10 Best Free Learning Websites for Kids in 2023

Finding high-quality educational websites can be a challenge for discerning parents. This list features top-rated websites covering reading, math, science, coding and more subjects that students can access through engaging games, videos and activities. These websites tap into kids' natural curiosity and leverage interactives over passive media to make learning enjoyable on devices they already love. Expert-backed resources provide kid-friendly exposure to foundational academic concepts to inspire young minds.

1. Khan Academy

Khan Academy is a nonprofit organization that provides a vast library of free lessons and practice exercises for K-12 students in math, science, computer programming, history, art, and more. With thousands of learning modules taught through instructional videos and adaptive exercises, Khan Academy offers a personalized way for students to develop skills at their own pace.

Students can also use interactive dashboards to monitor their own progress across subjects and grade levels. Khan's expert educator team actively maintains and adds new appropriate, curriculum-aligned content. For added motivation, students are awarded virtual badges for meeting learning milestones.

Key Features:

• Thousands of free video lessons and practice exercises

• Personalized learning recommendations

• Interactive student progress dashboards

• Virtual badges and rewards motivate students

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2. National Geographic Kids

The National Geographic Kids site uses the iconic National Geographic brand to create a vibrant online environment where kids can learn about animals, science, geography, and conservation. With educator-approved games, videos, and articles, National Geographic Kids piques curiosity about wildlife and the world we live in through interactive experiences.

New content is added weekly. With differentiated reading levels, articles allow students to read at their level to balance engagement and ability. A reading buddy feature improves comprehension and fluency practice.

Key Features:

• Games and quizzes reinforce learning

• Videos and images engage senses

• Differentiated reading levels for accessibility

• Reading buddy for fluency and comprehension

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3. Scratch

Developed by the MIT Media Lab, Scratch is a creative coding platform that allows kids to use block coding to make interactive games, animations, and stories. With Scratch, kids can learn coding basics and computer science concepts by experimenting creatively and collaborating on projects in an encouraging online community.

Student-shared projects provide examples and inspiration. Built-in image and sound libraries fuel imagination. Scratch moderators facilitate constructive feedback and ensure community guidelines are met.

Key Features:

• Block-based coding interface ideal for beginners

• Creative online community to share projects

• Develops computational thinking abilities

• Inspiring examples and libraries fire imagination

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4. Highlights Kids

Drawing on the iconic Highlights magazine brand, Highlights Kids is an educational website with digital magazines, book recommendations, puzzles, and games. Using humor, surprise, and problem solving, Highlights Kids aims to create fun learning experiences focused on developing reading, math, vocabulary, critical thinking, and curiosity.

Each themed magazine issue has dozens of activities as well as funny comic strips and tales that encourage laughter and fun. Additional kids and family resources like craft activities, recipes, and podcasts strengthen family bonds.

Key Features:

• Digital versions of popular magazines

• Curated book recommendations

• New daily content to maintain engagement

• Comics, crafts, and more for family bonding

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5. Duolingo ABC

Duolingo ABC is the kids learning app from the popular language-learning platform Duolingo. Using the same principles that have made Duolingo a top app for second language acquisition, Duolingo ABC focuses on building literacy skills for young learners through adaptive games focused on alphabet recognition, reading, writing, and vocabulary building.

Fun animations and rewards keep motivation high. With an easy-to-understand parental dashboard, parents can supplement lessons at home in areas kids struggle. Shared stories promote family reading time.

Key Features:

• Adaptive literacy games match child's level

• Tracks reading progress with parental dashboard

• Introduces vocabulary using playful methods

• Shared stories encourage family reading time

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6. Funbrain

Funbrain, created by educators 20 years ago, continues to be a leading site that promotes literacy and math skills through engaging online games and activities. With sorted content for grades PreK-8 that aligns with state and national education standards in the U.S., Funbrain creates fun, curriculum-based challenges.

With new modes that adapt difficulty to ability, Funbrain uses scaffolded instruction help students achieve mastery. Offline activity ideas promote learning reinforcement through crafts and games.

Key Features:

• Over 100 curriculum-aligned literacy and math games

• Incentive-based model with familiar characters

• Adaptive difficulty scaffolds student learning

• Offline activity ideas reinforce concepts

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7. PBS Kids

PBS Kids provides free access to trusted, curriculum-focused content that captures kids’ curiosity through digital games, videos, and activities featuring beloved characters from iconic PBS shows. Developed with support from education advisors, PBS Kids’ library helps kids strengthen literacy, math, problem-solving and other essential skills.

Videos model inquiry processes. DIY activities encourage kids to take learning offline. Special events like PBS Kids Day boost family participation.

Key Features:

• Educational games feature favorite TV characters

• New content added themed to seasons/events

• Aligns with early learning standards

• Inquiry videos model thinking processes

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8. Storyline Online

Storyline Online streams emotive videos of celebrated actors and leaders reading children’s books alongside creatively produced illustrations. Storyline Online aims to foster a love of reading to improve childhood literacy.

Readings promote language development and capture kids attention with energetic performances. Follow-up activity guides offer discussion prompts, projects, and comprehension quizzes. Closed captioning improves literacy accessibility. Featured titles represent diversity.

Key Features:

• Energetic celebrity book readings

• Models fluent reading skills

• Illustrations let kids follow along

• Discussion prompts and comprehension quizzes

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9. BrainPOP

BrainPOP creates animated, curriculum-based content that engages kids while breaking down complicated topics. BrainPOP’s ever-expanding library of short, quirky explainers helps strengthen comprehension across subject areas. With knowledge-testing games and creative projects, BrainPOP builds skills in an entertaining way.

Topics are searchable by state standards so students can find videos tied to current lessons. BrainPOP’s Moby character teaches media literacy and critical thinking skills. Thought-provoking discussion ideas promote dialogue.

Key Features:

• Animated explainers simplify academic concepts

• Quizzes and games reveal knowledge gaps

• Projects encourage deeper investigation

• State standards search connects to lessons

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10. Code.org

Code.org provides a gateway into coding and computer science for kids, with free interactive tutorials that teach programming fundamentals across popular languages. Created by technologists and educators, Code.org offers video lectures, hosted web coding environments, and step-by-step guided tutorials with fun themes to introduce computational thinking.

Courses are available in over 45 languages. Starting from K-5, self-paced courses slowly add complexity to build confidence. Teacher accounts allow Code.org integration into many school technology and STEM programs.

Key Features:

• Puzzles and games teach coding basics

• Self-paced courses add complexity gradually

• Supportive alerts provide personalized feedback

• Available in over 45 languages

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Conclusion

By tapping into curiosity using interactives over passive media, these websites make learning fun on devices kids already enjoy. Khan Academy, National Geographic Kids, Scratch and PBS Kids deliver stellar free resources backed by experts to grow skills. Duolingo ABC, Funbrain and BrainPOP have helpful free trials, but full access comes through paid plans, which some parents may find worthwhile for personalized and adaptive materials.

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