Educational websites for kids can turn regular screen time into something exciting and inspiring for kids.
The only problem?
There are literally thousands of educational websites and online resources.
It seems downright impossible to know which ones are high-quality AND engaging enough to keep your child’s attention for more than ten minutes.
Simply put, the educational websites on this list will save the day.
Imagine what it would be like for your child to be completely engaged in an educational website while you got some work done.
(Do I have your attention?)
Whether you need interactive games for your little ones, math skills help for your elementary aged children, educational videos for older kids, or academic help for your high school student, these websites will definitely help.
Some of the websites even offer lesson plans for homeschooling parents and teachers.
All of them are completely free! (With the one exception of ABC Mouse, which I love anyways.)
This list is updated for 2023, and I can confidently say that they are the best free educational websites out there.
These sites truly offer guilt-free screen time to parents.
So, let’s dive in!
Best Educational Website for Kids in 2023
1. National Geographic Kids
You knew about National Geographic, but did you know that there is a free site dedicated completely to kids?
Your kids can explore the world from their computer chair with National Geographic Kids, an interactive website from the National Geographic Society. The National Geographic Society is a global nonprofit organization committed to protecting the wonder of our world.
This high-quality website is a great resource for kids in elementary and middle school to learn about history, science, U.S. States, and more.
They’ll find online games, science activities, quizzes, funny fill-ins, videos about amazing animals and fun facts, free resources about space, histories, science, U.S. states, and so much more.
This is an absolutely fantastic website. Your kids will love it!
2. Old Farmer’s Almanac for Kids
Learn about the moon phases, get a joke of the day, monthly history highlights, amazing animal facts, and more. The Old Farmer’s Almanac For Kids is truly special.
This one of our favorite free educational websites!
3. ABCMouse.com (Ages 2-7)
Perfect for the youngest children ages 2-7, ABC Mouse offers a full online curriculum covering reading, math, science, and arts & colors. There are over 9,000 activities.
The design creates an immersive learning experience that your child will want to explore for hours.
It’s free for the first month. Get a free trial for 30 days >>
4. PBS Kids (Age 3-10)
PBS KIDS is a well-known media brand for kids, offering kids ages 2-8 the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds through digital media – and popular television shows, of course.
Your child’s experience on PBSkids.org is guaranteed to be high quality and educational. All of your child’s favorite characters join them in age-appropriate games, they have free access to watch videos in English or Spanish, learn songs, draw on a blank canvas, create their own scenes, and print off coloring pages.
It’s definitely one of the best free educational websites. There’s also a free app!
5. CoolMath4Kids.com (K-6)
Demolition Division! Jet Ski Addition! Grand Prix Multiplication!
CoolMath4Kids makes learning math really, really fun.
Children of all ages, and no matter their skill level, will love these math games, plus lessons and quizzes, manipulatives, and brain teasers. This very interactive website will keep your kids entertained AND learning, while you get some much needed free time. (And it’s totally FREE!)
6. Plainmath
If your child needs help with their math homework, check out Plainmath to ask a question and find a solution.
7. MysteryScience.com (K-12)
This website is meant to help teachers with their science lesson plans, but older kids will love to peruse the videos and information that they can access here. You can sign up for free access for a limited time.
Kids will love the science videos about topics like “What kinds of animals might there be int the future” and “Why do dogs wag their tails?”
After the video, there are fun extension activities.
They even have a list of “The Easiest Lessons To Do At Home.”
8. Ted Talks For Kids (K-12)
TED Talks are known for being fun, informative, and captivating to their audience. But did you know there’s a special page that curates the best TED Talks for kids?
With talks like “Underwater Astonishments” and “The Promise of Truth & Lies”, this list of Ted Talks is sure to inspire and educate your child about new topics.
Let them watch one after the other while you get some work done! You’ll be doing them a favor.
9. Crash Course YouTube Videos (K-12)
This YouTube page offers hundreds of engaging, fast-paced “Crash Courses” on every topic imaginable.
From “How do we know we’re sick?” to “Ida B. Wells: Crash Course in Black American History” to videos about anatomy and the human body, these mini-movies are sure to pique your child’s interest. And they’re totally free to access.
Each video is about 15 minutes, and your kids can choose any topic that interests them!
10. Raz-Kids.com (K-5)
Ask your child’s teacher if they’re using Raz-Kids. And if they’re not, consider getting a subscription for yourself.
It is an award-winning website that provides comprehensive leveled reading resources for students. They provide hundred of eBooks at 29 different levels of reading difficulty.
Kids access their leveled online books through an interactive learning portal designed to keep them motivated and engaged.
Every eBook is available in online and mobile formats, and allows kids to listen to, read at their own pace, and record themselves reading.
Once a child has read ten or more of the leveled eBooks and passed each of the corresponding eQuizzes, they advance on to the next reading level where they have access to lengthier and more difficult text.
It’s perfect for kids K-5!
11. Art For Kids Hub (K-8)
Learning to draw is a skill that can bring life-long joy to your child.
The Art for Kids Hub & YouTube Channel offers hundreds of step-by-step drawing videos of pictures your kids will actually love. (My daughter has probably drawn 500 unicorns after learning on Art For Kids Hub!)
The teacher is friendly and engaging, and always reminds the viewer that drawing is fun and mistakes are okay.
You can watch hundreds of free YouTube Videos or subscribe to the app for a small fee each month for an ad-free experience. It’s best for K4 through eighth grade.
12. Time For Kids
From the publishers of Time Magazine, we get Time For Kids, where school-age kids will find age-appropriate news stories and videos like “Exploring Mars” and “Algorithm Art”.
Their mission is to nurture today’s learners and tomorrow’s leaders with authentic news and the critical-thinking skills that shape active global citizens.
Ask your school if they have a subscription, or consider signing up for one yourself.
13. How Stuff Works
“How Stuff Works” is an award-winning source of unbiased, reliable, easy-to-understand answers and explanations of how the world actually works. (i.e. “5 Things You Didn’t Know About Your Belly Button”.) You’ll find articles, games, quizzes, videos, and more.
You’ll find thousands of videos about health, science, tech, animals, adventure, and more.
Their writers, editors, podcasters and video hosts share about fun topics on audio podcasts, videos and social media platforms.
14. Starfall (K-3)
Starfall has been online since 2002, and it’s still completely ad-free.
It offers free math games and language arts games for kids in pre-K through 3rd grade, and keeps kids intrinsically motivated through play and positive reinforcement. The activities are research-based and align with Individual and Common Core State Standards in English language arts and mathematics.
There are new options, such as a low-cost membership. However, much of the material is completely free.
15. Science Bob
A great way to get your kids excited about science at home is with a visit to ScienceBob.com. Science Bob offers easy at-home science experiments, science fair ideas, Science Q & A, engaging videos, and more.
You’ll be making Elephant Toothpaste in no time. (And if you don’t know what that is yet, well, you’re missing out!)
16. Fun Brain (K-8)
Created for kids in grades Pre-K through 8, Funbrain.com has been a leader in free educational games for kids since 1997.
Funbrain offers hundreds of games, books, comics, and videos that develop skills in math, reading, problem-solving and literacy for Pre-K through 8. There’s also a Funbrain Jr.!
17. Nick Jr.
Nick Jr. offers age-appropriate games and videos, as long as you’re okay with your child seeing their favorite TV characters during learning time.
Your kids can work on numbers and shape recognition, put together puzzles, find fun printable worksheets, and more.
18. Highlights for Kids
You probably remember the Highlights Magazine from the doctor’s office when you were a kid. Today, the website provides games, activities, animated stories, and science experiments.
19. Learning Games for Kids
Learning Games for Kids features educational games for keyboarding, spelling, science, math, and more, plus videos, lessons, and worksheets for math, science, and social studies.
20. Freckle.com (K-12)
Does your child love to play games on their device? Then they’ll love Freckle.
This website is especially for younger kids, and it’s FREE!
What makes it special is that it differentiates Math, English Language Arts, Social Studies, and Science instruction through fun games and activities.
It is super easy for kids to use, and it keeps their attention so that you can get your work done – guilt-free!
21. Disney Jr.
On Disney Jr., kids will find online coloring pages, plus Disney-themed games that focus on memory, color matching, and other skills that young learners need to know. And, of course, your kid’s favorite Disney characters are with them every step of the way.
Your child’s favorite characters will learn them through educational games and videos.
22. NASA Kids Club
NASA sends people to space, after all, so you know they can build a good website.
Your little ones can join NASA Kids Club to explore outer space and walk on Mars from home, download hands-on STEM activities, and more.
23. Math Blaster
Do your kids have what it takes to save the galaxy — with math? Math Blaster is a fun way for kids to learn math through futuristic, competitive games.
24. Duolingo
Learning a foreign language with Duolingo is fun and addictive. Learners earn points for correct answers, race against the clock, and level up. Their bite-sized lessons are gamified in every way you can think of. You can learn Spanish, German, French, and more.
25. Make Me Genius
This website focuses on science Lessons in animation cartoon videos for kindergarten and up.
26. Google Earth
Google Earth is the world’s most detailed globe.
You kids can explore worldwide satellite imagery, 3D buildings, terrain for hundreds of cities using Google Earth.
They can zoom into their house or anywhere else, and get a 360° perspective with Street View.
27. Wizarding World
Wizarding World is the official home of Harry Potter, where you’ll find funny characters, quizzes, wizarding news, games, and magical mischief.
28. Sesame Street
The colorful Sesame Street website is perfect for preschoolers to find appropriate games, online coloring pages, short videos, and art activties. Parents will even find resources for talking about difficult topics with kids.
29. San Diego Zoo
One of the best virtual field trips is to the San Diego Zoo, where young people can learn fun facts and watch fun videos about animals.
30. BBC History For Kids
Enter ancient worlds, meet famous people and discover fascinating facts by exploring a wide selection of historical games and activities on BBC History For Kids.
Explore the Mummy Maker and take the Pyramid Challenge!
31. Scholastic Homebase
You know Scholastic from the beloved book fairs you probably attended when you were in school. (Magic School Bus, anyone?)
And now, your kids can explore Scholastic Homebase, a safe, free, 3D interactive world that celebrates favorite stories through book-based games, live author events, and a large community of readers.
Home Base is completely free to use with no download fee, subscriptions, or in-app purchases. You can even customize your own character.
32. Seussville.com
Embark on a journey to the magical world of Dr. Seuss books. Seussville is a whimsical website – completely free! – filled with all the wacky characters from your favorite Dr. Seuss books, along with Dr. Seuss-themed games (help the Grinch save Christmas!), and tons of videos based on the books.
33. BrainPop
Brain Pop is used in schools throughout the country, but families can use it, too!
The BrainPop Family program has the potential to transform passive screen time into active learning with movies and quizzes on 1,100+ topics.
There’s even a new program in Beta Testing called BrainPop X that seeks to engage kids in fun after school learning experiences with real-life experts and coaches.
34. Curious World
35. Fun Brain
One of our favorite FunBrain games is Grammar Gorillas. Kids have to help the gorillas identify parts of speech. Each time you select the correct word, the Grammar Gorillas get a banana.
36. Kidz Page
37. Learn With Smithsonian
They can also explore some of the Smithsonian’s most treasured objects, create personal collections, complete digital jigsaw puzzles, and so much more!
28. KhanAcademy.com (K-12)
If your school has not provided a lot in terms of distance learning, Khan Academy is a great site that doesn’t cost anything.
It’s one of the best ways to ensure a well-rounded curriculum at home. There are lessons in every subject for every grade level and age group.
It’s very easy for kids to use, but you may get interrupted to help with a transition here and there.
More Educational Websites for Kids:
39. ABCya (Free!)
40. Storyline Online (Free!)
41. Youngzine (Free!)
42. Fuel The Brain (Free!)
43. Mr Nussbaum (Free & Ad-Free!)
45. E-Learning For Kids (Free!)
46. Fun Fonix (Free!)
47. TVO Kids (Free!)
48. Crypto Club (Free!)
49. Steve Spangler Science (Free!)
50. Mission US (Free!)
51. Grammaropolis (Free!)
So, there you have it!
We hope you loved this giant list of free educational platforms for your child, and that it helps you and your child to make the most of your screen time allotment.
And that was only the beginning.
There are more fun activities to do at home with kids of all ages, including easy science experiments, simple shape activities, classic children’s books to read, water balloon games, hopscotch, and more:
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Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.
Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.
Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.
Discover more about Calie’s journey and editorial approach on her About Page and Editorial Policy Page.
