One of my favorite ways to encourage children to read more is by having good kids’ magazine subscriptions. In this post, I am going to share with you my pick of the best magazines for kids organized by age. These are the magazines that will encourage young readers to read and learn more.

But first, why do I suggest magazine subscriptions for kids?
Here is why: Think back to your own childhood. Don’t you remember LOVING it when you saw mail with your name on it? This is very exciting for children.
(This is also why I love Kids Subscription Boxes. They are fun for kids and encourage learning.)
While an art activity subscription box focuses on activities, a magazine subscriptions for kids encourages them to read and observe. They will learn more about life, animals, the environment, and more.
Kids magazines are created with a child in mind, so children will be lured in by the colorful pictures and short stories. Many of them also include games that can be played using just a pencil.
A kid’s magazine subscription is also a great gift for a classroom. Magazines can provide an interesting topic for students to discuss with their peers and for class discussions.
There are so many benefits of reading, and reading magazines can help children grow to enjoy books and have an interest in reading. This is especially true if you choose an educational magazine around a topic that your child (or student) has a natural interest towards.
We have rounded up some of the best kid’s magazines for kids of all ages to check out. Each suggestion has a recommended age.
However, remember that you know your child best! Your reader may be ready for a more advanced magazine with parent support or prefer the content in a magazine geared toward younger children.
Please note that affiliate links are used in this post. This means that if you purchase through one of these links,at no extra cost to you, this site will earn a small commission.
The Best Magazines For Kids
Highlights
These offerings are fun, educational and capture a child’s interests. We love the hidden pictures. They also often include science experiments, games, and stories that are ideal even for reluctant readers. There is even a bilingual (Spanish) offering! Highlights offers magazine subscriptions for youngsters as little as six months up to three years depending on your situation. This magazine is geared for kids ages 6-12 and is about $39.96 for 12 issues.
Highlights also has:
- Hello – geared towards kids ages 0-2. This kids magazine is perfect for infants and young toddlers: the pages wipe clean and cannot be torn. Each issue has a theme that kids will love and includes illustrations as well as color photographs
- High Five – geared towards kids 2-6. This magazine is designed and written by experts in early childhood education, you know it is going to have relevant and age-appropriate content. There are stories and fun activities like hidden picture games and crafts.
Chop Chop
This fun magazine for ages 3-12 is $18.95 for 12 issues. They include fun information about food, recipes to make, and about the foods that are in your diet. This magazine is for the kid who loves to be in the kitchen.
Zoo Books
Ages 4 to 7 year old’s
Each issue of Zoobooks highlights a specific animal. Kids will learn all about the animal, including characteristics, physical appearance, habitat, and more.
National Geographic
Ages 6 + and is $15 for 10 issues.
This is the kid-friendly offering of National Geographic. This magazine for kids covers a variety of educational topics including science and history, current events, and cool new technology.
Free Magazines for Kids
The subscription-based offerings listed above are fantastic, and you know you will get your money’s worth with any of these choices. Sometimes though, the budget doesn’t allow for multiple magazine subscriptions or any at all. Don’t worry, there are some great free options for you to check out.
While there aren’t any free subscription-based print magazines out there, a great resource is your public library. You can check out current issues of a huge assortment of magazines at the library.
PETA Kids offers one free print magazine for kids, “The Kids’ Guide to Helping Animals.” Children will read all about helping animals in different ways.
Though it is not a magazine, the National Geographic Kids website contains a lot of high-quality content. You can even find some of the articles from the most recent issue of the magazine on the site.
Four times a year, kids ages 5 through 9 can receive a free issue of LEGO Life Magazine! Perfect for kids who love building with LEGOs and are always looking for inspiration.
Check out the “Kid Reporter” section of the Sports Illustrated Kids website. There your reader will find sports-themed articles written by kids.
Scholastic News offers its nonfiction magazines free on their website. You’ll find content appropriate for 1st through 6th grade.
There are so many magazines for kids out there for everyone. Whether your child is a sports-lover, obsessed with dinosaurs, or loves to get lost in a story, you will find something to fit their preferences on this list!
Are you looking for more monthly subscription ideas for your children? Check out our list of the Best Subscription Boxes for Kids! You’re bound to find something to compliment your monthly magazine subscription.
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