18 Best Apps for 11 Year Old Girls: Educational, Fun, and Safe Picks

Finding the perfect educational app for your 11-year-old daughter can feel overwhelming with thousands of options available. At this pivotal age, girls are developing critical thinking skills, exploring creative interests, and beginning to navigate social dynamics. The right apps can foster a love of learning while providing safe digital experiences that align with their developmental needs.

Research from the Joan Ganz Cooney Center indicates that interactive educational apps can improve learning outcomes by up to 30% when used appropriately. However, not all apps are created equal, especially for tween girls who benefit from content that resonates with their interests and learning styles.

How to Choose Apps for 11 Year Old Girls

Understanding Developmental Milestones 

Eleven-year-old girls are experiencing significant cognitive and social development. They’re developing abstract thinking abilities, showing increased interest in peer relationships, and often demonstrating strong preferences for specific subjects or creative activities. According to child development experts, this age group benefits from apps that challenge them intellectually while supporting their growing independence.

When selecting apps for tweens, consider their individual interests, academic needs, and social development stage. Some girls may gravitate toward STEM subjects, while others prefer creative expression or language learning. The key is finding apps that match their developmental readiness and personal interests.

Key Features to Look For

Safety and Privacy First

• Age-appropriate content ratings (9+ or 12+)
• No chat features with strangers
• Clear privacy policies regarding data collection
• Minimal or no in-app purchases
• Offline functionality when possible

Educational Value

• Curriculum alignment with common core standards
• Progressive difficulty levels
• Real-time feedback and progress tracking
• Interactive elements that promote engagement
• Step-by-step learning approaches

User Experience

• Intuitive interface design
• Customizable avatars and profiles
• Visual learner-friendly graphics
• Easy navigation without adult assistance

Educational vs. Entertainment Apps

The most effective apps for 11-year-old girls strike a balance between education and entertainment. Pure entertainment apps may provide temporary engagement but offer limited long-term value. Conversely, overly academic apps might feel too much like “digital worksheets” and fail to maintain interest.

Educational games that incorporate fun elements—such as storytelling, character development, or puzzle-solving—tend to be most successful. Research suggests that when kids can practice skills through playful interaction, they’re more likely to retain information and develop a positive association with learning.

Importance of Gender-Inclusive Design

While it’s important to avoid stereotypes, research shows that tween girls often respond well to apps featuring:

• Diverse character representation
• Collaborative rather than competitive elements
• Narrative-driven content
• Opportunities for creative expression
• Real-world application of skills

The best apps for this age group fosters a sense of belonging and encourages girls to see themselves as capable learners in all subject areas, particularly in STEM fields where representation matters.

Top Educational Apps for 11 Year Old Girls 

Khan Academy Kids

Khan Academy’s free educational app offers comprehensive, self-paced lessons across multiple subjects. The platform covers math, science, reading, and creative arts with engaging animated videos and interactive exercises.

Key Features:

• Personalized learning dashboard
• Progress tracking for parents
• Offline access to downloaded content
• No advertisements or in-app purchases
• Curriculum aligned with educational standards

Research from Stanford University shows that students using Khan Academy for 30 minutes per week demonstrate significant improvement in math scores. The app’s adaptive learning technology adjusts difficulty levels based on individual progress, making it ideal for 11-year-olds who need challenging yet achievable content.

Khan Academy Kids: App Store 

Duolingo

This gamified language learning app transforms foreign language acquisition into an engaging daily habit. With over 40 languages available, girls can explore global cultures while building valuable communication skills.

Why It Works:

• Streak tracking encourages consistent practice
• Bite-sized lessons fit busy schedules
• Story-based learning maintains interest
• Social features allow family participation
• Free version provides substantial content

Language learning expert Dr. Benny Lewis notes that “apps like Duolingo succeed because they remove the intimidation factor from language learning and make it feel like play rather than work.”

Duolingo: App Store 

Scratch

Developed by MIT, Scratch introduces coding concepts through visual programming blocks. Girls can create interactive stories, games, and animations while learning fundamental programming logic.

Educational Benefits:

• Develops computational thinking skills
• Encourages problem-solving and debugging
• Fosters creativity through digital storytelling
• Builds confidence in technology
• Safe online community for sharing projects

Studies indicate that early exposure to coding, particularly through visual platforms like Scratch, can increase girls’ likelihood of pursuing STEM careers by 42%.

Scratch: App Store 

BrainPOP

This comprehensive educational platform offers animated videos covering science, social studies, English, math, and arts. Complex concepts become accessible through engaging characters and clear explanations.

Notable Features:

• Age-appropriate content for different grade levels
• Quiz functionality to test comprehension
• Related reading materials and activities
• Teacher-approved curriculum alignment
• Monthly subscription model with family plans

BrainPOP: App Store 

Photomath

For girls struggling with math homework, Photomath provides step-by-step solutions by simply scanning equations with the device camera. This app transforms math anxiety into understanding through clear visual explanations.

Learning Advantages:

• Instant feedback on problem-solving
• Multiple solution methods shown
• Graphing calculator functionality
• Works offline for core features
• Supports various math levels from basic arithmetic to calculus

Photomath: App Store 

Quizlet

This versatile study tool helps students master school topics through flashcards, practice tests, and memory games. The app adapts to individual learning patterns and provides multiple study modes.

Study Benefits:

• Customizable flashcard sets
• Audio pronunciation for language learning
• Collaborative study groups
• Progress tracking and weak area identification
• Integration with classroom curricula

Quizlet: App Store 

Best Creative and Art Apps for Tween Girls 

Toca Boca World

This open-ended digital playground encourages storytelling and imaginative play through customizable characters and environments. Girls can create their own narratives while developing social-emotional skills.

Creative Elements:

• Eight interconnected locations to explore
• Character customization options
• No time limits or competitive pressure
• Regular content updates
• Safe environment for creative expression

Child psychologist Dr. Peter Gray emphasizes that “unstructured play, even in digital formats, is crucial for developing creativity and emotional intelligence.”

Toca Boca World: App Store 

Procreate Pocket

A powerful yet user-friendly drawing app that introduces girls to digital art creation. The interface mimics traditional art tools while offering digital advantages like unlimited undos and layer functionality.

Artistic Features:

• Professional-grade drawing tools
• Time-lapse recording of artwork creation
• Extensive brush library
• Easy sharing capabilities
• One-time purchase with regular updates

Procreate Pocket: App Store 

Piano Academy

Interactive piano lessons that adapt to individual skill levels, making music education accessible and enjoyable. The app includes popular songs that resonate with tween interests.

Musical Benefits:

• Step-by-step lesson progression
• Real piano sound recognition
• Popular song library
• Practice tracking and achievements
• Works with acoustic or digital pianos

Research from Northwestern University shows that music education enhances cognitive development, particularly in areas of executive function and academic achievement.

Piano Academy: App Store 

Book Creator

This app empowers girls to become authors by creating digital books with text, images, and audio recordings. It’s particularly valuable for building literacy skills and creative confidence.

Publishing Features:

• Multimedia integration capabilities
• Simple drag-and-drop interface
• Voice recording functionality
• Easy sharing with family and friends
• Export options for various formats

Book Creator: App Store 

Stop Motion Studio

• d effect and music integration
• Green screen functionality
• Export to various video formats
• Tutorial library for beginners

Stop Motion Studio: App Store 

Fun and Interactive Games with Educational Twist 

MentalUP

Scientifically designed brain games that enhance cognitive abilities including attention, memory, and problem-solving skills. The app provides detailed progress reports for both children and parents.

Cognitive Benefits:

• Personalized daily workouts
• Performance tracking across skill areas
• Age-appropriate difficulty adjustment
• No violent or inappropriate content
• Developed with child psychologists

MentalUP: App Store 

Cool Math Games

Despite its educational foundation, this platform feels like pure entertainment while secretly teaching mathematical concepts and logical reasoning.

Learning Through Play:

• Logic puzzles and strategy games
• Math concepts embedded in gameplay
• No explicit “learning” pressure
• Wide variety of game types
• Browser-based with mobile optimization

Cool Math Games: App Store 

Sushi Monster

Mental math practice disguised as a fun monster-feeding game. Players solve arithmetic problems to feed the hungry sushi monster, making math practice enjoyable.

Math Skill Development:

• Addition, subtraction, multiplication, division
• Adjustable difficulty levels
• Immediate feedback on answers
• Progress tracking
• Engaging visual design

Sushi Monster: App Store 

Cyberchase Shape Quest

Using augmented reality technology, this app develops spatial awareness and geometry skills through interactive puzzles and real-world exploration.

STEM Integration:

• AR technology engagement
• Geometry and measurement concepts
• Problem-solving challenges
• Connection to PBS educational content
• Encourages physical movement

Cyberchase Shape Quest: App Store 

Safe Social and Communication Apps for Preteens 

Evernote

A digital organization tool that helps girls develop planning and note-taking skills while providing a safe space for journaling and creative writing.

Organizational Benefits:

• Cross-device synchronization
• Multimedia note capabilities
• Search functionality across all notes
• Privacy controls
• Academic planning templates

Evernote: App Store 

GroupMe (with Parental Oversight)

For girls involved in school activities or sports teams, GroupMe provides safe group communication under parent supervision.

Communication Features:

• Group messaging for activities
• Event planning capabilities
• Photo and document sharing
• Parent monitoring options
• No unknown contact access

Important Note: This app requires active parental involvement and clear usage guidelines.

GroupMe: App Store 

Messenger Kids

Facebook’s child-friendly messaging app provides safe communication with approved contacts while teaching digital citizenship skills.

Safety Features:

• Parent-controlled contact lists
• No advertisements or in-app purchases
• Sleep mode functionality
• Activity monitoring for parents
• Age-appropriate interface design

Messenger Kids: App Store 

Parental Controls and Safety Tips 

Control Method	Platform	Key Features
Screen Time	iOS	App limits, downtime scheduling, content restrictions
Family Link	Android	App approval, time limits, location tracking
Router Controls	All devices	Network-level filtering, time restrictions
Built-in App Controls	Various	Age ratings, purchase restrictions, privacy settings

Built-in Device Features for Control

iOS Screen Time Features:

• Daily app time limits
• Downtime scheduling
• Content and privacy restrictions
• Family sharing integration
• Real-time usage reports

Android Family Link:

• App installation approval
• Daily time limits per app
• Bedtime device locking
• Location tracking
• Activity report summaries

These built-in tools provide comprehensive control without requiring additional software installations.

Tips for Setting Rules Together

Creating collaborative technology agreements helps 11-year-olds understand expectations while fostering responsible digital citizenship. Consider these strategies:

Family Tech Contract Elements:

• Agreed-upon daily screen time limits
• Designated tech-free zones and times
• Consequences for inappropriate usage
• Regular family discussions about online experiences
• Emergency contact procedures

Research from the University of Washington suggests that children who participate in creating family media rules show 23% better compliance than those who simply follow imposed restrictions.

Signs to Watch Out For

Red Flags for App Safety:

• Requests for personal information
• Unrestricted chat features
• Excessive in-app purchase prompts
• Age-inappropriate advertisements
• No clear privacy policy

Behavioral Changes to Monitor:

• Secretive behavior about app usage
• Dramatic mood changes after device time
• Neglecting offline activities or responsibilities
• Sleep disruption from late-night usage
• Anxiety when separated from devices

Bonus Apps for Wellness and Mindfulness 

Headspace for Kids

Guided meditation and mindfulness exercises designed specifically for children, helping girls develop emotional regulation skills and stress management techniques.

Wellness Features:

• Age-appropriate meditation content
• Focus and calm exercises
• Sleep stories and sounds
• Progress tracking
• Parent resources and guidance

Studies from UCLA show that children who practice mindfulness demonstrate improved attention spans and emotional resilience.

Headspace: App Store 

I am – Daily Affirmations

A positive psychology app that delivers personalized daily affirmations and confidence-building exercises, helping tween girls develop healthy self-talk and emotional resilience.

Empowerment Elements:

• Customizable daily affirmations
• Mood tracking and reflection tools
• Gratitude journaling features
• Stress management techniques
• Simple, age-appropriate interface

I am – Daily Affirmations: App Store 

Smiling Mind

Evidence-based mindfulness program developed by psychologists specifically for young people, providing tools for emotional resilience and well-being.

Mental Health Benefits:

• Structured mindfulness programs
• Classroom and home versions
• Progress tracking
• Scientific backing
• Free access to all content

Smiling Mind: App Store 

Expert Recommendations and Final Thoughts

Selecting the right apps for your 11-year-old daughter requires balancing educational value, entertainment, and safety considerations. The digital landscape offers unprecedented opportunities for learning and creativity when navigated thoughtfully.

Top 3 Must-Have Apps

1. Khan Academy Kids – Comprehensive educational content across all subjects with personalized learning paths
2. Scratch – Creative coding platform that builds technical skills while encouraging artistic expression
3. Duolingo – Gamified language learning that opens cultural doors and builds communication skills

These three apps provide a foundation of academic support, creative expression, and global awareness that can benefit any 11-year-old girl.

Mix of Fun, Learning, and Safety

The most successful approach involves rotating apps based on your daughter’s current interests, academic needs, and developmental stage. Consider creating themed “app weeks” that focus on different skills:

• STEM Week: Scratch, BrainPOP, Photomath
• Creative Week: Procreate Pocket, Book Creator, Stop Motion Studio
• Wellness Week: Headspace for Kids, journaling apps, mindfulness tools
• Academic Support Week: Khan Academy Kids, Quizlet, subject-specific apps

Remember that apps are tools to enhance, not replace, real-world learning experiences. The goal is fostering a love of learning that extends beyond screen time into lifelong curiosity and growth.

Regular family discussions about digital experiences, combined with age-appropriate boundaries and diverse app selections, create the optimal environment for healthy technology use during these formative tween years.

FAQs About Apps for 11 Year Old Girls