10 Best Educational YouTube Channels Your Kids Can Watch

Do you remember the days when learning meant hours spent flipping through textbooks or sitting at a desk with a stack of library books? Times have changed, and how kids learn today vastly differs from what we grew up with. Education has evolved from books to screens, static pages to interactive videos, and nowhere is this more evident than on YouTube.

Children can now watch a colorful, animated video explaining the solar system or the water cycle in minutes. They can learn math with playful characters, explore distant lands through virtual adventures, or even practice art and yoga—all from the comfort of home. Educational YouTube channels bring subjects to life, offering kids a world of information that’s accessible, engaging, and often far more memorable than what they’d get from a traditional classroom setting.

How YouTube Changed Learning for Kids

Educational YouTube channels have transformed the way kids absorb information. Instead of passively listening in class, kids can now watch, rewatch, and pause videos at their own pace, giving them control over their learning experience.

These channels are not just about entertainment; they’re carefully designed to spark curiosity and support learning. Even better, these channels are created by experts who know how to make learning fun, interactive, and safe.

In this blog, we’ll share 10 of the best educational YouTube channels that you can feel good about letting your kids watch. Each one offers unique content expertly crafted to make learning enjoyable and meaningful.

Why Educational YouTube Channels Are Beneficial for Kids

As parents, we all want to provide the best learning tools for our kids, and today, educational YouTube channels have become one of those incredible tools. These channels aren’t just about videos; they play a significant role in our kids’ learning journey and cognitive growth. Let’s take a closer look at why educational YouTube channels can be beneficial for kids, helping them thrive both in school and in life.

Aiding Learning and Cognitive Growth

Educational YouTube channels are designed to spark curiosity and support learning in ways that keep kids engaged. Interactive, visually engaging content enhances a child’s cognitive abilities, helping them better understand and remember new information.

For example, a child watching a science experiment or an animated math concept can visualize the lesson, which makes it easier for them to grasp complex ideas. These experiences stimulate kids’ brains, promoting better memory and critical thinking skills over time.

Engaging Kids with Visual and Interactive Content

Visual learning is incredibly effective for young minds. Children retain information better when presented visually and interactively. Educational YouTube channels use animations, songs, and stories that are much more appealing to kids than traditional learning methods.

Watching their favorite character explain a math problem or a science fact doesn’t feel like schoolwork—it’s fun! This format keeps their attention focused, which can be challenging with other learning tools.

Supplementing School Education

These channels also serve as a great supplement to school education. Sometimes, kids may struggle with certain topics at school, and watching additional content on the same subject can help clarify concepts and reinforce what they’ve learned.

Channels like Khan Academy Kids and Crash Course Kids are fantastic for reinforcing core topics covered in school. By watching these videos, kids have the freedom to revisit topics they didn’t fully understand the first time around, allowing them to learn at their own pace.

These are just a few reasons why educational YouTube channels are a great addition to your child’s learning journey. With the right guidance and a careful selection of trusted channels, you can make the most of resources to support your child’s education in an enjoyable way.

Criteria for Selecting Educational YouTube Channels

With so many YouTube channels out there, finding the ones that truly support your child’s learning and safety is essential. Not all channels are created equal, so here are some key criteria for selecting educational YouTube channels you can trust and that will genuinely benefit your child.

Age-Appropriate Content

The first thing to consider is whether the content matches your child’s age and developmental stage. Young children need simple explanations, visual learning, and interactive elements, while older kids can handle more complex ideas and detailed storytelling. 

High-Quality, Reliable Information

Look for channels that provide accurate, high-quality information. Reputable channels like PBS Kids or National Geographic Kids use experts to create their content, which helps ensure your child is learning accurate information. 

Engaging and Interactive Content

Content needs to be engaging and interactive to hold a child’s attention. Channels that use storytelling, animations, songs, or hands-on activities keep kids interested and help them remember the lessons better. 

Positive and Safe Messaging

Content that promotes positive values and age-appropriate social skills is essential. Channels like Cosmic Kids Yoga emphasize mindfulness and well-being, teaching kids to manage emotions and build empathy. Choosing channels with encouraging messages can help kids develop confidence, kindness, and resilience.

Ad-Free or Limited Advertising

Ad-free channels or those with limited advertising are generally safer and less distracting for kids. Some ads may contain content that isn’t suitable for children or could lead to unapproved purchases. YouTube Kids has a parental control option that limits ads, and selecting channels with fewer ads can help ensure that screen time is safer and focused on learning.

Alignment with School Curriculum

Some channels, like Khan Academy Kids and Crash Course Kids, align well with school subjects, making them a great supplement to formal education. Channels with a structured learning approach can serve as excellent additional resources to reinforce what kids are learning in school.

Top 10 Educational YouTube Channels

Finding YouTube channels for kids that meets your criteria can be a challenge. If you’re looking for options that keep your kids learning and exploring, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a list of the top educational YouTube channels that make learning fun – covering everything from math and science to art and yoga.

Khan Academy Kids

Perfect for young learners aged 2-8, Khan Academy Kids covers math, science, reading, and more with interactive lessons and fun animations. Created by a team of experts, Khan Academy Kids has quickly become a trusted name in early learning, helping countless children worldwide build foundational skills in an engaging way.

• 286K subscribers
• 294 videos

PBS Kids

PBS Kids, designed for children aged 2-8, combines learning with entertainment through beloved characters like Arthur and Sesame Street. Known for winning awards in children’s programming, PBS Kids is a parent-approved channel that makes learning feel like fun with a variety of subjects presented in a playful, character-driven way.

• 2.55M subscribers
• 3.9K videos

National Geographic Kids

For curious kids aged 6-12, National Geographic Kids offers high-quality content that dives into nature, science, and exploration. Renowned for its captivating visuals and storytelling, National Geographic Kids carries forward the legacy of the National Geographic brand, sparking curiosity in young minds about the natural world and fostering a lifelong passion for science.

• 1.29M subscribers
• 989 videos

SciShow Kids

SciShow Kids breaks down complex scientific concepts for Grades 1-3 kids with hands-on experiments and fun explanations based on the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) curriculum. SciShow Kids, hosted by Jessi, joining along with her robot rat friend Squeaks, and all their friends are loved for making science approachable and exciting, sparking curiosity in kids by simplifying topics like biology, chemistry, and physics. 

• 1.24M subscribers
• 594 videos

Crash Course Kids

Crash Course Kids, hosted by Sabrina Cruz, is a bi-weekly show designed for children beginning with 5th-grade science. The channel takes a structured approach to science education with lessons that build on each other.  It is a part of the popular Crash Course family and has become known for high-quality content and visually engaging lessons, helping kids grasp scientific principles in a fun, easy-to-follow format.

• 829K subscribers
• 104 videos

Art for Kids Hub

Art for Kids Hub is a family-friendly art channel with step-by-step tutorials for anyone interested in art. Rob, along with his wife, Teryn, and their four make art together as a family and share them online. This channel has made drawing and creativity accessible for young artists, promoting self-expression through fun, simple projects that kids and parents can enjoy together. 

• 8.63M subscribers
• 2.8K videos

Cosmic Kids Yoga

Combining yoga and storytelling, Cosmic Kids Yoga trainer Jamie offers a unique blend of physical activity and mindfulness for children aged 3-9. Recommended by parents and educators, this channel is praised for its approach to kids’ wellness, keeping them active while exploring imaginative stories that capture their attention and help them relax.

• 1.73M subscriber
• 1.2K videos

Bright Side

Bright Side offers educational videos on various topics for anyone interested in learning, focusing on engaging animations and cool facts. With billions of views, this channel has become a go-to source for curious kids, offering fun facts on everything from space to psychology in ways that keep young minds engaged.

• 44.6M subscribers
• 8.8K videos

Kid’s Learning Tube

Kid’s Learning Tube makes learning unforgettable with catchy educational songs and animated videos for kids aged 5-10. Known for its ability to make complex topics like geography and science memorable, Kid’s Learning Tube uses music to teach, helping kids retain what they learn in a fun, sing-along style.

• 2.21M subscribers
• 838 videos

TED-Ed

For older kids aged 10 and up, TED-Ed presents animated educational videos on a wide range of topics, from science to history. As part of the globally recognized TED organization, TED-Ed offers top-quality content that engages young minds and introduces them to inspiring ideas and thought-provoking lessons.

• 20.6M subscribers
• 2.2K videos

How to Use Educational YouTube Channels Effectively

Educational YouTube channels can be powerful tools for supporting your child’s learning, but it’s important to use them thoughtfully to get the most out of the content. Here are some simple strategies to help you make the most of these channels and create a positive learning experience for your kids.

Set Clear Screen Time Limits

One key step is setting screen time limits. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no more than one hour of screen time per day for young children aged 2-5 and structured, intentional screen time for older kids (American Academy of Pediatrics). 

Watch Together When Possible

Watching educational videos with your child can help them feel more engaged and allows you to answer questions, making the learning experience more interactive. Co-viewing educational content can strengthen the parent-child bond and improve a child’s understanding of the material.

Encourage Active Participation

Encouraging your child to actively participate in what they’re watching can enhance their learning. For instance, if they’re watching an art lesson on Art for Kids Hub, provide them with paper and crayons so they can draw along. Or, if they’re following a science experiment on SciShow Kids, consider replicating the experiment at home with simple materials. This hands-on approach makes learning more memorable and fun.

Relate Content to Real Life

Connecting what kids watch to real-life examples can help them understand and retain knowledge better. For instance, if they’re watching a video on nature from National Geographic Kids, you can talk about animals or plants you see during a walk. 

Use Parental Controls to Filter Content

For added safety, consider using parental controls on YouTube. Parental controls help filter out inappropriate content and allow you to curate a list of trusted channels that align with your family’s values. This way, kids can navigate their channels independently within a safe boundary, and you can feel confident about what they’re watching.

Balance Screen Time with Other Learning Activities

While educational YouTube channels are valuable, balancing screen time with other activities like reading, outdoor play, and creative projects is essential. Mixing screen-based learning with traditional activities ensures that children receive well-rounded stimulation, supporting both their physical and cognitive development.

How Mobicip Can Help Manage and Monitor Kids’ Time on YouTube

Managing kids’ screen time and ensuring they only see safe, educational content can be a challenge for parents, especially with the endless options on YouTube. Thankfully, Mobicip offers tools to help parents monitor and manage their child’s YouTube activity in a way that supports safe, healthy learning. Here’s how Mobicip’s features can make a difference.

YouTube Monitoring Features

Mobicip’s YouTube monitoring features allow you to see what videos your child is watching, along with a detailed viewing history. This feature helps parents stay aware of the content kids consume, ensuring it aligns with family values and supports their learning. With Mobicip, you can easily keep an eye on what they’re exploring without having to watch alongside them every time.

Setting Screen Time Limits

To help balance online and offline activities, Mobicip offers screen time limits specifically for YouTube. You can set daily time allowances for YouTube usage, ensuring your child doesn’t get too immersed in screen time. By setting these limits, you can help your child make the most of their time on YouTube while keeping them engaged in other essential activities.

Real-Time Alerts for Unsafe Content

Mobicip provides real-time alerts if your child tries to access inappropriate or restricted content. This feature offers peace of mind, letting you know immediately if your child encounters something that might not be suitable. Mobicip’s alerts give you the control to make sure your child’s YouTube experience is both safe and enriching.

Advanced Content Filtering

Mobicip’s content filtering allows parents to block specific web categories that might not be age-appropriate. You can filter out content that doesn’t align with your child’s educational needs, such as violent or mature material. With Mobicip, you can ensure your child is only exposed to educational and positive content without worrying about inappropriate surprises.

Personalized Controls for Each Child

If you have more than one child, Mobicip allows you to set up unique profiles with tailored settings for each child’s age and maturity. This feature ensures that older kids can have a bit more freedom while younger kids have tighter restrictions. Mobicip’s customizable settings give parents the flexibility to adjust monitoring based on each child’s needs, ensuring that everyone gets a safe, age-appropriate experience.

As we wrap up, it’s clear that educational YouTube channels have become an invaluable tool for today’s kids, offering an exciting, interactive way to learn. And while screen-based learning has many benefits, it’s essential to ensure that children are watching safe, age-appropriate content that enriches their minds without distracting from other important activities like outdoor play or family time.

As parents, we are responsible for providing our kids with the best learning tools, but we must also keep them safe in the digital world. That’s where tools like Mobicip come in—helping you monitor and manage what your child watches while giving them the freedom to explore and learn.

If you haven’t yet explored all the ways Mobicip can help manage and monitor your child’s YouTube experience, why not give it a try? Start your 7-day free trial today and see how Mobicip can help you support your child’s learning while keeping them safe online.

It’s time to empower your kids with the tools they need to succeed—without compromising on safety!