You use Alexa to check the weather and play your favorite tunes. But did you know that everyone’s favorite voice assistant also provides plenty of learning opportunities? Here are some of the best educational Alexa skills to try right now. To get started, just say “Alexa, play….” or “Alexa, launch…” Some of these Alexa skills require you to enable additional permissions, but most don’t.
1. 1-2-3 Math
This educational Alexa skill tests kids their elementary math knowledge. Choose from three categories, “easy,” “medium,” and “hard,” and earn points for correct answers.
2. Amazon Storytime
Kids can hear hundreds of short stories read aloud, and even make special requests. (“Alexa, tell me a silly story!)
3. Animal Workout
This one is a great way to get kids up and moving! Alexa will challenge you to waddle like a penguin or crawl like an ant while upbeat music plays. Dozens of animal types/movements featured!
4. Curiosity
In this educational Alexa skill for curious kids, Alexa asks you to choose between different topics (like “the moon” and “emotions”) and then gives you fun facts based on your choice.
5. Daily Dinosaur
Learn about the dinosaur of the day! After Alexa tells you about the dinosaur, consider having kids draw what they think it looked like. Then look on Google to see if you are right.
6. Earplay
Earplay has a “mature content” warning but in our testing we didn’t hear anything that wouldn’t be suitable for middle school and up. Use your own discretion, of course, but we loved this “choose your own adventure” storytelling skill that feels like an old-time radio show.
7. Escape the Room
Turn any room into an escape room with this skill! Really fun, really hard. (My family has yet to beat the easiest level.) Probably best for middle school and up due to the difficulty of the clues.
8. Guess the Animal
Kids love this guessing game! Alexa pretends to be an animal and reads a series of clues. As soon as kids know the answer, they can say “Alexa, you’re a zebra!”
9. Kids News
A kid-friendly news digest that also features news and fun facts.
10. Kids’ Quiz
You can try this skill every day to hear three new questions about animals, science, and more.
11. Lemonade Stand
Remember this old school computer game? It’s been reinvented as an Alexa skill, and it’s so much fun! Kids practice math while making and selling lemonade.
12. The Magic Door
This is another choose-your-own adventure story skill, set in a fantastical world. Good for all ages.
13. Silly Things
This one is maybe not as educational as others on this list, but still lots of fun! Alexa will give kids “silly things” to do, such as “do your most silly dance.”
14. Story Blanks
Like Mad Libs…for Alexa! There are only four story templates to choose from, but this is still a fun one.
15. This Day in History
Ask Alexa to launch “This Day in History” to learn all about historical facts from the day. Powered by The History Channel.
16. Travel Quest
Kids can travel around the world and earn stamps for their passports with this virtual simulation.
17. Tricky Genie
Test kids’ decision-making and logic with this story app that frequently pauses and asks kids to choose between three “sacks” with potential answers to a problem.
18. Word of the Day
Learn a new vocabulary word every day with this educational Alexa skill for all ages.
19. Word Play
This Jeopardy-like game allows you to compete with players around the world to complete word clues.
20. Would You Rather for Family
Spark family conversations with these fun “would you rather” scenarios, specifically written for kids.
What are your favorite educational Alexa skills? Share in the comments!
Plus, the best educational shows on Netflix.
