My Favorite apps and websites.
Looking for free ways to keep your child learning this summer? Discover a teacher's favorite educational apps and websites to help prevent the summer slide and build confidence for the new school year.
5/30/20263 min read
My Favorite Free Educational Apps and Websites to Help Prevent the Summer Slide
As both a teacher and a tutor, one question I hear every spring is, "What can I do to help my child over the summer?"
Many parents worry about the summer slide—the loss of academic skills that can happen when students take a long break from reading, writing, and math. The good news is that preventing the summer slide doesn't require expensive programs or hours of schoolwork each day.
In fact, just 15–30 minutes of learning a few times each week can make a big difference. I always encourage families to find activities that are engaging, fun, and easy to fit into their summer schedules.
Here are some of my favorite free educational apps and websites that I often recommend to families looking to keep learning going all summer long.
My Top 5 Free Educational Apps
1. Khan Academy Kids
Best for Ages 2–8
This is one of my favorite apps for younger learners. It includes reading, math, writing, and social-emotional learning activities, all presented in a fun and engaging way. Best of all, it's completely free.
2. Duolingo
Best for Ages 8 and Up
Summer is a great time to explore something new. Learning another language helps students build vocabulary, reading skills, and confidence while having fun.
3. PBS KIDS Games
Best for Ages 3–8
Young students love seeing familiar PBS characters while practicing important academic skills. The games cover reading, math, science, and problem-solving.
4. NASA App
Best for Ages 8 and Up
For students who love science, technology, and space, the NASA App is packed with videos, articles, and amazing images that spark curiosity and learning.
5. Libby
Best for All Ages
As a reading teacher, I can't stress enough how important reading is during the summer. With a library card, students can access thousands of free ebooks and audiobooks through Libby.
My Top 5 Free Educational Websites
1. Khan Academy
Khan Academy is a wonderful resource for students who want extra practice or need a refresher on skills from the previous school year. The lessons are clear, easy to follow, and completely free.
2. ReadWorks
I often recommend ReadWorks to families because it provides high-quality reading passages and comprehension questions. Students can practice reading while learning about interesting topics.
3. National Geographic Kids
This website is perfect for curious learners. Students can read about animals, science, geography, and current events while strengthening their reading skills.
4. Smithsonian Learning Lab
If your child enjoys history, science, art, or exploration, the Smithsonian Learning Lab offers endless opportunities to learn something new.
5. XtraMath
Math fact fluency is one of the skills students often lose over the summer. Spending just a few minutes each day on XtraMath can help students maintain their addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division skills.
A Few Final Thoughts
As a teacher, I know that every child learns differently. Some students love reading books, while others enjoy games, videos, or hands-on activities. The goal isn't to recreate the school day during summer break. Instead, it's about keeping young minds active and curious.
I encourage families to find a balance between learning, outdoor play, family time, and relaxation. Even a small amount of consistent practice can help students start the new school year feeling more confident and prepared.
And remember, learning doesn't only happen on a screen. Reading together, writing a grocery list, helping with cooking, playing board games, visiting the library, and exploring nature are all wonderful learning opportunities.
If your child could benefit from additional support this summer, I'd love to help. At Cindy's Tutoring Services, I provide personalized tutoring in reading, writing, math, and homework support for students in grades K–8. Together, we can help your child maintain skills, build confidence, and start the next school year strong.
