Screen time can get a bad rap—but when used thoughtfully, it can also be an incredible tool for learning. YouTube is filled with kid-friendly content, but sifting through it can be overwhelming. The key? Finding trusted, engaging channels that teach kids something valuable and keep them coming back for more.
We’ve rounded up some of the best educational YouTube channels for children, covering everything from science and reading to art, music, and social skills. Whether your child is a preschooler or a curious tween, these channels make learning feel like play.
1. Sesame Street
YouTube.com/SesameStreet
Ages: 2–6
Focus: Early literacy, numbers, emotions, kindness
An all-time favorite for a reason. Sesame Street blends silly songs, lovable characters, and real-life lessons about friendship, diversity, and empathy—all while teaching the ABCs and 123s.
Why kids love it: Familiar faces like Elmo, Big Bird, and Cookie Monster bring warmth and fun to learning.
2. Cosmic Kids Yoga
YouTube.com/CosmicKidsYoga
Ages: 3–9
Focus: Mindfulness, movement, storytelling
Yoga, movement, and mindfulness meet adventure stories and popular themes (hello, Frozen and Pokémon). Jaime, the cheerful instructor, guides kids through active, imaginative routines.
Why parents love it: It gets kids moving, promotes calm, and requires zero equipment.
3. National Geographic Kids
YouTube.com/NatGeoKids
Ages: 6–12
Focus: Animals, geography, science, culture
This channel brings the wonders of the world right to your living room. Kids can explore wildlife, learn about ancient civilizations, and dive into fascinating facts with short, energetic videos.
Why kids love it: Cool animals + fun facts = instant engagement.
4. SciShow Kids
YouTube.com/SciShowKids
Ages: 5–10
Focus: Science, curiosity, critical thinking
Hosted by the enthusiastic Jessi, SciShow Kids explains science in a way that’s fun, accessible, and experiment-friendly. From why the sky is blue to how volcanoes work, every episode sparks curiosity.
Why parents love it: It’s science class without the pressure—hands-on and easy to follow.
5. Storyline Online
YouTube.com/StorylineOnline
Ages: 4–10
Focus: Reading, storytelling, vocabulary
Beloved children’s books are read aloud by celebrities like Viola Davis and Chris Pine. Each video is beautifully produced and perfect for encouraging a love of reading.
Why it’s a hit: It brings storytime to life, especially helpful for reluctant readers.
6. Art for Kids Hub
YouTube.com/ArtforKidsHub
Ages: 4–12
Focus: Drawing, creativity, art techniques
This family-run channel offers step-by-step drawing tutorials for everything from animals to video game characters. It’s a hit with creative kids and families who want to draw together.
Bonus: No fancy art supplies needed—just paper, a pencil, and imagination.
7. Crash Course Kids
YouTube.com/CrashCourseKids
Ages: 8–12
Focus: Science, engineering, ecosystems
A younger version of the popular Crash Course series, this channel dives deeper into science topics with smart explanations, animations, and a focus on real-world connections.
Why it works: It respects kids’ intelligence while making big ideas digestible.
8. Numberblocks / Alphablocks
YouTube.com/Numberblocks
Ages: 3–6
Focus: Early math and literacy
These bite-sized shows use colorful characters to teach foundational concepts in math (Numberblocks) and phonics (Alphablocks). They’re perfect for preschool and kindergarten learners.
Why kids love it: The characters are like living, breathing numbers and letters.
9. KidTime StoryTime
YouTube.com/KidTimeStoryTime
Ages: 4–9
Focus: Books, imagination, vocabulary
This channel brings picture books to life with enthusiastic storytelling, fun voices, and puppet co-hosts. It’s lively, funny, and wonderful for winding down.
Why parents love it: It’s perfect for quiet time or a bedtime story replacement.
10. TED-Ed
YouTube.com/TEDEd
Ages: 10+
Focus: Big ideas, science, history, philosophy
For older kids, TED-Ed delivers smart, thought-provoking animated lessons on everything from the immune system to ancient myths. Great for kids who ask why? a lot.
Why it stands out: It’s like a mini-lesson from a passionate teacher—ideal for curious tweens and teens.
Final Thoughts
Educational YouTube content can be so much more than background noise—it can spark questions, fuel passions, and even inspire a love of learning that lasts a lifetime. Whether you want to boost reading, explore science, or take a virtual field trip, these channels are safe, smart, and seriously fun.
So the next time you’re looking for quality screen time, skip the scroll and try one of these instead. Your kids might just learn something new—and you might, too!
Whole Heartily 