The best free learning websites for kids!
Honestly, I’m not a huge fan of kids screen time, it’s something I have always limited with my kids and encouraged other activities to help them pass the time. However, I do allow them a few hours of screen time each week. During their screen time I prefer them to use kids educational websites. The way I see it, if they are going to be sitting in front of a screen, hopefully they can learn something at the same time!
This article contains affiliate links. I may receive compensation from purchases made through links in this post.
Who are Educational Websites For?
I think any child can benefit from a few educational websites. These are great resources to supplement home school lessons, give kids an extra boost of knowledge, and to help keep their minds active over the summer months.
My son is always telling me about a new alphabet sound he learned from one of his learning websites. It makes me so happy to know these are helping him learn and progress.
Educational Websites for Younger Kids
Let’s first look at a few learning websites for younger kids to enjoy. Here are some of our favorites.
1. PBS Kids
PBS Kids is a favorite website at our house. It is full of fun games and activities. My kids love being able to play games related to their favorite TV characters, and I love that they are learning while they are playing!
The best best part (in my opinion) of PBS Kids is the Parents Section. This section of the website is stocked full of resources to help us as parents guide and educate our kids. From social skills to science and everything in between PBS Parents is my go to website for inspiration in helping my kids achieve their full potential.
2. Starfall
Geared towards younger kids (preschool-3rd grade), Starfall has fun games to help your kids learn how to read.
This is actually one website that my kids teachers always recommend, and I do notice a huge difference in their progress when they are using it.
3. ABC Mouse
ABC Mouse does cost money ($9.95/month), but it really is an amazing resource! The games are best suited for kids ages 2-7 and is the perfect way to give them a jump start on reading, colors, math and more.
We have used it off and on for years, and I am always impressed by the variety of activities, the high educational aspect and the fact that my kids ENJOY playing games that are helping them learn!
You can try ABC Mouse for free for the first month. This is a great offer to help you decide if it’s worth the small monthly investment or not.
4. Storyline Online
Storyline Online is a fun website where actors read aloud children’s books. We just had a cute book read to us by the beautiful Betty White.
Surrounding kids with books is so good for their brain, and Storyline Online helps you do just that. I especially love that the books all have closed captioning; this is a good way to help kids learn to read.
- Related: 5 At Home Kids Activities
5. Seussville
If you are a Dr.Seuss fan then you will love the Seussville website. It has some really cute videos and games for kids to enjoy. There aren’t a lot of activities for kids, but all of the games provided are cute and whimsical…in true Dr.Seuss fashion!
6. Sesame Street
I love all things Sesame Street, so of course I’m recommending the Sesame Street Website. It’s full of fun, educational games, videos and activities.
My kids especially love the art section. It’s fun to color, create and then print out their own picture….complete with their favorite Sesame Street characters!
Educational Websites for Older Kids
7. National Geographic Kids
If your child is an animal lover, then they will love exploring on National Geographic Kids. This website is full of fun animal facts, games and videos.
National Geographic Kids is best for older kids, ages 8-12. We have used this website for school projects or reports and the information is all very interesting to learn.
8. Switch Zoo
Switch Zoo is another fun website dedicated to educating kids about animals. Older kids will enjoy learning new facts about their favorite animals, creating their own animal, and exploring the other games and articles.
9. Youngzine
For the news and fact lover Youngzine will be a huge hit! It is basically a news website, but for kids! It has content about current events and interesting tidbits, all told in a fun way to keep it entertaining.
10. Money Confident Kids
To help your kids understand finances, budgeting and all things money I recommend checking out the Money Confident Kids Website. It has easy to follow lessons and fun games to help kids understand the best ways to manage money and plan for their future.
I have a full review of Money Confident Kids here. It’s done wonders for helping my kids understand the financial world, plus it’s free!
11. Adventure Academy
Adventure Academy was created by the same makers of ABC Mouse, but for kids aged 8-13. Through a full interactive experience Adventure Academy gives kids access to a “virtual school” that can be customized for their own needs and preferences.
Your kids will find lessons on math, reading, science and more. The coolest part of Adventure Academy is that three kids within the SAME household can play the game together at the exact same time, so fun right!?! This makes the experience even more fun because you are able to interact with your family in a different environment.
Adventure Academy costs $9.99/month, but you can try it out for free using this link!
12. Smithsonian Learning Lab
We have had a lot of fun exploring the Smithsonian Learning Lab website. It’s full of useful information and interesting pictures and articles.
I especially love that the kids can create collections of the things they find interesting. It’s a great way for them to learn how to study and research.
My daughter wanted to learn more about Egyptian Pyramids, after just one quick search she found many interesting pictures and articles.
13. Interactive Constitution
Encourage your kids to learn more about US History using the Interactive Constitution website. This website is best suited for older kids to help them understand the importance of the constitution.
I especially loved the Civil Dialogue toolkit and think it would be helpful for teachers to encourage good constitution discussions.
Educational Websites For All Ages
14. Make Me Genius
Make science fun and interesting with the Make Me Genius website. It’s full of science videos, fun jokes for kids, and other interesting facts.
Kids ages kindergarten-7th grade will enjoy this very educational website.
15. Reading IQ
How amazing would it be to offer your children access to over 7,000 books with just the click of your fingertip?
Well, with Reading IQ, that is exactly what you get! With a $7.99 monthly fee you will be given access to a library full of reading materials perfect for all children between the ages of 2-12.
A subscription with Reading IQ includes a collection of audio books, popular favorites, and more. This is a great resource for home schoolers, road trips, or summertime.
Use this link to get your first month of Reading IQ for free!
16. ABC Ya
ABC Ya is another favorite at our house. The website is very user friendly, full of fun books, games and other activities.
Your younger child will learn about numbers and letters, while your older child will have activities about fractions, strategies and more. There is something for everyone aged Kindergarten-6th grade.
The other huge plus to ABC Ya is it’s free (you can’t beat free!), you can buy a subscription for $9.99/month, but we prefer the free version. I’ve had multiple elementary teachers recommend this site to me, and we love it!
17. Fun Brain
Another great, FREE website is Fun Brain. It has games, books (including Diary of a Wimpy Kid), and videos to watch. My kids just watched a funny video today from this website called, “How To Deal With Annoying Siblings.” They loved it, and couldn’t stop laughing!
18. Highlights Kids
Did you know that the incredible Highlights is more than just a magazine? The Highlights Kids website is full of educational activities, jokes, and games.
My son was playing on this website a few weeks ago and loved the video all about trains. We both learned so much!
Best of all, Highlights Kids is free! This is truly one of my favorites and think all parents should check it out.
19. Kahn Academy
Kahn Academy is honestly one of the best free educational websites out there. They provide lessons for kids ages K-8th grade ranging in subjects from math, science to history. But, the main focus is math.
This is a great website if your child is needing some supplemental lessons and help. I also really like the parents section. It has given me a lot of good information so that I can better help my kids learn and understand.
20. Education.com
I was so impressed with Education.com, I actually had to double check to make sure it was free….and it is!
This amazing website has learning worksheets and games for kids aged preschool-5th grade. It is a treasure trove of resources for parents and teachers.
21. BrainPOP
BrainPOP is a fun website with games, videos, lessons and more about many school subjects and interests. I love that it goes beyond the math and reading to include subjects like engineering, art, and science.
They even have a BrainPopJr. website if you are looking for a similar version, but for younger kids.
In Conclusion
There are so many wonderful resources out there that do not require us to spend a lot of money. A child’s education is so important, and I love helping those young minds learn and grow.
Related Articles:
- 50 Free Screen Free Summer Kids Activities
- How To Save Money On Kids Clothes
- Budget Friendly Birthday Traditions for Kids
Pin For Later:
