Because variety is the spice of fluency… and sometimes, kids just need a change.
Let’s be honest, Duolingo is fabulous – and if you haven’t read our full mum-approved review yet, you can find it right here.
But even the cutest green owl can get a bit repetitive. Whether your little one is a budding polyglot or just dipping their toes into a new language, there’s a whole world of learning apps out there that don’t involve daily guilt trips from Duo.
Here are ten of the best language learning apps for kids that aren’t Duolingo – all thoroughly investigated by me, a mum, so you know they’re legit.
1. Gus on the Go
Ages: 3–8
Best for: Absolute beginners
A colourful, story-based app that teaches vocabulary through animations, games, and silly sounds. It’s like language learning meets CBeebies.
🛒 Available on iOS and Android
2. LingoPie Kids
Ages: 5–12
Best for: Kids who love TV
Foreign-language cartoons with subtitles and interactive tools. Kids think they’re watching telly. You know they’re learning. Everyone wins. Works with Netflix.
🎬 [Check it out here – LingoPie Free Trial]
3. Mindsnacks
Ages: 8+
Best for: Competitive learners
Think mini-games meets flashcards meets arcade fun. It turns vocab drills into dopamine-charged chaos. Excellent for tweens.
📲 iOS only
4. Drops
Ages: 7+
Best for: Visual learners
It’s absolutely gorgeous — think icons, animations and no pressure. Just 5 minutes a day of vocab-focused zen.
🌊 Available on iOS, Android + desktop
5. Little Pim
Ages: 2–6
Best for: Screen-limited littles
Short videos with real-world vocabulary, created by language experts and adored by early years educators.
🧸 Also available as DVDs or streaming bundles
6. Memrise
Ages: 10+
Best for: Curious older kids
It’s more grown-up, but fun enough for switched-on tweens. Real native speaker videos and clever spaced repetition.
🧠 Works well for families learning together too
7. Babbel for Kids (beta)
Ages: 8+
Best for: Older kids serious about grammar
Currently rolling out in stages, but Babbel’s reputation speaks for itself. Keep an eye on this one — or try the adult version together.
babbel.com
8. FunEasyLearn
Ages: 6+
Best for: Unusual languages
Teaches 34 languages — from Arabic to Vietnamese — with bright visuals and bite-sized lessons.
🗺️ Brilliant for multicultural families or if your child wants to learn something unique
9. Endless Spanish (or French, or Chinese)
Ages: 4–7
Best for: Beginners who love repetition
The adorable “Endless” characters teach language with silly animations and word puzzles. No scores, no timers, no pressure.
💡 A calm, lovely app for sensitive learners
0. Lingokids
Ages: 3–8
Best for: Structured lessons + play
Technically an all-in-one learning platform, but its language tools are fab. Great if you want something a bit more curriculum-based.
📚 Free version available – with a very tempting paid upgrade
Duolingo may have started the trend, but there’s a universe of language learning apps out there. Kids are all different – some want silly, some want serious, and some just want the owl to stop judging them.
Start with the app that fits your child’s vibe, and if you haven’t already, read our full guide to Duolingo for Kids – What Mums Really Need to Know for even more tips and tricks.
Happy learning – or as Duo would say, ¡Buena suerte! 🦉
💡 Bonus Tip:
Want to help your child stick with a new language? Grab our free printable Duolingo Reward Tracker – perfect for motivation and screen-time sanity.
👉 [Sign up below – link coming soon!]