29 Educational YouTube Channels for Kids – Links, Age Group, Pros and Cons
Education in the digital age is not just about textbooks and chalkboards—it’s about engaging, inspiring, and sparking curiosity through the vast array of resources available online. One of the richest resources is YouTube, flush with channels that transform learning into a delightful adventure for kids. YouTube channels can be a treasure trove for young minds, but with an overwhelming quantity to choose from, where do you start?
We’ve done the homework for you! Here’s a comprehensive list of 32 educational YouTube channels, each one a gateway to discovery and learning for children of various age groups. They offer a diverse array of subjects from science and math, to history and the arts, and we’ll talk about the benefits and drawbacks of each, to help you find the perfect fit for your child’s interests and educational needs.
Science and Nature
- SciShow Kids – Makes science accessible, intriguing, and fun for younger audiences. SciShow Kids
- Age Group: 3-6
- Pros: Simplifies complex topics; bright and engaging presentation.
- Cons: Might be too simplified for older kids.
- National Geographic Kids – Brings the wonders of nature and diverse cultures to the screen. National Geographic Kids
- Age Group: 4-9
- Pros: High production value; reputable information.
- Cons: Limited upload frequency.
- Free School – Explores famous artists, musicians, and composers, as well as natural wonders. Free School
- Age Group: 5-10
- Pros: Covers a broad range of topics; educational for adults as well.
- Cons: Some children might require additional context.
- TheBrainScoop – Based in the Field Museum; great for budding biologists and the scientifically curious. TheBrainScoop
- Age Group: 12+
- Pros: In-depth content, real museum specimens.
- Cons: Some content may be too graphic for younger viewers.
Mathematics
- Math Antics – Simplifies complex math topics into clear, enjoyable lessons. Math Antics
- Age Group: 7-12
- Pros: Clear explanations; animated videos hold attention.
- Cons: Lacks higher-level math content for advanced students.
Language and Reading
- StorylineOnline – Features celebrated actors reading children’s books. StorylineOnline
- Age Group: 3-8
- Pros: Encourages love for reading; high-quality production.
- Cons: Doesn’t teach reading skills directly.
Art and Creativity
- Art for Kids Hub – Step-by-step drawing instructions for a wide variety of subjects. Art for Kids Hub
- Age Group: 5-12
- Pros: Encourages creativity; fun family activity.
- Cons: Largely focused on drawing, fewer other art forms.
History and Social Studies
- CrashCourse Kids – Offers a kid-friendly take on history and humanities. CrashCourse Kids
- Age Group: 8-12
- Pros: Well-researched content.
- Cons: May require further explanation from parents/teachers.
Music and Performance
- Classics for Kids – Introduces children to classical music and composers. Classics for Kids
- Age Group: 5-10
- Pros: Makes classical music accessible.
- Cons: Niche content not appealing to all kids.
General Education
- TED-Ed – Provides animated lessons on a wide variety of topics. TED-Ed
- Age Group: 8+
- Pros: Broad subject matter; promotes critical thinking.
- Cons: Some topics might be too advanced for younger viewers.
Special Education
- Special Books by Special Kids – Features interviews with individuals with various disabilities, promoting understanding and empathy. Special Books by Special Kids
- Age Group: 9+
- Pros: Encourages inclusivity; real-life stories.
- Cons: Emotional content may need adult supervision for discussion.
Comprehensive Platforms
- Khan Academy Kids – Education giant Khan Academy’s offering for the younger audience. Khan Academy Kids
- Age Group: 2-7
- Pros: Trusted content; wide range of subjects.
- Cons: Some may prefer more interactive app experience.
Innovative Learning
- Mark Rober – Engages kids with creative engineering feats and fun science. Mark Rober
- Age Group: 8+
- Pros: High entertainment value; real-life applications of science.
- Cons: Infrequent uploads.
Environmental Education
- Brave Wilderness – Explore the wild and learn about various creatures in their natural habitat. Brave Wilderness
- Age Group: 8+
- Pros: Adventurous; promotes animal conservation.
- Cons: Occasionally intense nature scenes.
Safe and Wholesome Fun
- Blippi – Makes education engaging through creative play and exploration. Blippi
- Age Group: 3-7
- Pros: Colorful and whimsical approach to learning; very engaging for toddlers.
- Cons: Some find the character’s voice and mannerisms a bit over the top.
Technology and Coding
- Scratch Garden – Teaches coding, language, and math through catchy songs and animations. Scratch Garden
- Age Group: 5-10
- Pros: Integrates learning with music; highly memorable content.
- Cons: The pace might be too fast for some learners.
Outer Space Exploration
- NASA – Brings space exploration to your living room. NASA
- Age Group: 7+
- Pros: Authentic space-related content from the foremost space agency.
- Cons: Some technical terms may be difficult for the youngest viewers.
29 Educational YouTube Channels
Creative Problem Solving
- Sesame Street – Engages young kids through familiar characters and fun stories. Sesame Street
- Age Group: 2-5
- Pros: Child-friendly content that teaches a variety of lessons.
- Cons: Entertainment-focused with varying educational depth.
World Cultures
- Geography Focus – Takes children on a journey around the globe. Geography Focus
- Age Group: 6-12
- Pros: Explores countries, cultures, and people from around the world.
- Cons: More suitable for school-aged children due to the level of complexity.
Physics and Fun Experiments
- Physics Girl – Breaks down the wonders of physics in ways everyone can understand. Physics Girl
- Age Group: 10+
- Pros: Simplifies complex physics topics; engaging for older kids.
- Cons: May be too advanced for very young children.
Animal Kingdom
- The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden – Daily streams featuring a different animal. The Cincinnati Zoo
- Age Group: All ages
- Pros: Up close and personal with animals; educational content about wildlife.
- Cons: Aspects of animal care and captivity may need adult explanation.
Literature and English
- British Council | LearnEnglish Kids – Helps kids around the world learn English. Learn English Kids
- Age Group: 3-12
- Pros: Wide range of English language content.
- Cons: Designed for English as a second language; may be basic for native speakers.
Exploring Creativity
- Draw So Cute – Teaches kids how to draw in a very simple and cute style. Draw So Cute
- Age Group: 6-12
- Pros: Boosts creativity and fine motor skills.
- Cons: Mostly drawing-focused; limited subject variety.
Understanding the Human Body
- Operation Ouch – Medical doctors teaching about the body and medical science. Operation Ouch
- Age Group: 6-12
- Pros: Engaging and educational health content.
- Cons: Some topics can be a bit squeamish for sensitive viewers.
29 Educational YouTube Channels
Environmental Science
- SciShow – Explores the unexpected and answers curious questions. SciShow
- Age Group: 12+
- Pros: Deep dives into environmental science topics.
- Cons: Some content may require background knowledge to fully understand.
Early Childhood Education
- Super Simple Songs – Combines songs and animation to make learning fun for toddlers. Super Simple Songs
- Age Group: 1-5
- Pros: Encourages learning through music and visuals.
- Cons: Mostly music, limited academic learning.
Basic Life Skills
- Dude Perfect – Showcases entertainment with a focus on sportsmanship and competition. Dude Perfect
- Age Group: 5+
- Pros: Promotes physical activity and good sportsmanship.
- Cons: More entertainment than education-centered.
Wildlife and Adventure
- BBC Earth Kids – Offers a variety of nature-focused documentaries and series. BBC Earth Kids
- Age Group: 7+
- Pros: High-quality content related to wildlife and earth sciences.
- Cons: Some natural history content may require parental guidance.
Wildlife and Adventure
- Wild Kratts – Embark on wild adventures and learn about animals and their habitats. Wild Kratts
- Age Group: 4-9
- Pros: Engaging stories that weave education with entertainment.
- Cons: Animated format may not appeal to those looking for real-life footage.
Explore, educate, and entertain—these channels are your allies in boosting your child’s learning potential. The world is vast, and the opportunity for knowledge is endless. Equip your little ones with the love for learning from the comfort of home, and rest assured, these resources are just a few of the tools to pave their way to a brighter future.
Remember, while YouTube can be an amazing educational resource, it’s important to monitor your child’s screen time and content they access. Encourage breaks, discuss content together, and most importantly, foster a joy for learning that reaches far beyond the screen.
Delve into these channels and discover a world of free knowledge, poised to ignite young minds and inspire bright futures. Your next family learning adventure is just a click away!
