Best apps for preteen girls
Gentle, positive apps to support growing minds
Updated February 18, 2026
In this article
The preteen years can feel like a quietly tricky time.
Girls are starting to notice changes in their bodies, emotions, and friendships - but they’re not quite teenagers yet, and that in-between space can feel confusing.
Feelings can be bigger, confidence can wobble, and parents often aren’t sure how much support is too much or too little.
Thankfully, there are some great apps that can help your preteen navigate it all.
From relaxing games to apps that spark creativity, we have rounded up the best ones for your preteen to check out.
luna
Age rating: 11+ (13+ in the US though)
luna is particularly helpful for older preteens who are starting to notice early body changes, mood shifts, or friendship worries, or who are approaching (or have started) their first period.
The app offers calm, age-appropriate guidance around growing up, emotions, and self-confidence, helping preteens understand what’s happening without overwhelming them with information meant for older teens or adults.
It includes a mood and period tracker that can be used even before a first period, helping girls notice patterns and feel more prepared for changes ahead.
Teens can also ask anonymous questions and receive expert-reviewed answers, giving them a safe place to get reliable information instead of turning to social media or unreliable sources for information that may have been missed at school.
Designed to feel supportive and judgement-free, luna helps preteens build understanding and confidence at their own pace while giving parents reassurance that the content is medically reviewed and age-appropriate.
Chill Panda
Age rating: 9+
This app is perfect for preteens learning to recognise stress for the first time.
Chill Panda uses gentle games, breathing exercises, and simple activities to teach emotional regulation in a way that feels fun, not serious.
It’s ideal for girls who are still learning how to name and manage their feelings.
Check out Chill Panda.
How We Feel
Age rating: 9+
How We Feel is a brilliant tool for building emotional vocabulary.
Preteens often feel a lot but don’t always have the words for it - this app helps them identify, name, and reflect on emotions in a simple, visual way.
Your preteen can also explore their emotions more deeply through How We Feel, helping them identify patterns and find emotional regulation strategies that work for them.
Check out How We Feel.
Smiling Mind
Age rating: 4+
This app is designed specifically with children and young people in mind.
Smiling Mind offers short, age-appropriate exercises that help preteens calm their minds, manage worries, and build focus.
If your teen is finding school anxiety or friendship stress overwhelming, this app can give them a gentle helping hand.
Check out Smiling Mind.
Tayasui Sketches
Age rating: 4+
A calm, intuitive drawing app that encourages creativity without pressure.
Preteens can doodle, sketch, and experiment freely, making it a lovely outlet for self-expression and relaxation.
It supports creativity and confidence without comparison, allowing your teen to develop their artistic skills at their own pace.
Check out Tayasui Sketches.
Alto’s Adventure
Age rating: 9+
A beautifully designed, slow-paced game that feels more like mindfulness than gaming. With soothing music, gentle movement, and no pressure to “win,” it’s a relaxing way for preteens to unwind and reset.
Alto’s Adventure is a great example of a game that supports calm and focus rather than overstimulation, and it can be the perfect stepping stone for preteens who feel too old for kids' games but not ready for teen games.
Check out Alto’s Adventure.
Khan Academy
Age rating: 4+
Khan Academy offers free, trusted lessons across a wide range of subjects, from maths and science to history and coding.
For preteen girls starting to take more responsibility for their learning, it’s a confidence-boosting way to explore new topics or get extra help outside of school.
This app is great for building learning confidence without school pressure, allowing your preteen to explore what they are drawn to and discover the fun in learning.
Check out Khan Academy.
GarageBand
Age rating: 4+
Music is a fantastic form of self-expression, but you don’t need to splash out on an expensive guitar to bring it into your teen's life.
GarageBand lets preteens experiment with sounds, beats, and melodies, helping them explore creativity and emotions through music.
It’s empowering, fun, and a great confidence boost for girls who enjoy creating.
Check out GarageBand.
Mindful Powers
Age rating: 4+
An interactive mindfulness app designed specifically for children.
It uses games and guided activities to teach focus, calm, and emotional control. Ideal for preteens who struggle with sitting still or traditional meditation.
Check out Mindful Powers.
How can the right apps support preteen girls?
Preteen years are full of small victories and big feelings, and it can help to have gentle tools along the way.
These apps give girls a safe space to explore creativity, practise mindfulness, and build confidence at their own pace.
With a little guidance and the right support, technology can become a quiet companion that makes this tricky, in-between age feel a little calmer and a lot more fun.
How we created this article:
luna's team of experts comprises GPs, Dermatologists, Safeguarding Leads and Junior Doctors as well as Medical Students with specialised interests in paediatric care, mental health and gynaecology. All articles are created by experts, and reviewed by a member of luna's senior review team.
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