13 Alexa Skills My Preschooler Loves

Recently, I did something I never thought I’d do as a parent: I put an Alexa device in my child’s room. 

And regardless of whether the decision was driven by rational thinking or lack of sleep, it has been a pretty fun tool for my kiddo to use! I originally purchased an Echo Glow and an Alexa so my daughter could easily control her own night light, thus ending what we lovingly refer to as the “night light wars.” I didn’t envision it being useful in any other way at the time, but boy was I wrong!

One of our favorite features has been the “Alexa Skills.” Though I was hesitant at first about using the device for more than a night light (and an intercom — so handy!), I was comforted by the available parental controls that allow me to turn off all applications unless I specifically approve them. Obviously, we turned off her ability to purchase anything — that could be a disaster! But, we did approve some specific “Alexa Skills” that she loves and we tolerate because, well, we’re tired. 

These are a few of our favorite Alexa Skills for kids — my preschooler has been having a blast with them!

“Alexa, tell me a knock-knock joke”

This is one of our favorites, even though most of the jokes go way over my preschooler’s head. I, however, usually think they’re hilarious! Definitely corny, but also very funny.

“Alexa, play freeze dance”

It’s a classic, and I have to say I don’t miss pressing the pause button myself! We use this skill the most when we need a break from our chores. Let’s face it, sometimes you just need to dance it out!

“Alexa, open the Magic Door”

We love the Magic Door because it’s an interactive and original storytelling game. Instead of just telling the story, the Magic Door allows the kids to help make up the story. Some of the stories can get a little bit “spooky,” but you always have the option to restart!

“Alexa, open bedtime stories”

Turns out, this is one of my new favorite skills. We love reading books at bedtime, but there’s always a small gap of time between when my kiddo goes up to her room and we come to tuck her in. Playing a bedtime story helps settle her in, and she’s definitely calmer by the time we come up to do our bedtime routine!

“Alexa, open Animal Workout”

Animal Workout is one of my favorites for a rainy day, and it’s a staple in every preschool classroom. The “skill” encourages children to act like a specific animal, and it’s a great opportunity to work on some gross motor skills.

“Alexa, open Daily Dinosaur”

This adorable feature gives daily facts about dinosaurs! It’s especially helpful if you have a difficult time pronouncing the really elaborate dinosaur species names in the many dinosaur books your child chooses from the library.

“Alexa, open Curiosity”

Curiosity has an endless amount of useful and fun facts and educational stories for kids (and parents). We have a lot of “why” questions in our house, and this is a great outlet for when you just can’t handle answering one more. 

“Alexa, open Sesame Street”

Playing hide and seek with Elmo and doing the letter of the day is perfect for the preschool crowd. We open this skill at least once per day, and right now it’s perfect for, “Mama has to make a phone call, and I need five minutes of relative quiet.”

“Alexa, open how many days”

This is a classic but exceptionally useful tool that takes the pressure off moms to remember how many days until the next birthday, school vacation, or holiday. One of those Alexa Skills that gives kids some independence!

“Alexa, open Trolls”

Admittedly, this is better for elementary school kids, but it’s still fun for my preschooler most of the time. In this musical skill, you build your own song and then play it for Troll Village. You can even save the song you create to play endlessly in the future!