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What are the best tablet drawing apps for kids?

Updated October 2026 · How we answer

Short answerGood drawing apps for kids are simple, safe and easy to start with, such as Tayasui Sketches or MediBang Paint. Look for clear icons, an easy undo button, and no required ads or purchases for basic drawing.

What to look for

Kids usually do best with an app that has a small set of tools, large and clear icons, and an easy undo button. A basic brush, a pencil, an eraser and a few colors are enough to start. Avoid apps that push constant purchase prompts or require an account for basic drawing.

Check the app's age rating and privacy settings in the app store, and set up parental controls on the device. Many apps offer a free version with optional upgrades, so decide ahead of time what you are comfortable paying for.

  • Simple tools and clear icons
  • Easy undo and eraser
  • No required purchases or account for basic drawing
  • Age rating and privacy settings checked
  • Offline use, if you prefer it

Good starting points

Tayasui Sketches is a popular choice with a clean interface and simple tools, and it has a free tier. Autodesk SketchBook has a straightforward layout that works well for beginners. MediBang Paint is free and has a broader feature set, which can be useful once a child wants more layers and control.

If your child is just getting used to a stylus, a basic drawing app with finger input can work well. A dedicated stylus can come later when the child is ready for finer control.

Common mistakes

  • Letting a child use an app with unclear in-app purchases or ads without setting limits.
  • Buying an expensive stylus before knowing whether the child will keep using the app.
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