Let’s be honest: Living in Lagos is an extreme sport. Between the Third Mainland Bridge traffic, waiting rooms, and the sheer busyness of managing a home, sometimes you just need five minutes of peace.
As a developmental specialist and a parent, I am often asked: “Doctor, is screen time ruining my child’s brain?”
My answer is balanced. Technology is a tool, not a villain. When used intentionally, high-quality apps can boost vocabulary and problem-solving. But the key is “active engagement” rather than passive watching.
I have curated a list of 11 free, educational toddler games that are perfect for those long car rides or waiting times. Plus, because screens can’t replace the tactile learning critical for toddlers, I’ve included the “Real World Swap”—the physical toy from Daily Kids Find that builds the same skill better.
The “Gold Standard” Learning Apps (Global Favorites)
1. Khan Academy Kids
This is widely considered the best free educational app globally. It covers everything from reading to emotional learning without any ads.
- Best for: All-round learning (Math, Reading, Logic).
- Why I love it: It adapts to your child’s learning pace.
- The “Real World” Swap: Apps teach concepts, but flashcards and wooden counters teach the weight of numbers.
- Check out our Montessori Math sets at Daily Kids Find.
2. LEGO® DUPLO® WORLD
A fantastic app for open-ended creative play. It allows kids to build virtual structures and role-play.
- Best for: Creativity and spatial reasoning.
- Why I love it: It’s slower-paced than most games, which is better for a toddler’s attention span.
- The “Real World” Swap: Nothing beats the click of real bricks.
- Browse our massive collection of LEGO Duplo and Building Blocks to strengthen those little fingers.
3. Starfall ABCs
A classic for teaching phonics. If you want your child to read early, this is a great start.
- Best for: Pre-reading and phonics.
- The “Real World” Swap: Magnetic Letter sets. Letting a child physically feel the curve of a ‘C’ or the straight line of an ‘L’ reinforces the shape in their memory faster than tapping a screen.
The “Roots & Culture” Apps (Nigerian & African Focus)
It is vital for our children to see themselves represented in the media they consume.
4. Genii Games (Asa)
Developed here in Nigeria, this app teaches children African languages (Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa) and culture through animated folktales and games.
- Best for: Cultural identity and local languages.
- Why I love it: It keeps our heritage alive in a digital format.
- The “Real World” Swap: Storytelling time. Pairing this app with our local storybooks creates a rich cultural environment at home.
5. NKENNE
While broader in scope, this app is fantastic for learning African languages with fun, gamified lessons.
- Best for: Language acquisition.
The “Lagos Life Savers” (Offline & Travel Friendly)
Data is expensive, and networks can be unreliable. These apps work offline.
6. PBS KIDS Games
Features beloved characters like Daniel Tiger. You can download games to play without Wi-Fi.
- Best for: Emotional intelligence (EQ) and social skills.
- The “Real World” Swap: Role-play sets (Kitchens, Doctor Kits). Daniel Tiger teaches empathy; acting it out with a Daily Kids Find Doctor Set cements it.
7. Fish School
Created by Khan Academy, this app uses colorful fish to form letters and shapes.
- Best for: Visual recognition (Shapes and Colors).
- The “Real World” Swap: Fishing Games. Our magnetic fishing toys develop hand-eye coordination that tapping a screen simply cannot replicate.
8. LooLoo Kids
Famous for “Johny Johny Yes Papa,” this app allows offline viewing of nursery rhymes.
- Best for: Music and rhythm.
- The “Real World” Swap: Musical Instruments. Don’t just watch Johny; be the band! Get a xylophone or drum set from our store and march around the living room.
Visual & Logic Builders
9. Busy Shapes
Based on Piaget’s developmental theories, this app is like a digital shape sorter.
- Best for: Logic and critical thinking.
- The “Real World” Swap: Wooden Shape Sorters. A physical cube teaches “object permanence” and spatial awareness much more effectively because the child has to rotate the block in 3D space.
10. Elmo Loves 123s
Sesame Street is timeless. This app makes counting fun with videos and tracing games.
- Best for: Early numeracy.
11. Breathe, Think, Do with Sesame
A rare app focused entirely on anxiety and problem-solving. It teaches kids to take deep breaths to calm down.
- Best for: Emotional regulation and patience.
- The “Real World” Swap: Sensory Fidget Toys. Sometimes a child just needs to squeeze something to calm down. Our sensory balls and pop-it toys are perfect for this.
The Doctor’s Final Prescription
Apps are excellent for “filling the gap”—like when you are stuck in traffic on the Lekki-Epe Expressway or waiting for a table at a restaurant.
However, play is the work of childhood.
A screen is flat. The world is 3D. A child needs to feel texture, judge weight, and manipulate objects to fully develop their fine motor skills and cognitive abilities.
My Advice:
Use these apps for 20 minutes a day, but ensure your home is stocked with the “Real World Swaps.”
Looking for the best developmental toys in Lagos?
At Daily Kids Find, we specialize in toys that do more than just entertain—they educate. From wooden Montessori sets to durability-tested building blocks, we have everything your toddler needs to grow smart and strong.
👉 Shop the “Real World” Collection at Daily Kids Find
Visit our Lagos store or order online for delivery across Nigeria.
