Spelling is an incredibly important part of literacy development. From initially recognizing letter sounds to mastering tricky and unusual word patterns, strong spelling skills can boost a child’s confidence in reading, writing, and overall communication. But for many children, spelling practice can feel repetitive or overwhelming - especially when it involves endless word lists and worksheets. Spelling tests, in particular, can become a source of stress. That’s where spelling apps can make a big difference! With the right tools, learning becomes interactive, exciting, and even fun - helping kids feel more confident and ready to ace those tests!
Whether your child is just starting to learn the alphabet or preparing for spelling bee-level challenges, there are plenty of apps designed to support their growth. These apps allow children to explore spelling at their own pace, anytime and anywhere. We’ve rounded up six of our favorite spelling apps that will help your child build essential skills while having fun along the way.
Best for ages 6 - 12
Night Zookeeper turns spelling practice into a magical adventure. As children create their own zoo full of imaginative animals, they’re guided through interactive spelling, grammar, and vocabulary games and challenges designed by educators. The app can be adapted to your child’s learning level, making it a perfect fit whether they’re just starting or looking for an extra boost.
Parents love the safe online environment, creative writing prompts, and encouraging personalized feedback from real tutors. With spelling woven into exciting games and lessons, kids don’t even realize how much they’re learning!
📱Available on: Tablets, laptops, and PCs via web browser, and iOS for tablet. Coming soon to iOS for mobile!
💡 Bonus: Try the 7-day FREE trial to see if it’s the right fit:
Best for ages 3 - 6
This simple, easy-to-use app focuses on helping early learners master common sight words (a word that readers recognize instantly, without needing to sound it out) through repetition and phonics. Children are encouraged to drag letters into the correct order to spell the word they hear. The customizable settings allow parents to record their own voice or upload personalized word lists. It’s a great choice for preschoolers or kindergarteners just starting out with spelling basics.
📱Available on iOS and Android
Best for ages 12+
Perfect for older children or more advanced spellers, this app mimics the structure of a traditional spelling bee. Children hear a word, then type it in - just like the real thing! The app includes multiple levels of difficulty and offers definitions and usage examples to boost vocabulary, too. It’s a fantastic way to prepare for spelling competitions/tests or simply practice under a little friendly pressure.
📱Available on iOS
Best for Ages 4 - 7
ABC Spelling offers vibrant visuals and engaging mini-games that teach letter recognition, phonics, and spelling for kids who are embarking on their learning journey, or struggling to get to grips with the basics of spelling and phonics. From matching letters to completing simple spelling puzzles, the app keeps learning dynamic and interesting. Its playful reward system helps kids stay motivated as they progress through the levels.
📱Available on iOS and Android
Best for ages 3 - 6
ABC Ride takes children on an interactive bike ride adventure with siblings Beck and Bo, meeting new words, letters, and sounds along the way. The app promotes letter-sound associations and introduces kids to the basics of word building through hands-on exploration. It's a colorful story-driven introduction to spelling for younger learners.
📱Available on iOS and Android
Best for ages 9 - 11
SpellBoard is an app that allows parents or teachers to input their own spelling lists, making it perfect for weekly school assignments or personalized practice. Children can hear the word, see it used in a sentence, and then write it out. The app tracks progress and includes fun quizzes to keep learners engaged.
📱Available on iOS
These spelling apps are just the boost your child needs to become a super speller! Try them out and watch your child conquer those tricky words with ease.
Don't forget, you can try Night Zookeeper for 7 days with a FREE trial - risk free, cancel anytime!
If you have any questions, email us at support@nightzookeeper.com or drop us a message on social media:
“This has been a great resource for our homeschool this year! It is great for all ages and abilities (our 10, 9, and 7-year-olds are currently using it). My kids are always begging to do more Night Zookeeper! It’s fun for them and helps by prompting them to be creative!”
- Michelle, homeschool parent, US