value to their development. With a myriad of options out there, finding the right tablet can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack.
Now, we’ve all heard the tales of woe: kids accidentally making purchases, accessing inappropriate content, or simply spending way too much time staring at the screen. It’s enough to make any parent’s hair stand on end!
The key here is not to banish screens altogether but to find a tablet that is designed with kids in mind, offering a safe environment for them to explore, learn, and play.
We know, it sounds like a tall order, but fear not! The market is full of tablets tailored for the young audience, boasting robust parental controls, educational apps, and durable designs.
This is where we come in. In this article, we’ve done the legwork and rounded up the top tablets for kids available on Amazon, breaking down their features, pros, and cons to help you make an informed decision. Whether you have a toddler or a tween, we’ve got something for everyone.
So, sit back, relax, and let’s delve into the world of kid-friendly tablets that are bound to make screen time a win-win for both you and your little ones. Prepare to turn those digital moments into educational adventures!
What Is The Best Tablet for Kids?
Selecting the perfect tablet for your child can be a challenge with so many options available. To help you navigate through your choices, here’s a compact table that compares the key features, best use-cases, and pricing of our top picks:
Tablet | Key Features | Best For: | Pricing |
---|---|---|---|
Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Edition | 32GB storage, Kid-proof case, 12-hour battery, 2-year warranty, 8″ HD display | Durability, Entertainment | $140 – $160 |
Apple iPad Mini | 64GB storage, High-resolution display, Apple Pencil support, iOS ecosystem | Versatility, Educational Apps | $399 – $549 |
Samsung Galaxy Tab A Kids Edition | 32GB storage, Kid-friendly interface, Parental controls, 8″ display | Parental Control, Kid-Friendly Content | $150 – $199 |
LeapFrog LeapPad Academy | Kid-safe web, Access to LeapFrog learning games, Stylus included, 7″ display | Learning, Child Development | $120 – $140 |
Kurio Xtreme 2 | 16GB storage, Kid-safe browsing, Body motion games, 7″ display | Active Play, Safe Browsing | $100 – $120 |
This table is designed to give you a quick glance at what each tablet offers, helping you decide which one might be the best fit for your child’s needs.
Whether you’re looking for a device that can withstand the rough play of younger kids, one that offers a variety of educational apps, or a tablet that provides extensive parental controls, this guide has you covered.
The Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Edition stands out for its durability and extensive warranty, making it a solid choice for parents who want peace of mind. On the other hand, the Apple iPad Mini, with its access to the iOS ecosystem and support for Apple Pencil, offers versatility and a range of educational apps.
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A Kids Edition provides a tailored experience for kids, complete with robust parental controls, while the LeapFrog LeapPad Academy focuses on learning and child development. For families looking for a budget-friendly option that still offers a range of kid-safe features, the Kurio Xtreme 2 is a great option.
No matter which tablet you choose, ensuring that it aligns with your child’s age and your parenting style is key to creating a positive and enriching digital experience. Happy tablet hunting!
1. Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Edition
When it comes to finding a tablet that’s tailor-made for kids, the Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Edition stands out as a front-runner.
It’s packed with features designed to provide a safe and engaging digital environment for children, all while wrapped up in a durable case that’s ready to take on whatever your little ones can throw at it. Let’s dive in and explore what makes this tablet a smart choice for parents.
Key Features
- Kid-Proof Case: This durable case is designed to withstand drops, bumps, and the general rough and tumble play that kids are known for.
- 1-year Amazon Kids+ Subscription: Users gain access to a plethora of kid-friendly content, including books, movies, TV shows, educational apps, and games.
- Parental Controls: These comprehensive tools allow parents to tailor the tablet experience to suit their child’s age and needs, setting screen time limits, educational goals, and managing the types of content that can be accessed.
- 8” HD Display & 32 GB Internal Storage: Offering a clear and vibrant display and ample storage for apps, games, and media.
- Up to 12 Hours of Battery Life: Long-lasting battery ensures kids can play and learn throughout the day without constant recharging.
Pros
- Durable and Child-Friendly: The robust design and included case make this tablet ready for whatever kids can throw at it.
- Rich Content Library: With the included Amazon Kids+ subscription, there’s a vast array of content readily available.
- Solid Parental Controls: The tablet provides peace of mind for parents with its extensive and easy-to-use parental controls.
Cons
- Limited Ecosystem: Being an Amazon product, it’s somewhat limited to the Amazon ecosystem.
- Performance Can Be Slow: Some users have reported that the device can experience slowness, particularly when running more demanding apps.
Recommendation
The Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Edition is a stellar choice, especially for younger children aged between 3 and 7 years. Its durability, extensive library of kid-friendly content, and strong parental controls make it a safe and educational device for kids.
Plus, the one-year Amazon Kids+ subscription adds immense value, providing a wide variety of content to keep kids engaged and learning.
If your household is already equipped with Amazon products or if you’re looking for an all-in-one package that combines entertainment and education, this tablet is a fantastic option.
The durability ensures that it can withstand the wear and tear from kids, while the parental controls allow you to manage and monitor their usage effectively. All in all, it’s a solid investment for parents seeking a balance between play, learning, and safety in a digital device for their kids.
2. Apple iPad Mini
Stepping into the realm of premium tablets, the Apple iPad Mini offers a seamless blend of performance, clarity, and versatility, tailored to meet the needs of kids and parents alike.
With its top-notch hardware and access to a vast ecosystem of apps, this tablet stands as a compelling choice for families seeking a device that grows with their child. Let’s delve deeper into the features and benefits that make the iPad Mini a worthy contender in the world of kids’ tablets.
Key Features
- A12 Bionic Chip: This powerhouse ensures swift performance, whether your child is gaming, streaming, or engaging in creative pursuits.
- 7.9-inch Retina Display: The display brings content to life with sharp, vivid visuals and true-to-life colors.
- Apple Pencil Compatibility: For the young artists and note-takers, this feature elevates the tablet’s utility, making it a tool for creativity and learning.
- Extensive App Store Access: Millions of apps are at your fingertips, spanning education, entertainment, games, and more.
- Robust Build and Regular Updates: Apple’s commitment to quality and security means this device is built to last and will receive regular software updates.
Pros
- Stunning Display: The Retina display ensures every detail is sharp and colors are vibrant, providing an immersive experience.
- Incredible Performance: The A12 Bionic chip guarantees that apps run smoothly, even the more demanding ones.
- Wide Range of Apps: Access to the App Store opens up a world of possibilities for both learning and play.
Cons
- Higher Price Point: Quality comes at a price, and the iPad Mini is significantly more expensive than other kids’ tablets.
- Accessories Sold Separately: Items like the Apple Pencil, which can enhance the tablet’s functionality, come at an additional cost.
Recommendation
The Apple iPad Mini is a fantastic option for families looking for a device that combines entertainment, education, and durability. It’s especially suitable for kids aged 6 and above who are starting to engage in more sophisticated educational apps or have a keen interest in art and creativity.
While the price tag is higher than other options on the market, the investment is justified by the tablet’s performance, build quality, and access to a vast array of apps.
With the iPad Mini, you’re not just getting a kids’ tablet; you’re getting a versatile device that can adapt to your child’s growing needs, from entertainment to education and beyond.
For parents who want a tablet that offers more than just kid-specific content, that can serve as both a learning tool and a high-performance device for media consumption, the Apple iPad Mini is a top-tier choice that ticks all the boxes.
It’s a device that can truly grow with your child, providing value and utility every step of the way.
3. Samsung Galaxy Tab A Kids Edition
Diving into the world of Android tablets tailored for children, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A Kids Edition stands as a noteworthy option. This device is crafted with the needs of young users in mind, ensuring a safe, engaging, and durable tablet experience.
From its kid-friendly interface to its robust parental controls, the Galaxy Tab A Kids Edition is designed to create a balanced digital environment for children. Let’s delve into the aspects that make this tablet a commendable choice for parents and kids alike.
Key Features
- Durable Design with Kid-Friendly Case: Equipped with a sturdy case to protect against drops and bumps.
- 8-inch Display: Providing ample screen space for interactive games, reading, and video streaming.
- 32 GB Internal Storage with Expandable Memory: Enough space for apps and media, with the option to expand via a microSD card.
- Samsung Kids Subscription: Access to a wide variety of educational content, games, and books.
- Parental Control Features: Comprehensive tools for parents to monitor and manage their child’s tablet use.
Pros
- Robust and Safe for Kids: The durable design and included case make it ready to handle the rigors of a child’s play.
- Rich Educational Content: With the Samsung Kids subscription, there’s a wealth of educational material at your fingertips.
- Comprehensive Parental Controls: Parents can easily set limits, monitor usage, and ensure a safe tablet experience.
Cons
- Limited to Android Ecosystem: While Android offers a vast array of apps, some users might find limitations compared to other ecosystems.
- Performance May Vary: Depending on the usage, some users might experience variations in performance.
Recommendation
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A Kids Edition is an excellent pick, particularly for children in the 3-8 age range. It combines durability, educational content, and parental controls to provide a balanced and safe digital experience for kids.
The inclusion of the Samsung Kids subscription adds significant value, ensuring that there are always new and engaging educational materials for your child to explore.
If you’re seeking a tablet that offers a robust build, tailored content, and extensive parental controls at a relatively affordable price point, this device is worth considering.
It’s a smart investment for parents who want to provide their children with a safe and educational screen time experience without breaking the bank.
In essence, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A Kids Edition delivers a child-friendly tablet experience that balances fun, learning, and safety, ensuring peace of mind for parents and a world of discovery for kids.
4. LeapFrog LeapPad Academy
Embarking on a journey tailored specifically for the younger tech enthusiasts, the LeapFrog LeapPad Academy emerges as a shining star. This tablet goes beyond the norm, providing an enriching educational environment created with the developmental needs of children aged 3-8 in mind.
With a focus on interactive learning and skill-building, the LeapPad Academy stands as a nurturing companion in your child’s digital adventure. Let’s explore what sets this device apart in the crowded landscape of kids‘ tablets.
Key Features
- Kid-Safe Web Browser: A browser designed for kids, providing safe access to pre-selected, kid-friendly web content.
- Educational Games and Apps: Comes pre-loaded with a variety of LeapFrog’s renowned educational games and apps.
- Parental Controls: Comprehensive tools to monitor and manage your child’s usage and progress.
- 7-inch Shatter-Safe Screen: A screen built to endure the bumps and drops that come with everyday child’s play.
- 20+ Learning Activities: Pre-loaded activities focused on math, reading, writing, coding, problem-solving, and creativity.
Pros
- Tailored Educational Content: Content specifically designed to align with developmental milestones and educational standards.
- Safe and Sturdy Design: The shatter-safe screen and durable build provide a robust device ready for active kids.
- Engaging and Interactive: Games and activities that are not just educational but also highly engaging, ensuring kids enjoy the learning process.
Cons
- Limited Third-Party Apps: Being a device focused on education, there is a limitation on the availability of third-party apps.
- May Outgrow Quickly: Depending on your child’s age and development, they might outgrow the content faster than with other tablets.
Recommendation
The LeapFrog LeapPad Academy is a standout option for parents seeking a device that melds education, safety, and engagement.
Its educational content, safe web browser, and robust build make it a top pick for younger children, ensuring that their first steps into the digital world are both safe and enriching.
For those who prioritize educational content and child safety over access to a wider app ecosystem, this tablet hits all the right notes. It’s a tool that’s designed to foster a love for learning while ensuring parents have the control and visibility they need to guide their child’s digital journey.
In essence, the LeapFrog LeapPad Academy offers a comprehensive package for early learning, ensuring that screen time is not just safe, but also an opportunity for growth, creativity, and fun.
5. Kurio Xtreme 2
Entering the scene with a strong emphasis on combining play with education, the Kurio Xtreme 2 is specifically designed to cater to the adventurous spirits of young children. With features geared towards active interaction and learning, this tablet strives to make every moment of screen time count.
Whether it’s engaging in educational activities or enjoying safe, kid-friendly content, the Kurio Xtreme 2 is all about striking that perfect balance. Let’s take a closer look to understand why this tablet is worth considering for your young ones.
Key Features
- Pre-loaded with Educational Content: Comes packed with educational games and apps to kickstart the learning journey.
- Kid-Safe Web Browser: A filtered internet experience that ensures safe browsing for children.
- Body Motion Gaming: A unique feature that encourages kids to move and interact with games using their body movements.
- Parental Control Tools: Comprehensive options for parents to monitor usage, set time limits, and ensure a safe experience.
- Durable Design: Built to withstand the typical rough and tumble of children’s play.
Pros
- Engages Kids Physically: The body motion gaming feature stands out, encouraging kids to be active while playing.
- Focus on Education: With a plethora of pre-loaded educational content, learning is integrated seamlessly into play.
- Safe and Secure: The kid-safe web browser and robust parental controls provide peace of mind for parents.
Cons
- Limited App Store: Some users might find the range of available apps to be somewhat limited.
- Performance: While it holds up well for kid-specific tasks, the performance might not match up to more premium tablets.
Recommendation
The Kurio Xtreme 2 shines as a fantastic option for kids who are full of energy and have a keen interest in learning through play. Its unique body motion gaming feature sets it apart, ensuring that screen time also involves physical activity.
This tablet is especially recommended for parents who are looking for a device that not only provides educational content but also encourages their kids to move and interact actively with technology.
While the app ecosystem may not be as extensive as some of the other tablets on the list, the Kurio Xtreme 2 holds its own with a strong focus on creating a holistic and active learning experience.
In essence, if you’re on the hunt for a tablet that blends learning, safety, and active play, the Kurio Xtreme 2 stands out as a choice that checks all these boxes, fostering an environment where screen time is both beneficial and fun.
Conclusion
Thanks for checking out this article on the best tablets for kids. We understand that finding the right gadget for your little ones can be quite the challenge, with safety, education, and entertainment all being top priorities.
The tablets we’ve discussed above all bring something unique to the table, ensuring that there’s a perfect match for every child’s needs and every parent’s expectations.
From the durable and child-friendly Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Edition, to the educational powerhouse of the LeapFrog LeapPad Academy, these devices are designed to foster a safe and enriching digital playground for your young ones.
Diving into the world of kids’ tablets opens up a spectrum of possibilities, and it’s essential to choose a device that aligns with your child’s age, interests, and your parental preferences.
Parental control features, durability, and a wealth of educational content are common threads among these top picks, ensuring that screen time is not just safe but also an opportunity for learning and development.
Whether you’re leaning towards the versatility of the Apple iPad Mini, the tailored experience of the Samsung Galaxy Tab A Kids Edition, or the active engagement offered by the Kurio Xtreme 2, there’s something for everyone in this curated selection.
In conclusion, investing in the right tablet for your child is a step towards blending education with entertainment, ensuring that their digital interactions are positive, enriching, and above all, safe.
We hope this comprehensive guide has provided you with valuable insights to make an informed decision, turning screen time into a beneficial aspect of your child’s daily routine. Here’s to making smart choices and embracing the digital age with confidence and knowledge!
FAQ Section
What is the best rated kids tablet?
When it comes to finding the best-rated kids tablet, the Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Edition often tops the list. It’s designed with younger kids in mind, featuring a robust protective case, a year subscription to Amazon Kids+, and a range of parental controls that make it a great tablet for the younger audience.
What is the best tablet to get for a toddler?
For toddlers, you want a device that is easy to use, durable, and filled with engaging content. The LeapFrog LeapPad Academy is a great option in this category, tailored for the developmental needs of young kids.
It’s not just a kids tablet, but a learning tool that introduces them to the digital world in a safe and educational manner.
What age should I get my child a tablet?
The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that children younger than 18 months should avoid screen time, other than video chatting.
For children aged 2 to 5 years, limit non-educational screen time to about one hour per weekday and three hours on the weekend days. For kids aged 6 years and older, establish consistent limits on the time spent using media.
What is the best iPad for kids?
The base model iPad or the iPad Mini are both excellent choices when it comes to finding a tablet for kids. The iPad Mini, with its smaller size, is particularly well-suited for young hands, while still offering the power and performance associated with Apple products.
You’ll also have access to a myriad of educational apps through the App Store, ensuring a wealth of content for your child to explore.
What should I look for in terms of storage space for a kids’ tablet?
Kids’ games and apps can quickly fill up storage space, so look for a tablet with ample storage capacity.
The Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Edition comes with 32GB of internal storage, and it also supports microSD cards for additional space. This ensures that there’s plenty of room for games, videos, and educational content.
How important is screen size and resolution for a kids’ tablet?
Screen size and resolution are important, especially if the tablet will be used for watching videos or playing games.
Tablets like the Samsung Galaxy Tab A Kids Edition offer a larger screen with Full HD resolution, providing a crisp and clear viewing experience. For long car rides or movie watching, a larger screen can make a big difference.
Does the tablet need a headphone jack or is Bluetooth enough?
While many tablets now offer Bluetooth connectivity for wireless headphones, having a headphone jack can be a handy feature, especially for older devices that may not have Bluetooth capability.
The Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Edition, for example, includes a headphone jack, providing flexibility in how you connect audio devices.
What tech support options should I look for in a kids’ tablet?
Look for a tablet that offers robust tech support options. The Amazon Fire Kids tablets, for instance, come with 2-year worry-free guarantee and access to customer service, ensuring that help is at hand whenever you need it.
What are some good apps and content available for kids on these tablets?
The Google Play Store and Amazon’s Appstore both offer a wide variety of Android apps tailored for kids, ranging from educational games to e-books.
The Apple App Store also has a vast selection of content suitable for children, ensuring that your iPad or other iOS device can be turned into a learning hub.
Is there a more affordable or cheapest option available?
While all the tablets mentioned offer excellent value, the Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Edition is often considered the cheapest option, providing a full-fledged tablet experience at a more budget-friendly price.
It’s a great tablet that doesn’t compromise on quality, making it a great option for families looking to save.
What additional accessories are useful for a kids’ tablet?
Investing in a protective case is crucial, especially for younger kids. You might also consider screen protectors, styluses for drawing, and kid-friendly headphones.
For tablets like the LeapFrog LeapPad Academy and others designed for young kids, these accessories can enhance the overall experience and lifespan of the device.
What is the best smartwatch to pair with a kids’ tablet?
While not all kids’ tablets directly pair with smartwatches, there are standalone best smartwatches designed specifically for kids, offering games, educational apps, and communication features. Brands like VTech and Garmin have popular options in this category.
How does a tablet fit into a balanced screen time routine?
Balanced screen time involves setting limits, choosing quality content, and encouraging other activities. The Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Edition and other kids’ tablets offer extensive parental controls, helping parents ensure that screen time is a positive and educational part of their child’s day.
Make sure to follow guidelines provided by the American Academy of Pediatrics for a balanced approach.