**This blog post was updated on January 4, 2024.**
Though sometimes it’s hard to believe, there’s more to the internet than just funny cat videos, viral TikToks, and memes. There’s a whole world of wholesome, good-for-you online resources that children can take advantage of both in and out of school. And while you might now always love the idea of your kids spending too much time on their devices, these sites will help them keep learning. They may even have fun while they do it! Here are some of the best educational websites for kids.
Educational Websites for Kids 4–6
Starfall
The Starfall Education Foundation created this kids website to provide children with interactive games that encourage exploration and play. Each activity is research-based and aligns with state standards in English, language arts, and mathematics
ABCmouse
ABCmouse offers more than 9,000 animated activities, games, books, songs, and puzzles. ABCMouse’s progress tracker allows you to see at a glance what subjects your child is learning.
PBS Kids
Your child can interact with characters from their favorite books and television shows on PBS Kids. They will enjoy learning the “Word of the Week” and watching short clips of popular cartoons such as Curious George and The Cat in the Hat on this website for kids.
PEEP and the Big Wide World
Based on the TV series, this site combines a comprehensive science curriculum with distinct visuals, intriguing plotlines, and familiar characters. After each episode, your child can see kids just like them experiment with these science concepts!
Funbrain
Funbrain has been recognized as a leader in free educational games for children for over two decades. Trusted by parents and teachers alike, Funbrain aims to expand your child’s math, reading, problem-solving, and literacy skills.
Kodable
Kodable makes it easy for you and your child to work together as they learn the basic principles of computer science. Over half of elementary schools in the U.S. use Kodable to teach students everything from problem-solving to JavaScript.
Smithsonian Kids
No need to travel to one of the Smithsonian’s zoos or museums! This kids website brings your child everything from live videos of the National Zoo to the Smithsonian Learning Lab.
Educational Websites for Kids 7–9
Scratch
While most adults didn’t use digital technologies until they were older, computer skills have become an important part of learning for kids. That’s why the MIT Media Lab created Scratch, which helps young people learn to think creatively and reason.
Cool Kid Facts
Despite what its name suggests, this site offers a lot more than just fun facts. Cool Kid Facts gives your child access to educational videos, pictures, quizzes, and infographics. On this website for kids, they can use these to learn about geography, history, science, and even the human body.
Climate Kids
This NASA project covers a wide range of topics including weather, climate, atmosphere, water, and energy. It also explains how connected different aspects of the earth’s climate are by showing the impact that one has on all the others. In addition to games, activities, and videos, your child can learn more about green careers, too.
Ben’s Guide to the U.S. Government
This interactive kids website allows your child to see the ins and outs of the U.S. government. It takes a series of learning adventures with none other than Benjamin Franklin. It even has a glossary of all the terms that kids need to understand how our government works.
Classics For Kids
Music enthusiasts will love all that Classics for Kids has to offer. It will teach your child about the orchestra, introduce them to famous composers, and even help them compose music.
Cool Math 4 Kids
Say goodbye to boring math worksheets. With Cool Math 4 Kids, lessons and quizzes give children the math skills they need as they play fun and interactive games.
Ask Dr. Universe
Ask Dr. Universe is a science-education project from Washington State University. Kids can send Dr. Universe any question they may have about history, geography, plants, animals, and more. Dr. Universe also has several videos that explain things like why the ocean is salty and why feet smell.
Educational Websites for Kids 10–13
NASA Kids’ Club
At some point, what’s happening here on Earth just isn’t enough to keep kids interested. When it comes to outer space, NASA’s got you covered with the NASA Kids’ Club. In the Kids’ Club, your future astronauts can take on missions that will teach them firsthand what it’s like to be in space.
National Geographic Kids
As kids start to learn about the world around them, it can be challenging for parents to keep up with their curiosity. Luckily, there’s National Geographic Kids. This site is great for parents and kids to sit together and watch videos, play games, and learn about their favorite animals.
United States Mint
For any tween interested in becoming a “numismatist” or learning about how coins are made in the U.S., the United States Mint is a great resource. Your child can play games, learn fun facts, and find out how to turn coin collecting into a hobby.
Weather Wiz Kids
From rainbows to tsunamis, meteorologist Crystal Wicker breaks down the fascinating world of weather. Head over to Weather Wiz Kids to learn everything you’ve wanted to know about extreme weather, including safety tips, experiments, and even weather jokes.
NGAkids
The National Gallery of Art’s interactive site for kids offers your tween an entertaining introduction to art and art history. After learning about each topic, your child can tap into their creative side and become an artist themselves.
Kids Think Design
Kids Think Design explores careers in all types of design. Your child can learn through interactive projects and real-world examples of how design is implemented into our everyday lives.
Find Your Blue
This educational website for kids hosted by the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History takes a deep dive into ocean life. Tweens can explore the ocean’s many creatures and ecosystems while learning more about how to get involved in conservation.
Educational Websites for Kids 14–17
Brainscape
As your child approaches high school, they are presented with many opportunities. This includes earning a driver’s license, taking AP courses, and applying to college. Brainscape offers flashcard decks for every subject, entrance exam, and certification imaginable.
HowStuffWorks
Older kids have more advanced interests, and HowStuffWorks provides their minds with more nutritious brain food. Because the topics are relevant to their actual lives, it helps them to see their classroom lessons applied in the real world. They even have a page with recommended podcasts that your teen can listen to on the go.
Exploratorium
Located in San Francisco, the Exploratorium is a public learning laboratory that examines the world through science, art, and human perception. The Exploratorium’s website for kids brings a taste of the museum experience right into your home.
Theta Music Trainer
The Theta Music Trainer offers a series of online courses and games for ear training and music theory. Whether your child is a beginner, intermediate, or advanced musician, they will find a variety of exercises to sharpen their skills.
Banzai
Filing taxes and paying rent are responsibilities that teens won’t have to worry about for many years. But understanding finance early will give your kids a leg up as they enter adulthood. Banzai exposes students to real-world financial dilemmas to teach them the importance of smart money management.
Innerbody
Whether your kid is an aspiring doctor or just trying to pass their anatomy class, Innerbody helps them explore the 11 body systems in depth. With interactive models and detailed explanations, this kids website will help them learn more about the mechanics of the human body.
edX
Founded by teams at Harvard and MIT, edX is a global nonprofit that is transforming traditional education by removing the barriers of cost, location, and access. Every course is completely free and is provided by schools like Columbia, Brown, and Cornell.
Help Keep Your Kid Safe Online
Creating healthy online experiences allows families to share their interests with each other, and educational websites for kids are a great way for them to learn how to be responsible digital citizens. Plus, Bark can help you keep your kids focused and on task when they’re online. You can block access to everything but educational websites during the school day and during homework time. When they’re done, you can switch their screen time rules to allow for some downtime.
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Bark helps families manage and protect their children’s digital lives.
