40+ Kids’ Educational Videos Parents Actually Recommend

Educational videos for kids helped me turn screen time into something useful, especially during busy homeschool days.

Some made tricky topics click, others just gave my son a fun way to stay curious about the world.

Whether you’re looking for phonics songs, science experiments, or creative art lessons, these are the learning videos we’ve actually used (and returned to).

They’re fun, easy to access, and cover everything from preschool basics to middle school-level topics.

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What Makes a Good Video for Each Age

For toddlers and preschoolers, videos that focus on foundational skills are especially helpful.

Look for content that supports fine motor development, early literacy, and emotional awareness.

Preschool learning videos that include phonics, letter recognition, and simple math games can reinforce key skills and help with kindergarten readiness, without feeling like formal lessons.

What We Watch on YouTube

These are the YouTube channels we’ve found most useful for learning at home. Some are silly, some are super informative, but all of them have actually kept my son interested and learning without a fight.

• TED -Ed: Known for its engaging and thought-provoking educational videos, TED-Ed covers a wide range of topics, from science and history to riddles and logical puzzles. It’s perfect for older children and those who love to learn through storytelling.
• Mr Demaio: This channel features a teacher who makes learning fun with humorous and informative videos on science, history, and math. Mr. DeMaio’s engaging personality and creative teaching methods are a hit with kids.
• Peekaboo Kids: Aimed at preschoolers and young children, this channel offers colorful animations and catchy songs that teach basic concepts like the alphabet, numbers, and shapes. It’s a great resource for early learners.
• Homeschool Pop: Designed for homeschoolers, this channel covers a broad spectrum of subjects, including social studies, science, and language arts. The videos are crafted to be engaging and educational, making learning at home enjoyable.

Science Videos

These science channels have been some of our favorites over the years. They make tricky topics feel doable, and often really fun. Whether it’s biology, physics, or a goofy experiment, these are the videos that actually stuck with my son.

• Generation Genius: High-quality science lessons that are both educational and entertaining. With five free lessons available, it provides a great introduction to various scientific concepts. Check out our honest Generation Genius review to see why we love it.
• Horrible Science: Based on the popular book series, this channel presents science in a humorous and engaging way, making complex topics accessible to kids.
• Crash Course: Created by John and Hank Green, CrashCourse provides detailed, engaging videos on a wide range of subjects, including biology, chemistry, and physics. The content is suited for older children and teens.
• Mark Rober: A former NASA engineer, Mark Rober creates videos that explain scientific concepts through exciting experiments and inventions. His channel is perfect for curious minds who love hands-on learning.
• Sprice Machines: This channel showcases elaborate Rube Goldberg machines and explains the physics behind them. It’s a fun way to learn about engineering and problem-solving.
• Joseph’s Machines: Similar to Sprice Machines, Joseph’s channel features intricate and humorous Rube Goldberg machines, teaching kids about cause and effect in a playful manner.
• The King of Random: Known for its fun and sometimes crazy experiments, this channel explores a wide range of scientific phenomena, encouraging kids to think creatively and scientifically.
• Operation Ouch: Run by twin doctors, this channel delves into the human body and medical science, making it fascinating and understandable for kids.
• Sick Science: Steve Spangler’s channel focuses on simple yet mind-blowing science experiments that kids can try at home, promoting hands-on learning.
• Physics Girl: Dianna Cowern explores the wonders of physics with engaging demonstrations and explanations, making complex concepts approachable for kids.
• Smarter Everyday: Destin Sandlin takes viewers on a journey to learn something new in every video, often focusing on physics and engineering. His infectious curiosity makes learning exciting.
• Sci Show: Hosted by Hank Green and other science enthusiasts, SciShow covers a vast array of scientific topics in an engaging and informative manner.

History Shows for Kids

These are the history channels that have actually made the past feel interesting in our house. Whether it’s through silly songs or quick animated overviews, they’ve helped bring historical events to life in a way that sticks.

• Horrible Histories: This channel brings history to life with hilarious sketches and songs based on the beloved book series. It’s perfect for making history fun and memorable.
• Oversimplified History: This channel provides humorous and simplified animations of historical events, making them easy to understand and entertaining.
• CrashCourse: In addition to science, CrashCourse offers comprehensive and engaging history lessons, perfect for older kids and teens.
• 60 Second Histories: This channel offers quick, informative videos that cover historical events and figures in just 60 seconds, making it perfect for short attention spans.

Geography Channels

These channels have helped us explore the world from home. From animal habitats to cultural facts, they make geography feel more like an adventure than a subject.

• National Geographic Kids: This channel offers stunning visuals and interesting facts about wildlife, geography, and cultures from around the world, inspiring a love for exploration.
• Snake Discovery: Learn about reptiles and their habitats with this engaging and educational channel, which is perfect for kids who love animals.
• Brave Wilderness: Host Coyote Peterson takes kids on thrilling adventures to discover wildlife and natural wonders, encouraging a passion for the outdoors.
• Wild Kratts: Combining animation and live-action, this series follows the Kratt brothers as they explore the animal kingdom, teaching kids about different species and ecosystems.

Educational Cartoons Worth Watching

These aren’t full channels, but they’ve become classics in our house. Fun songs, fast facts, and just the right mix of silly and smart.

• Animaniacs Learn the States of America Song: A really fun way to learn the 50 States.
• Nations of the World Song: This song teaches kids about different countries around the world.
• Animaniacs Presidents Song: A humorous and memorable way to learn about U.S. presidents.

Drawing and Art Channels for Kids

These channels have helped spark creativity on quiet afternoons. Whether it’s step-by-step drawing or calming painting tutorials, they’re a fun way for kids to explore art at home.

• Art For Kids Hub: This channel offers step-by-step drawing tutorials that are easy to follow, making it perfect for kids of all ages.
• 5 Minute Crafts: While not exclusively for kids, this channel provides a variety of simple and fun craft ideas that children can enjoy.
• Bob Ross: Known for his calming voice and beautiful landscapes, Bob Ross’s painting tutorials can inspire kids to pick up a brush and create their own masterpieces.

Looking for more ideas? We’ve also rounded up our favorite homeschool art curriculum picks.

Kindergarten Learning Videos

These videos have been great for early learning, especially during those pre-reader years. They mix fun characters with real educational value, covering everything from phonics to problem-solving.

• Super Wings: This animated series follows planes that deliver packages around the world, teaching kids about geography and problem-solving.
• Blippi: Blippi’s energetic and educational videos cover a wide range of topics, from colors and shapes to trips to the zoo.
• PBS Kids: Home to beloved shows like “Arthur” and “Curious George,” PBS Kids offers educational content that promotes literacy, math, and social skills.
• Alpha Blocks: This animated series uses charming letter characters to teach phonics and early reading skills in a fun and engaging way.
• Sesame Street: A timeless classic, “Sesame Street” combines humor, music, and educational content to teach kids about letters, numbers, and social skills.

Videos That Cover a Bit of Everything

These are great all-rounders, fun, engaging, and packed with learning across different subjects. They’ve worked especially well during those in-between moments when we’re not focusing on a specific topic.

• Steve and Maggie: This channel features fun and interactive videos that teach English through stories and songs, perfect for young learners.
• Story Bots: Known for their catchy songs and colorful animations, StoryBots answer kids’ big questions about the world, making learning fun and memorable.

Last Updated on 15 May 2025 by Clare Brown