Choose by age and interest
The best iPad game for a young player depends on what they want to do with it. A preschooler who likes tapping and experimenting may enjoy Pok Pok or LEGO DUPLO World. Khan Academy Kids is a free starting point for reading and number games. Older children who enjoy inventing stories can try ScratchJr or Toca Boca World.
The age ranges below are rough starting points based on the developers’ descriptions and our judgement about the activity. They are different from Apple’s App Store age ratings. Try the first session together to see whether the controls, reading and pace fit your family.
Five iPad games at a glance
Start with the kind of play, then check what the free download includes. Every pick has an iPad listing in the Australian App Store.
| Game | Age starting point | Best for | Cost model |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pok Pok | About 2–5 | Calm, open-ended play | Free download and trial; subscription for full access |
| LEGO DUPLO World | About 3–6 | Building and shared play | Free download; activity packs or a subscription cost extra |
| Khan Academy Kids | About 2–8 | Reading and maths games | Free, with no ads or subscription according to the developer |
| ScratchJr | About 5–7 | Making a first game | Free |
| Toca Boca World | About 6–8 | Pretend play and storytelling | Free download; optional in-app purchases |
Prices, included content and iPadOS requirements can change. Check the linked listing on the iPad you plan to use before downloading or buying.
1. Pok Pok
Good fit: Calm, open-ended play · About 2–5
Its digital toys invite experimenting with blocks, drawing, music and other simple scenes. There is no score to chase, so it is a starting point when you want exploratory play rather than levels.
What to consider
The full collection needs a renewing subscription. Try the available activities together before deciding whether the recurring cost suits your family.
Try this together
Open one toy and take turns changing it. Ask what happens when you move a piece.
2. LEGO DUPLO World
Good fit: Building and shared play · About 3–6
Themed scenes, digital bricks and multi-touch play make this an option for a younger player who likes vehicles, animals or building alongside someone else.
What to consider
The free download is only a starting point. Check which activities are included and whether a pack or a subscription is being offered before paying.
Try this together
Build a vehicle together, then invent a short trip for it.
3. Khan Academy Kids
Good fit: Reading and maths games · About 2–8
A broad mix of early reading, numbers, books and creative activities makes this the easiest free place to start if you want learning games on an iPad.
What to consider
It is a collection of guided learning activities, so a player looking for a pretend-play world or a building sandbox may prefer another pick.
Try this together
Let them choose one story and one number game, then talk about which they enjoyed.
4. ScratchJr
Good fit: Making a first game · About 5–7
Children join visual blocks to animate characters and make interactive stories. It is a small, creative first step for someone who asks how games are made.
What to consider
ScratchJr is a creation tool, not a library of ready-made games. A grown-up may need to help plan a first project and work through its controls.
Try this together
Choose two characters and make one move when tapped.
5. Toca Boca World
Good fit: Pretend play and storytelling · About 6–8
Characters, places and objects give a player room to invent everyday stories. Choose it when dressing up, arranging rooms and acting out scenes are more appealing than winning levels.
What to consider
Extra locations and items are sold in the in-app shop. Explore the included world first and set a purchase rule before opening the shop together.
Try this together
Set up a small café and tell the story of its first customer.
Before you download an iPad game
- Check compatibility. Open the game’s App Store listing on the iPad to confirm its current iPadOS requirement and available storage.
- Look past “Free”. A free download may include a trial, a subscription or paid packs. Decide what you are willing to spend before handing over the device.
- Set purchase controls. Apple explains how to block in-app purchases with Screen Time. If your family uses Family Sharing, you can review eligible download and purchase requests with Ask to Buy.
- Play the first session together. Watch how they handle menus and instructions, then choose a natural stopping point, such as finishing a story or saving a creation.
Common questions
Which of these iPad games are free?
Khan Academy Kids and ScratchJr are free on the Australian App Store. Pok Pok, LEGO DUPLO World and Toca Boca World are free to download but offer subscriptions or additional purchases. Check each listing for current terms.
What works for a three- or four-year-old?
Pok Pok and LEGO DUPLO World are worth exploring for hands-on play; Khan Academy Kids offers early learning activities. Interest and the help needed matter more than a birthday. App Store age ratings describe content classification, not a promise that a player can use every control independently.
What if they want to make a game?
ScratchJr is the clearest starting point in this list for ages around 5–7. It lets a player put together a small interactive story or game with picture-based coding blocks. Start with one scene and build from there.
How we chose these games
We checked each game’s Australian App Store listing and Apple’s purchase-control guidance on 23 September 2026. We chose five different play styles and compared the developer’s description, intended age and cost model. The suggestions about fit and first activities are our editorial judgement.
This is a researched shortlist, not a hands-on review or safety certification. We have not independently tested every device or purchase flow. There are no affiliate links. ZOXX is building its own games app; it is not included here as an available iPad game.
What we’re building
A new place for families to play and create.
We’re developing the ZOXX games app and our game-making service. The app isn’t available yet. Join the launch list if you’d like to hear when it is.