Best Chess Apps for Kids
Helping your child learn chess with age-appropriate apps that make the game fun and educational.
Published 2026-02-01 | Last verified 2026-02-12
Professor Archer says: Children learn chess differently from adults. They thrive on play, discovery, and gentle encouragement. The worst thing you can do is make chess feel like homework. Let them explore, make wild moves, and have fun. The understanding comes naturally.
Overview
Chess is one of the best activities a child can take up. It develops critical thinking, patience, pattern recognition, and sportsmanship. But choosing the right app matters — children need age-appropriate instruction, a safe online environment, and enough fun to keep them coming back.
This guide reviews chess apps through the lens of parents and educators. We prioritize safety, engagement, and genuine learning over feature counts.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | ChessKid | Lichess | Chess.com |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age Range | 5–12 | 10+ | 13+ |
| Child Safety | Built-in — monitored chat | General audience | General audience |
| Engagement | Animations, rewards | Clean, minimal | Badges, streaks |
| Learning Content | Kid-focused lessons | General studies | General lessons |
| Price | Freemium | Free | Freemium |
| Parental Controls | Yes | No | Limited |
Detailed Review
ChessKid is the gold standard for children's chess platforms. Built by the Chess.com team, it features a safe environment where chat is monitored and social interactions are age-appropriate. The lessons use colorful animations and a reward system that keeps children motivated. Puzzle challenges and bot opponents are calibrated for young learners.
Lichess works well for older children who are comfortable with a general-audience platform. Its clean interface has fewer distractions than commercial alternatives, and the completely free model means no nagging to upgrade. However, it lacks child-specific safety features, so parental guidance is recommended.
Chess.com is suitable for teenagers and older children who are ready for a full-featured platform. The lesson library is excellent, and the social features can be engaging. Parents should be aware that the platform includes open chat and community features designed for adults.
Who Should Use What?
For children under 10, ChessKid is the clear first choice. Its safety features and kid-friendly design are specifically built for young learners.
For children 10 and older who are somewhat independent, Lichess provides a free, clean experience. Pair it with parental involvement and occasional guidance.
For teenagers ready for the full chess community experience, Chess.com provides the largest platform with the most content.
Regardless of the app you choose, the most impactful thing you can do is play chess with your child. No app replaces the experience of learning together.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age can a child start learning chess?
Most children can begin learning the basic moves around age 5 or 6. Some especially focused children start earlier. The key is to follow the child's interest and never force it.
Is online chess safe for my child?
Platforms like ChessKid are designed with child safety in mind. For general platforms like Lichess or Chess.com, parental oversight is recommended, especially regarding chat and social features.
Should I get my child a chess coach?
If your child shows genuine enthusiasm and wants to improve, a coach can be wonderful. For most kids just starting out, a good app and playing with family members is plenty.
Professor Archer says: If your child wants to play chess, that spark of interest is precious. Feed it with the right app, play games with them at home, and let them go at their own pace. Chess is a gift that lasts a lifetime.
Quick Quiz
Which chess platform is specifically designed for children with built-in safety features?
- Lichess - Lichess is a general-audience platform. While it is clean and ad-free, it does not have child-specific safety features.
- ChessKid (Correct) - Correct. ChessKid is purpose-built for children, with monitored chat, parental controls, and age-appropriate content and design.
- Chess.com - Chess.com is designed for a general audience. While it has a large community, it is not specifically designed for children. ChessKid is the Chess.com team's product for young players.
- Chess Tempo - Chess Tempo is a tactical training platform designed for general audiences, not specifically for children.