Guide

The best animation apps for kids, by what they want to make

Most "best animation apps" lists rank tools as if every child wants the same thing. They do not. A six year old with a story in their head needs something very different from a ten year old who draws all day.

Last updated 29 September 2026

The apps, compared

1. 1. Toonaroo

   Our pick for storytellers

   The child names the movie, then builds it one scene at a time: what the picture shows, then how it moves. Toonaroo draws and animates each scene and joins them into one film.

   Best for: Ages 4 to 10 who want a finished movie without learning animation

   Skill needed: None. The child describes each scene in words

   Works on: Any web browser, phone, tablet or computer

2. 2. FlipaClip

   Real frame-by-frame animation with layers and onion skinning. The free version is genuinely usable.

   Best for: Ages 9 and up who love drawing

   Skill needed: Medium to high

   Works on: iOS, Android

3. 3. Stop Motion Studio

   Photograph toys one small move at a time and play them back. Great hands-on fun; needs patience.

   Best for: Toy and LEGO films

   Skill needed: Medium

   Works on: iOS, Android, Mac, Windows

4. 4. ScratchJr

   Free, from the MIT and Tufts team. Characters are animated with coding blocks.

   Best for: Ages 5 to 7 learning to code

   Skill needed: Low to medium

   Works on: iOS, Android, Chromebook

5. 5. Procreate Dreams

   A serious animation tool with a proper timeline. Wonderful for a committed young artist.

   Best for: Older children and teens with an iPad and a stylus

   Skill needed: High

   Works on: iPad

Frequently asked questions

Keep reading