The Top 5 iPad 5th Generation Cases for Kids
Updated: 25 October 2023
It’s hard to believe the 5th generation of the iPad was released in March 2017, not least because the intervening years have seen such a dramatic increase in the tempo of product release in the iPad, iPad Air, iPad Pro, and iPad Mini ranges.
Yet despite this sudden influx of newer models, the 5th generation iPad remains a solid and reliable iteration of Apple’s insanely successful tablet computer range and an excellent choice when purchasing iPads for children.
To begin, Apple’s introductory pricing of $329 made it a conspicuously cheaper option than other current popular models, such as the iPad Air 2. This tablet was conceived as a budget alternative, designed as a rival product to Google’s Chromebook laptops, which were, at the time, making inroads in the education and business sectors. As such, this iPad is a less expensive, no-frills workhorse, which, while it may not have the speed and functionality required by today’s professionals, makes an ideal tablet for children.
Nevertheless, purchasing any iPad, even for a child, is a real investment, so you must protect your device by pairing it with a suitable case. Especially as, through no fault of their own, children are more likely to cause wear and tear to their tablets than an adult might.
While shopping for an iPad Pro 11 case, remember that only some cases are made to fit your iPad model. If you have a 5th generation iPad, you’ll need to keep your sights set on an iPad case for kids that’s compatible with that particular model. This is one of the last models made with a lightning port before the move to USB-C, and it also comes with a headphone jack, so you’ll probably want a case specifically molded with cutouts that access these features.
Ensuring that you have the right exterior protection for your child’s device is essential for ensuring that, no matter where they throw it or what they throw at it, you’ll have a case built to take the pressure. Knowing their iPad is fully protected from the damage that small hands can accidentally do takes the stress away from entrusting children with expensive electronic devices that are relatively easy to break.
Even today, a 5th generation iPad remains a significant purchase. Spending that little bit more on the best possible case is a proportionally modest expense, but it’s one that’s almost certain to repay your investment at some point while providing peace of mind from the outset.
Yet, with literally hundreds of options out there, retailing to suit a wide range of budgets, finding a product that does the job for the right price can seem more daunting than it should. That’s why we’ve taken a moment to round up some of the best iPad 5th generation cases made especially for children. Incorporating easy functionality for little fingers, with a colorful and cute design and all-out military-grade protection.
We’ve been “on the case” on your behalf, considering a range of crucial factors to whittle down a well-padded field to our five favorite choices below. And yes, we have put our own case at the top of the list! If we didn’t think it was brilliant, we wouldn’t sell it!
1. ZUGU iPad 5th/6th Generation Case
ZUGU offers something for everyone. Although it’s often popularized as an adult iPad case, ZUGU cases are incredibly smart purchases for parents to make on behalf of their children. The ZUGU iPad case for 5th/6th generation is a rugged protective case with a unique design and build. These features make this iPad case one of the best options on the market. This case can be adjusted at eight different angles and has a magnetic stand.
The cover features a magnet that engages the iPad’s auto sleep and wake characteristics. ZUGU is also an excellent choice for its magnetic mount capability, which can be used to stick to any metal surface. Are you cooking in the kitchen and need a hands-free solution for occupying your kids? Use the magnetic mount to attach the iPad to the refrigerator and have your kids follow along with your recipe on their device. Plus, this helps to keep it free from sticky fingers and accidental food spills.
Children are known to be destructive, so the material of the case you choose is important. ZUGU cases are all made from strong hard plastics, TPU and PC, that are used in construction and to create safety equipment. Its interior is made out of soft microfibers to maintain the scratch-free surface of the device.
ZUGU iPad 5th generation cases are designed to be tough and last you through years of use. Each purchase comes with a 60-day risk-free guarantee and a two-year warranty, proving just how confident ZUGU is in its cases.
With these optimum features, this protective iPad case for kids can take any damage caused by your kids. Its amazing design and durable material make it one of the best choices for kids.
2. JETech Case for iPad (9.7-Inch, 2017/2018 Model, 6th/5th Generation)
Are you looking for a classic slim design that doesn't add weight to your child’s 5th generation iPad? If the answer is yes, then a JETech case may be just right for you. It has a classic slender design, is lightweight, and has a smooth interior and exterior made from polyurethane and PC.
This iPad case isn’t bulky, yet it provides excellent protection in case of a drop or fall. Along with these features, this iPad has all the innovative aspects you might want in an iPad case for kids. Its tri-fold front cover lets you prop the case in various positions for easy reading, movie watching, and scrolling online.
3. BATYUE iPad Air 4th/5th Generation 10.9 Inch Cat Kids Case
Kids will love the colorful, patented cartoon cat design, complete with molded ears and paws details on this super-child-friendly iPad case, but make no mistake; this case is every bit as durable as it is cute.
This case offers full body protection from drops, shocks, and bumps. It is effectively sealed to prevent dust and dirt from working through to your device while still providing easy access to all buttons, ports, and cameras while safely encased.
Functionality is intuitive, versatile, and child-friendly, especially the multi-functional kickstand on the back cover. This is built onto a 360-degree rotating bracket and doubles as a handle to provide convenient multi-angle viewing — no matter how your child gets hold of it or how they set it down.
4. OtterBox Defender Series Case for iPad 5th Generation
If simplicity is your thing, then consider this iPad 5th generation case. This iPad case has a classic matte design and is part of the popular OtterBox Defender Series. These cases are known for their durability, mainly due to their added features like drop protection. Although it doesn’t come in fancy colors, its protection makes up for anything it lacks in flashiness.
Since we all know children can be messy, protecting the ports on your child’s device can prevent internal damage. This case has port covers that help keep dirt and debris from getting into the ports, a great addition to any iPad case for kids. It also has an adjustable handle, a touch screen protector (to prevent scratches), and Apple Pencil storage.
5. AceGuarder iPad 2017/2018 iPad 9.7 Inch Case
This AceGuarder case for iPad provides extra protection with its soft rubber silicone and hard polycarbonate plastic. If you want something colorful and stylish but still focused on all-around protection, consider this AceGuarder case for 5th generation iPads.
You can purchase this case in various attractive and appealing colors and patterns to suit any child’s desires. The front cover has an easy snap-on feature that makes it simple to put on and take off and provides military-grade drop protection.
The multi-function kickstand makes it easy for your child to watch YouTube, attend virtual school, and play games. It has precise cutouts for easy access to all buttons, cameras, and ports.
We’ve partnered with Children International, a humanitarian organization focused on helping kids around the world learn the skills needed to break free from poverty. Also, 10% of our profits go to charity every year. Read more about the work we have done so far.