good websites for 6 year olds

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Parents' Ultimate Guide to YouTube Kids

YouTube Kids Channels for Gamers

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Get age-appropriate ideas and inspiration for every interest:

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Best Websites: Our Recommendations for Families

Looking for great websites for kids? Our editors have made it easy with these hand-picked lists of fun, age-appropriate kids' sites and online games. It's a big world on the web, but with lists like ours, it can be a worthwhile one for your kids.

Popular Games on Roblox

Check out these games kids can access on the Roblox website.

Cynthia Germanotta's Picks: Mental Health Resources for Teens

Lady Gaga's mama shares sites to empower teens to find help and community.

The Best Kids' Apps of the Decade (2010–2019)

The 10 most game-changing apps from the past 10 years.

The Best of Sesame Street

All of the games, apps, movies, TV, and more from the iconic 50-year-old show.

Digital Game Changers of the Last 15 Years

These 15 apps and websites changed everything.

Cool Online Museums for Curious Kids

Explore art, science, and history from around the world.

20 Apps and Sites for Kids Who Hate Math

Things just don't add up when your kid can't stand math, but these tools can help.

27 Apps and Sites for Gifted and Talented Kids

Though these tools are great for all kids, they have special appeal for kids who need an extra challenge.

Best Math Games for 7th Grade

If your kids need extra practice or help with middle school math, check out this list of tools.

Best Math Games for 6th Grade

Middle school is all about changes -- including in math class -- and these tools can help ease any tough math transitions.

Best Math Games for 5th Grade

Use these tools to help your kid master new math skills.

Best Math Games for Kindergarten

Help your kid start math with a strong foundation using these great tools.

Best Satire Sites and Shows for Teens

Shows and websites that use humor for social and political commentary.

Lego Age-by-Age Guide

Find out which Lego movies, TV shows, games, and apps are appropriate for every age.

Fact-Checking Tools for Teens and Tweens

Find accurate, credible media sources with these sites.

Charitable Apps and Sites

Help kids make a positive impact on the world with apps and sites that encourage giving.

Best Apps and Sites for College Prep

These test-prep tech tools can help your kid master exams.

Best News Sources for Kids

News websites designed for a young audience.

Gravity Apps, Games, and Websites

These great picks won't weigh kids down with the boring stuff.

Best Engineering Games, Apps, and Websites for Kids

Must-have resources for mechanical minds.

Joyful learning starts here!

Inspire a lifetime of learning and discovery with our free, fun educational program for children ages two to eight.

100% FREE! No ads, no subscriptions.

Kids will love to learn.

Focused on the whole child

Our program engages kids in core subjects like early literacy, reading, writing, language, and math, while encouraging creativity and building social-emotional skills.

Five whimsical, charming characters—including narrator Kodi Bear—guide kids through activities and stories.

Original interactive activities, books, animated videos, games, and creative lessons captivate children’s attention. 

Developed by experts 

Khan Academy Kids was developed in collaboration with learning experts at Stanford and aligned with the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework and Common Core Standards.

You’ll never see ads. You’ll never need a subscription. 

Adaptive Learning Path

Our personalized learning path dynamically adapts, ensuring each child is presented with activities, books, educational videos, and creative lessons that allow them to learn at their own pace, creating an individualized experience for every learner.

Independent Learning

Kids can also learn independently in the Khan Academy Kids Library—a curated collection of activities, books, videos, and coloring pages. Our book reader allows kids to follow along with recorded audio narration or read on their own across our fiction, non-fiction, and fiction leveled books.

Parents love us.

“Every day I am amazed @khanacademykids is free, and I am so grateful for how much it has contributed to my kid’s development.”

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“ My 4-year old is working on @khanacademy’s app @khanacademykids this morning and loving it. The combo of school facts along with social/emotional content is outstanding. ”

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Unique for every learner.

Kids can also learn independently in the Khan Academy Kids Library—a curated collection of activities, books, videos, and coloring pages. Our book reader allows kids to follow along with recorded audio narration or read on their own across our fiction, non-fiction and fiction leveled books.

“ My 4-year old is working on @khanacademykids this morning and loving it. The combo of school facts along with social/emotional content is outstanding. ”

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The 20 Best Free Learning Websites for Kids in 2024

There's more to the web than influencers and ads. These sites can help kids AND adults keep on learning

• California Polytechnic State University at San Luis Obispo
• The Ultimate Guide to Parental Controls

Online learning is here to stay, but it can get expensive if you're not careful. We've compiled a list of websites that offer entirely free learning options to help your kids study the subjects you feel they need.

Whether you're new to homeschooling or have been doing it for years, having new options to engage kids is always helpful.

This list offers suggestions for pre-k, elementary, middle, and high school students. We've left out the most obvious sites, such as Khan Academy , to provide you with other unique, engaging options that include basics like reading, science, and math but run the gamut from art history to music.

Best for High Schoolers: Open Culture

Thousands of available courses.

Easy to use alphabetical list of topics.

Ads. Ads. Ads.

You're not always sure where you'll end up online.

Open Culture compiles free upper-level classes from universities worldwide and offers links to users. Study archaeology from the University of Reading, public speaking from Missouri State, psychiatry and mental health from the University of Sydney, plus thousands of other topics. Classes are offered in both written and online formats (including audiobooks).

Best for Middle School Math: DeltaMath

Searchable by modules or common core standards.

Assignments teach children as they go along.

Hundreds of math topics provided.

It's free but you do need to set up an account to get in and see how the site works.

Only for sixth grade and up.

If you're a parent whose strong suit is anything other than math, this is the site you need to teach math to your kids. Create a teacher account, create assignments for your kids, and let the site do all the work. If the child answers a question incorrectly, the site will give them prompts or answers to help them see where the error was so they can correct it.

Best Site for Elementary Ages: National Geographic Kids

A wide variety of learning formats.

Factual information presented in entertaining ways.

It can be a bit difficult to find a desired subject in a specific format.

National Geographic is known for its factual information, and its site for kids is no different. What's great about this site is that it offers lessons in gaming, video, and photo formats. Kids of all ages appreciate the short written lessons accompanying the visuals; even the quizzes on the site are designed to engage minds with short attention spans.

Check Out Library Books Online: OverDrive

No late fees for overdue books.

Borrow audio books for free.

Requires a library card from your local library.

If your local library partners with OverDrive, your child can check out digital books at no extra cost. It works like checking out a paper book, but you don't have to worry about late fees since books are automatically returned on the due date. Over 300,000 eBooks for children are sorted into sections, including Young Adult Fiction and Young Adult Non-Fiction.

Books for Reading Comprehension: Epic

Epic Creations Inc.

Thousands of books for children of all ages.

Colorful illustrations.

Monthly fee required.

If your little one loves to read, this subscription service is well worth the monthly fee. Users get unlimited access to an online library of books for kids of all ages, from pre-schoolers to pre-teens. Books come with quizzes that kids can complete to earn badges.

Coding for Kids: Scratch

Teaches the basics of coding.

No internet connection required.

Completely free.

Website is a little cluttered.

Social networking feature isn't appropriate for all children.

Scratch is a programming language designed by MIT's Lifelong Kindergarten Lab to teach children how to code. Recommended for ages 8 to 16, Scratch visualizes code as building blocks to help kids understand the relationships between programming components. No internet connection is required, but users can share their projects online.

Best for History and Art Fans: The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Extremely easy to navigate.

Turns art history into fun, simple lessons.

Multiple ways to engage kids of all ages.

We can't find one thing we don't like.

The Met is famous for fashion, but its website for kids, #metkids, is a well-kept secret. The site offers three different ways to engage kids in historical art facts: A clickable map that lets kids explore 5,000 years of art from around the world, a time machine that allows them to select different eras to explore, and a video section that offers lessons on everything from making a stained glass window (kid-style) to learning about children who live in other parts of the world.

Best for Finding Topics by Grade Level: Funbrain

Offers fun ways to problem-solve.

Is gated by grade level.

It's a little tricky to find certain subjects sometimes.

Lots of ads.

If you're looking for a site that offers math and reading options, plus offers games, videos, and a general online playground, you've come to the right place. Funbrain is for kids from Pre-K through 8th grade and offers hundreds of free interactive games, books, videos, and printables.

Best for Pre-K & Early Elementary Ages: Toy Theater

Unique approach to educational games.

Works on computer, laptops, and mobile devices.

You can't search by age or grade.

Ads. (But they aren't terribly distracting.)

If you're looking for a site with out-of-the-box games, try Toy Theater. These aren't racing games; they focus on teaching children about different topics such as learning time, the alphabet, measurement, numbers, and much more. The games are easy to play, covering math, reading, art, and music using online manipulatives and other interactive options.

Best for Learning about Communities: Whyville

Lots of unique activities to engage young minds.

It's sponsored to avoid ads.

You can explore the site on a limited guest account.

It's fairly juvenile for most teens.

Scientists created Whyville, a site for kids from 3rd to 8th grades. It offers an online community that engages kids by letting them explore, create, and solve problems. They can learn to protect coral reefs, use a Whyville currency, participate in the Whyville Senate, and more.

Best for Learning about the World: The Old Farmer's Almanac for Kids

Lessons offered are hard to find elsewhere.

Uses history, earth, and animals to engage young minds.

It's hard to search for specific topics.

Kids should be able to read if parents can't assist.

This site is just as you'd imagine but updated for the 21st century. It has a daily calendar to help kids learn what happened in history every day of the year, teaches them about the night sky, clouds, and daily weather, and uses history and animals to teach various lessons. The site is visually friendly and offers information in short chunks, which is great for elementary ages.

Best for Music Lovers: Chrome Music Lab

Encourages creativity.

Offers multiple, unique musical options.

No registration required.

It's a bit difficult to understand and use if you're not a music aficionado.

This site is all about tunes. Making them, practicing them, writing songs, and more. What's unique about this site is that it encourages kids to move, create and practice patterns, compose music, and even pull in math and science at times.

Best for Storytime: Storyline Online

You can search stories by author, reader, title or run time.

The videos and storytellers are excellent quality.

The selection is limited.

The filter option doesn't always return great results.

This site from the SAG-AFTRA Foundation features actors reading stories aloud. It's a great option when parents need a break; turn up the volume or give your child headphones and let the storyteller take over in a short video. Captions are provided, which are great for helping younger kids start to read and for reinforcing reading for older children. The videos are well-illustrated, and the audio is well-done, so it engages children for the entirety of the video.

Read Along and Sing Along: ABCmouse

Age of Learning, Inc.

Includes games, videos, print outs, and other teaching tools.

Detailed assessments for parents to track progress.

Only goes to the fifth grade level.

Many elementary schools use ABCmouse because it has educational tools for teachers and parents. In addition to educational games and quizzes, the website features sing-alongs and read-along books for younger students. Get access to the mobile app for a monthly fee.

Best for Online Quizzes & Assessing Development: TurtleDiary

Online quizzes.

Online assessments to help parents gauge progress.

Includes games, videos, printables and teaching tools.

It only goes to fifth grade level.

If you struggle to get your child to practice math, language arts, or science, or if you struggle to assess their skill level, check out this site. It offers a lot of learning options, but the online quizzes remove the need for printing out a ton of worksheets, and the online assessments help parents better gauge where a child's strengths and weaknesses are. The site is simple and easy to use, so kids enjoy hanging out on it.

Learning With Familiar Faces: PBS Kids Games

PBS Parents section has helpful tips for adults.

Kids can to browse by their favorite shows.

Some games might be too challenging for young kids.

Some games don't have descriptions, so you don't know what to expect.

PBS Kids caters to preschoolers with educational games featuring their favorite characters, such as Arthur, Curious George, and Bob the Builder. Games focus on fundamentals like letters, memory, math, and problem-solving. There are also games related to science, music, and more.

Best for Activity & Movement: GoNoodle

It's designed to get kids moving.

Combines activities kids enjoy to encourage physical movement.

Focuses on happiness.

The site is difficult to navigate.

Activities are limited (although they are creative!)

Since kids love to play games and watch videos, why not combine both into an educational opportunity that encourages physical movement? That's the premise behind GoNoodle, a site that offers activities involving tips and uses movement to help with subjects like math.

L is for Learning: Sesame Street Games

Sesame Street 

Create an account for free.

Sort games by which characters are in them.

Account required to access all content.

Links to other websites like YouTube and iTunes.

If your child loves Sesame Street, this website will keep them laughing and learning for hours. Kids can easily navigate the site to find games featuring their favorite characters to learn about shapes, letters, numbers, and more. In addition, each game suggests an offline activity that parents can do with their children to help reinforce the lesson.

Safe Viewing for Children: YouTube Kids

Advanced parental controls.

Thousands of hours of kid-friendly content.

Some videos include ads.

Not all content is educational.

Not everything on YouTube is kid-friendly, so there's a separate version of the site for young children. Naturally, YouTube Kids has a ton of educational videos. Like with regular YouTube, you can subscribe your child to educational channels and automatically get recommendations for similar content.

Games for Edutainment: Treehouse Games

 Treehouse Games

Games feature popular cartoon characters.

Topics covered include typing and coding.

Some games take a while to load.

Fewer games than similar sites.

Treehouse has casual and educational games featuring characters from popular kids' shows. Although the selection of games is limited, all the content is high quality. Kids will recognize faces from popular franchises like Paw Patrol, Blues Clues, and Dora the Explorer.

The best educational channels on YouTube for kids include TED-Ed, Khan Academy, National Geographic Kids, Crash Course Kid, and SciShow Kids.

Typing.com, TypingClub, Ratatype, Speed Typing Online, Dance Mat Typing, and Sense-Lang.org all offer online typing lessons for kids and adults.

The best sites to find free online preschool games for kids include Nick Jr. Games, Universal Kids, Thomas & Friends, Kids' Pages, and Disney Junior.

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19 Really Cool and Useful Websites for Kids

Useful websites for kids must be engaging for children, and both safe and offering some educational value for parents to love them as well. The following 19 sites are a bit more off the beaten and well-known path worn by Nickelodeon or Disney !

1. PEEP and the Big Wide World

PEEP and the Big Wide World is a fun and interactive educational site for three- to five-year-olds. The site has plenty to do for the little ones and gives parents plenty of educational resources. There are coloring pages along with games, and the site offers activities for parents and kids to do offline. PEEP and the Big Wide World has plenty to keep toddlers to the preschool aged occupied and is a fresh gateway toward building a true love for learning.

2. Funology

Funology touts itself as being “the science of having fun!” Kids will love the magic tricks, allowing them to impress their family and friends. Parents will love the many crafts pages and the blog that reviews games and more. There are also scientific experiments available for kids to do with parents. One such experiment is to build a terrarium for a child’s favorite dinosaur. Or check out the recipes page for healthy snacks, breakfasts, lunches, or dinners.

3. The Great Plant Escape

The Great Plant Escape is geared toward children in fourth or fifth grades. The site is an extension from the University of Illinois and is geared to teach kids about plants and their systems through problem-solving. Activities are structured to strengthen a child’s math, science, social studies, and even art. Children can work the pages independently, but the fun is enhanced when parents join in. Parents might want to start a small garden or plant a seed to allow children to see the growth of plant life for themselves.

4. Switch Zoo: Animal Games

This site is a true joy, even parents may beg for a turn to figure out where a certain species of animal is from. Switch Zoo has plenty of games to keep kids occupied. Parents will appreciate the fact that kids are learning as they play.  Kids will delight in making their own animal, building the right habitats, and a great deal more. There are also educational resources that parents may want to tap into to help their child learn even more.

5. bubblesphere

The site is owned and operated by none other than ‘Professor Bubbles’ himself. The bubblesphere site is full of recipes for making large and fantastic bubbles or a slew of tiny ones. Kids can experiment and post their experiences in the forum. Kids can add their own recipes, while learning to mix and make bubbles of all kinds. Children can also track the adventures of Professor Bubbles around the world.

Kodable teaches children aged five to six years old how to write computer code. Kids learn through a self-guided game. Children drag and drop computer code to further their creature along on its way. The free application comes with the first 45 levels of the game.

7. Funbrain

This site is just right for school-aged kids, from kindergarten to the eighth grade. Funbrain mixes the educational with games that are simply all-out fun. Parents are invited to get even preschoolers in on the action in this site. The books and comics section includes excerpts from that favorite of many kids: The Diary Of A Wimpy Kid.

8. Giggle Poetry

Have a kid who is struggling to read? Giggle Poetry may be the answer. Children are challenged to rate poems with the ‘giggle meter.’ Word and reading games also abound, each immersed in poetry sure to attract and keep a child’s attention.

9. Lil’ Fingers Storybook

Introduce toddlers to the world of reading with Lil’ Fingers. Lil’ Fingers has big buttons and bright colors to attract a child to stories like Bears In Bed or One Little Rabbit . The site also introduces books that parents may want to add to their child’s collection or pick up at the library. There are also games and videos to entertain a growing mind.

Kids will love the many games in the language arts, math, and more. Parents will love the fact that there are no downloads, plus the fact that no personal information is required for game play. The games also sharpen a child’s computer skills with typing games.

11. CryptoKids

Here kids learn all about cyphers and making secret codes. Budding cryptographers learn how to scramble messages and passwords. There is no need to provide an e-mail for kids to have fun on the site. There are lots of games that will also test memory. The site was built and is maintained by the National Security Agency.

12. Invention at Play

Invention at Play offers kids the chance to dream, play, and experiment. Kids learn to stretch their imaginations through various games, such as word play or problem solving with virtual blocks. Children are also introduced to inventors and their inventions. In this very cool site, kids learn that play and the use of their imagination can lead to a new invention.

13. Chillola.com

Chillola.com is a way for children from around the world to interact with one another and learn another language. Educational and fun, Chillola offers the chance to learn English, Spanish, German, French, or Italian. Kids interact through sharing their works of art, poems, and more. Parents will love the fact that the site is not only a great way to learn a new language, but that the tools are entirely free.

14. Amazing Space

This site will bring the wonders of space right to your child’s computer. The site is better suited to older children, as there are no games. However, kids will be able to see outer space through the Hubble telescope, or catch a glimpse of their own night sky online. The site encourages parents to grab a telescope and share with children the beauty of the sky from their own backyard.

15. 4Kids.org

This site is coupled with the Scholastic newsletter that your kids receive at school. There are plenty of games and opportunities to explore the news that’s important to kids. Kids can also rate and report on sites they find entertaining in the ‘cool spots’ tab. Parents can keep up with what their kids are reading about in the news that is important to their children.

16. Dance Mat Typing

Kids get to learn the ‘dance moves’ from a wise old billy goat and his mates. Kids learn by watching the screen instead of their hands as they learn to type. This is a silly and fun but very educational site offered by the BBC. There are related sites that teach the language arts, history, and math. Educational games in Mandarin, French, and Spanish are also available.

17. Spy Kids

This site is suitable for kids aged K–12. There are games and information about what the CIA does. Kids will have a great time exploring the world, figuring out puzzles, and more. For the little ones there are coloring pages that can be printed. There are resources for parents on how to keep kids safe online, as well as a portal to cool and useful sites for kids.

18. Mr. Nussbaum

The Mr. Nussbaum site covers a lot of territory. The site has games for preschoolers and all the way up to grade eight. There are plenty of games, along with educational tabs that cover history, math, science, and much more. The goal of the site is to enhance children’s learning from the classroom into an interactive experience on the web.

19. Brain POP

Brain POP offers movies, games, an experimental arena, and so much more. The site is suitable for kids in grades K–12. Parents will love the fact that the subjects covered in core standards are also available through this site. A separate subscription is available for those who choose to home school their children. Brain POP also serves as a resource for ESL students.

20. Kids Web Japan

Kids who are into Manga comics or are simply curious about another culture will love this site. Chocked full of kid-worthy news and what’s popular with Japanese kids, it’s sure to keep them coming back. There are games, virtual culture, and learning activities. There are even animated cards kids can send to those they love. Parents may be surprised at how well their children enjoy this marvelous site.

Featured photo credit: Mads Bødker via flickr.com

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MOST PLAYED GAMES

FREE GAMES FOR KIDS ONLINE

Here at Poki Kids, you can play all games for free! You’ll find cool games for kids to play on your computer, smartphone, or tablet. Poki Kids brings you the most popular games, like car games for kids, cooking games for kids, and dress-up games for kids. No matter what type of games you prefer, we have great ones for you. Enjoy!

• Activity ideas

15 of the best free apps for 6-year-olds

Check out our picks for some of the most fun and educational free apps designed for 6-year-olds, to help them to get the most from their screen time.

It's hard to keep kids away from phones and tablets these days so giving them something to play that's entertaining, educational, and best of all free can make a real difference.

We've put together our list of some of the best apps out there that were designed for 6-year-old children, to help them with their specific level of development and to support them in their mental growth, or even to just let them have a giggle!

1. GoNoodle Games

A collection of fun games with a great twist: to play it properly you need to get up and move! It's a clever way of getting your little one to keep active while enjoying their screen time.

Download for free from Google Play .

Download for free from the App Store (iOS 11+).

2. Superhero Comic Book Maker

With nearly 30 backgrounds and hundreds of stickers to choose from, your little one can make and narrate their own superhero comic books. It's also got fun little touches like the heroes' mouths moving when you tap on them, as well as 28 colouring pages.

Download for free from the App Store (iOS 9+).

3. Toca Life World

A lovely, creative app that your child can use to create their own characters and stories. Plus, this 'mega app' also ties in all of the other games in the Toca series, with each game you have installed adding more to the world.

Download for free from the App Store (iOS 12+).

4. Toca Kitchen 2

A lovely little game where you cook specific meals for your guests... or you can just microwave a melon, cover it in soy sauce, and see how they react. Finally, your little one can learn what it takes to feed someone as fussy as them!

Download for £3.49 from the App Store (iOS 11+).

An educational social network for kids, Zigazoo is filled with fun and educational content that will keep your kids entertained and engaged, as well as ways for them to create their own videos. All the videos are checked by the moderation team to ensure they're age appropriate and safe.

Download for free from the App Store (iOS 11.4+).

6. Build A Truck

A creative and exciting game where you build your own monster truck from many different parts, customise how it looks, and then race it to see how well it does. Creativity, racing action, and even some learning about physics!

7. LEGO City Explorers

A great game for budding space fans and Lego lovers alike, this game lets your little astronaut explore space in Lego rockets and take on missions. It's inspired by real NASA missions, and also has videos of real life astronauts and spaceships at work, as well as building instructions for Lego City Space models.

Download for free from the App Store (iOS 10+).

8. ScratchJr

Help your little one to learn the basics of coding with this simple yet fun introduction to programming. Combine building blocks of code to make characters dance, sing, and more, while picking up a skill that will be very useful later on.

Download for free from the App Store (iOS 9.3+).

Download from Amazon .

9. Moose Math

A fun way for kids to get to grips with the basics of maths, while earning rewards for beating the five different activities that will let them build and decorate their own city. It also has a report card function so you can see how well they are getting on.

Download for free from Amazon .

10. CyberChase Shape Quest!

This colourful app will help teach your kids about geometry, problem solving, and spatial reasoning, by combining puzzles, games, and Augmented Reality with kooky animal friends.

11. Dr. Seuss Treasury

Introduce your children to the wacky world of Dr. Seuss with 50 interactive stories with the same illustrations you know and love. Tappable words will help your little one expand their vocabulary, and the highlighted narration will encourage them to read along and improve their literacy skills.

Download free 7-day trial from the App Store (iOS 9+).

12. Marvel Hero Tales

Watch your little one expand their vocabulary alongside some of their favourite Marvel superheroes, as they collect new words and combine them in different ways to defeat the bad guys!

13. Ocean Forests

A nautical-themed app for burgeoning water babies, this fun collection of games will allow your tiny person to expand their vocab and improve their problem-solving skills while learning all about the wonders to be found under the sea.

Download for free from the App Store (iOS 9.1+).

14. Cut the Rope 2

A cute platformer with over 160 levels, Cut the Rope 2 follows on from the success of the first game by adding new characters to interact with, all with the goal of helping Om Nom to get to his favourite sweets. Not so educational, but sure to keep your kid entertained!

15. Toca Hair Salon 4

Bring out your little one's inner stylist with this enjoyable app. They can cut, grow, colour and shampoo the characters' hair, play with different makeup and face paint styles, and even mess around with beards. Then link it up with Toca Life World for more fun with their creations!

Take a look at : 33 of the best educational websites for children

Let little ones have fun and learn at the same time online. From science and nature through to maths and literacy, here are some of the best educational websites for your kids.

Read more about the best apps and websites for kids, or swap tips with other parents in the Netmums Forum:

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33 of the best educational websites for children

CHAT: Do your kids play with your iPhone?! Best apps?

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Best educational websites for kids to help with homeschooling, from BBC Bitesize to Cosmic Kids

As england enters a new national lockdown, here’s how to keep your children informed and entertained , article bookmarked.

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As of Tuesday 5 January, England is once again under national lockdown with emergency measures to control the rapid spread of coronavirus.

With schools now closed , solidarity to any parents who are homeschooling and find themselves once again struggling to provide interesting, educational and absorbing things for their children to do, day after day.

Thankfully the internet exists and is one of the best places to look when it comes to educating your children at home.

There are thousands of websites all geared towards helping children of all ages to learn everything from Maths and languages to art, yoga and mindfulness.

We have rounded up the best websites for your children to learn from.

We chose sites which were easy to navigate, offered activities to do at home which supported the teaching, were interesting to parents, and would ensure young brains were fully engaged for at least 30 minutes or so.

Within our selection there are sites which cater to all ages and stages – including parents!

Some sites were dedicated to one discipline or topic, while others offer a broad spectrum of subjects.

You can trust our independent reviews. We may earn commission from some of the retailers, but we never allow this to influence selections, which are formed from real-world and expert advice. This revenue helps us to fund journalism across The Independent.

TEDEd: Free, TEDEd​

We absolutely love this collection of educational video content byTedTalks. You’ve got a wealth of videos to watch – from a couple of minutes up to 20 minutes long, catering to all ages and covering all sorts of topics. Everything from “ the hidden life of Rosa Parks ” to “ the bug that poops candy ” and “ how vaccines work ”. Each video is marked with its length and what area of learning it relates to, from health to science and technology. While this is geared towards children, we bet parents and teachers will get just as much out of it. We are not ashamed to say we’ve been watching loads of these on our own outside of “school” hours.

Natural History Museum: Free, Natural History Museum

Just because they can’t visit in person, doesn’t mean children can’t still enjoy the benefits of this famous old museum. Take a virtual tour, letting David Attenborough guide you around the enormous Hintze Hall, getting a good look at Hope, the blue whale suspended from the museum’s ceiling, or simply digitally browse the library books.

There is also a range of downloadable activities and lesson plans available too, each helpfully labelled with the learning stage they apply to. We particularly enjoyed the Dino Directory which boasts images, facts and figures for some 300 dinosaurs. The “ try this at home ” section is wonderful too – especially as it teaches little ones, amongst other things, how to make a volcano.

BBC Bitesize: Free, BBC

Covering primary age all the way to 16-plus, BBC Bitesize is split into three categories – all children will have something to learn here. Whether you’ve got a teenager learning about the Spanish Armada or a young child exploring phonics – Bitesize has it covered. There are daily lessons for all ages from 9am in core subjects such as English and Maths – the content is supported by activities, videos and tests. Parents and carers, including those of SEN (special educational needs) children, can also find help.

Tate Kids: Free, Tate

We are totally thrilled by what Tate Kids has up its digital sleeves to help children learn about artists and the process of making all different types of art. Some of the world’s most famous artists are brought into focus under the “ explore ” tab, where you are asked “ who is Salvador Dali? ”, “ who is Berthe Morisot? ” and so on. The site offers click through options to pages on the life and works of a variety of different painters and sculptors. You can take a deep dive into different eras or styles of art – including pop art and impressionism or discover how different pieces of art might be grouped together.

The “ make ” tab talks you through making friendship bracelets , painting like JMW Turner or embarking on some experimental photography. While the “ games and quizzes ” section gives children the chance to challenge themselves and put themselves within an art context.

National Geographic classroom resources: Free, National Geographic

While travelling the world seems little more than a fantasy right now, National Geographic has provided a wealth of classroom resources which help keep children connected to and interested in little-known wonders from all over the globe. The collection of “at home” lessons suit all age groups and encompass topics such as ecology and social studies. More specific subjects, such as climate change and storytelling , have dedicated areas of the site designed for immersive exploration. As you’d expect, the photography is world class and makes using this space feel really special.

BrainPOP: £190, BrainPOP

This is an American website which might mean there are differences in curriculum or vocabulary, but generally, this is a brilliant space for children to enhance their education and learn new things. Each day is unique over at BrainPOP; there is a fresh topic to focus on each day, as well as the huge vault of information always on offer. 

DK Find Out: Free, DK Find Out

We loved how easily and intuitively children could navigate this colourful learning hub. Covering 14 subjects including Maths and English, as well as space and sport. There’s plenty to get stuck into, but we think this is best suited for children who are already confident readers. Alternatively, this is a great resource for parents of younger children to explore together – you could get wonderfully lost here for hours, drinking in the history and heritage of the Incas or brushing up on the times tables. The images used are plentiful, bright and clear.

BookTrust: Free, BookTrust

The UK’s largest children’s reading charity is a hub of comfort, fun and security for families. Here bookworms will find reading recommendations, including “gentle books for troubled times”, and so much more.

There’s an entire section dedicated to what authors and illustrators are offering online for children – from illustration classes, read alongs and even “story starters” to encourage youngsters in their creative writing . There are quizzes, competitions and even book-based recipes to work on – as well as print out activities meaning there is something for all children to enjoy – even those who think they hate reading!

Fuse School: Free, Fuse School

The go-to for any fledgling scientists, Fuse School focuses on Maths, Chemistry, Biology and Physics. There are hundreds of videos created by teachers available here – all of which are short and concise, so as not to be overwhelming, which in turn encourages learning. From neuroscience to radiation, these are big topics condensed into powerful nuggets of meaning. Fuse School is a booster to main lessons and a brilliant way of revising. There’s even a social network, which means children can safely talk about their specialist topics or share queries with peers all over the globe.

Cosmic Kids: Free 14-day trial, Cosmic Kids

Making sure your children get their exercise is tough at the moment, especially for those with no outdoor space. Cosmic Kids offers yoga and mindfulness classes for children aged three and older. Lead by the friendly and enthusiastic Jaime, the videos are what she calls “active screen time, where we get up and move”. Jaime tells stories via yoga poses, including kids’ favourites like Frozen , Moana and the Harry Potter films – meaning that even reluctant yogis will find themselves enthralled!

We loved that Jaime has a variety of different yoga options – “zen den”, a series designed to help children keep calm and talk about their feelings or “brain breaks” for when kids need a quick pause from the books for a burst of exercise. What we loved most about Cosmic Kids is that it is honing children’s emotional intelligence and provides some much-needed balance from academics. It is free for the first two weeks, after which it’s £7.78 for a month or £50.56 for the year.

PhonicsPlay: £6 per year, PhonicsPlay

Free to visit and use for as long as coronavirus keeps children locked down, after which the subscription costs £6 per year, Phonics Play is, as the name suggests, a way for little ones to learn phonics in a fun, playful way. The games are brilliant – words and letters disguised in among plenty of colourful characters to keep things light. Games cater to different levels of ability so there is a sense of having things to work towards. We really appreciated the section for parents, many of whom either have no idea what phonics is, much less how to teach it to small children.

The verdict: Educational websites for kids

TEDEd gets our vote because of the scope for family learning. Of course, it helps that the subject matters offered are broad and the topics unusual and highly engaging. But, what we liked most was how each topic nicely tees up and there is plenty of post-video discussion.

Need more inspiration? Read more of our homeschooling tips

Best homeschooling books to educate kids during lockdown

Best online baby and toddler classes for parents

The online resources for English, history and geography

The online resources for maths, science and computing

15+ Totally Free Coding for Kids Websites and Apps

Looking for quality, totally free coding websites and apps for kids to use in your classroom or home? We’ve collected together a list of fifteen to suit children from age 5 to 15 years (at least!) These resources were all available free for use at the time of publication.

15 Totally Free Coding for Kids Websites & Apps

And, if by chance you don’t happen to find what you’re looking for here, many of the paid coding for kids resources included in our Best Coding Websites for Kids and Best Coding for Kids Apps posts offer a free trial period – from 7- up to 30- days in some cases. They are certainly worth a look.

Free Online Coding for Kids Games & Lessons 

Format: Online, game   Ages: 5+ years    Cost: Free

The home of Hour of Code, Code.org incudes interactive tutorials and projects for grades K-5 and 6-12, staring off with block coding before moving into Javascript, HTML and CSS.

It’s a comprehensive resource, perfect for learning to code in the classroom or at home.

Click through to learn more about code.org .

Format: Online, app   Ages: 5 / 8+ years    Cost: Free

For kids aged 8-16 years, Scratch provides a fabulous, intuitive platform where kids can program interactive stories, games, and animations using block programming — and share their creations with others in a supportive online community.

Younger children can learn too with Scratch Jr , created for 5-7 year olds.

Scratch is free to use for all coders, and schools can access the tools license-free.

Click through to get started with Scratch .

Format: Online   Ages: 8+ years    Cost: Free

Blockly teaches kids to code through a series of block programming puzzles. For each puzzle, kids drag and drop blocks of code to solve a specific challenge. Blockly is a simple tool created for children who have not had any prior experience with computer programming. Children need to be able to read independently to progress through the puzzles without adult assistance. 

Click through to give Blockly a go.

Format: Online, lessons    Ages: 6+ years    Cost: Free

Designed for use with students in elementary/primary school through to high school, Code for Life teaches everything from basic coding principles through to coding through game play using Blockly and later, Python. A library of comprehensive lesson plans offers a great resource for teachers.

Learn more at Code for Life .

Format: Online, learn coding through game play   Ages: 8+ years    Cost: Free

Gamester Mechanic uses fun, game based quests to help coders learn game design, with the goal to code and share their own video games. Free to play and learn at home and school, it’s a popular choice in Information & Computer Technology classrooms.

Check out Gamestar Mechanic here.

Format: Online, lessons   Ages: 8+ years    Cost: Free

Code Monster teaches kids Javascript programming through fun, interactive sessions with a cute, blue monster. The simple screen presents two boxes side-by-side – children code in one box and the result of their code is displayed in the other box.  Includes 59 progressive lessons. Children will need to be able to read independently to progress through the lessons without adult assistance.

Have some coding fun with Code Monster now.

Format: Online, coding lessons   Ages: 9+ years    Cost: Free

Khan Academy offers a clear instructive stream for kids wanting to learn how to code. Lessons are suitable for kids in the elementary/middle school grades, using Javascript language, they are quite detailed and a little technical. The site utilizes talk-throughs that kids can follow as they create their own programs in the site’s editor panel.

All together there are 40 talk-throughs, 35 challenges and 9 projects, that could take anywhere from 15 to 40 hours to complete.

Find out more at Khan Academy .

Format: Online, game and puzzle based coding   Ages: 11+ years    Cost: Free

CodinGame allows high schoolers to improve existing coding skills by exploring game play and creation. This free coding website helps students practice by solving puzzles, competing in coding battles, contributing to multi-player games, and learning coding in a variety of languages including C++, HTML, Java, Python, Ruby and Swift.

Even professional coders and adults enjoy this site with the free tutorials making it easy to get started with any coding task.

Get gaming at CodinGame .

Format: Online    Ages: 12+ years    Cost: Free

A sister site to Code Monster, Code Maven teaches teens and adults about Javascript through 59 interactive lessons – coders follow the instructions, typing the code as they go, with the results presented live on the screen in front of them.

Lessons are introduced at a faster pace and with more demanding challenges than Code Monster, introducing advanced concepts such as animating objects and creating a scoring system.

Get creating with Code Maven .

Format: Online   Ages: 13+ years    Cost: Free

Designed for high school age coders with experience, this website provides a platform with real coding problem solving challenges.

There is a wide variety of text based programming languages to choose from.

Start coding with Code Wars .

RELATED : Teaching coding? Check out this big collection of Picture Books about Coding for Kids and Picture Books About Digital Citizenship .

Free Coding for Kids Apps 

Format: App    Ages: K+    Cost: Free

Coders make Daisy the Dinosaur dance with simple drag and drop blocks that makes coding easy and fun for first timers. Your child can find solutions to a range of fun challenges while learning coding basics about sequencing, loops, and events – all for free!

You’ll find this fun coding app for kids in K-3 in the iTunes store.

This free kids coding app is great for young learners. Spritebox helps children learn how to code first visually, and then manually. Coders embark on a journey to find the pieces of a broken rocket, exploring different worlds, meeting new characters, solving puzzles and unlocking cool outfits.

This app is free and can be downloaded via Google Play or iTunes .

Code Karts is a pre-coding app that teaches younger coders that coding can be fun! Through the use of race cars, it visually shows children how coding works as they create the track for the car to race on. Not only are they coding, but they get to race in fun car races as well.

Free to download on iTunes , Google Play and Amazon .

Format: Online, app, video lessons, game play    Ages: K+     Cost: Free/Paid

This animal themed, pre-coding logic game helps kids to learn four fundamentals of computational thinking – decomposition, pattern recognition, abstraction and algorithms through solving a series of puzzles.

Free to download on on iTunes .

Format: App    Ages: 10+ years    Cost: Free

Cargo-bot requires students to write programs to control a robotic arm to move a series of crates into position (to match the configuration provided). While the concept is simple, the game is challenging, requiring students to really think and problem solve to get the best score for each level. Students need to be able to read the instructions to use the app independently.

Available via iTunes .

A Google project, the Grasshopper app introduces JavaScript coding to beginners (there is the ability to skip ahead for those with some experience). The app includes four courses – What is Code?, Fundamentals, and two sections on Animations. The levels include short quizzes to assess understanding. The included challenges to solve are interesting and well designed. A solid app for older students.

Available for both Android and iOS users.

Format: App     Ages: 12+ years    Cost: Free

Swift Playgrounds uses step-by-step lessons and puzzles featuring a cute alien to consecutively build coding knowledge and skills. The program uses Swift, a highly simplified programming language created by Apple for the creation of apps for use on their operating systems. Swift Playgrounds is highly engaging for students and offers teachers a comprehensive library of support material.

Get coding with Swift Playgrounds .

Christie Burnett is a teacher, author and mother of two. She created Childhood 101 as a place for teachers and parents to find engaging, high quality learning ideas.

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Top 11 Educational YouTube Channels for Kids

These expert- and parent-loved educational YouTube channels for kids in kindergarten, elementary, and middle school will educate and entertain for hours on end.

You're far from alone if your child is head over heels for streaming YouTube videos. According to 2020 data from the Pew Research Center, 80% of all parents with a child age 11 or younger said their child watches videos on YouTube, and 53% noted that their child does this daily. But given that there's so much questionable content, parents often try to steer their kids toward YouTube channels that are as educational as they are entertaining.

We chatted with experts and parents to round up the best educational YouTube channels for kids. Read on for 11 channels to feel good about queuing up for your kids.

1. StorylineOnline

StorylineOnline started as a children's literacy website created by the SAG-AFTRA Foundation. Now, they've got their own YouTube channel, aimed at elementary school-aged kids, featuring imaginatively produced videos featuring celebrated actors like Viola Davis and Allison Janney reading children's books alongside illustrations.

"Who wouldn't want Betty White to read the all-time favorite, Harry the Dirty Dog, with her signature 'Rose' voice?" says Titania Jordan, chief parenting officer of parental-control app Bark and co-author of Parenting in a Tech World . Kids will also gain comprehension and verbal and written skills, thanks to Storyline Online's curriculum guides that complement their educational titles.

2. Amy Poehler's Smart Girls

Amy Poehler's Smart Girls YouTube channel tops the list of best educational YouTube channels for middle school-aged kids. "By empowering girls through intelligence and imagination instead of fitting in, Amy Poehler's YouTube Channel gives girls the freedom to just be them," notes Jordan. "Heavier topics also include domestic violence prevention and standing up for what's right, but there are plenty of science, math, and creative videos as well."

3. Khan Academy Kids

Khan Kids YouTube channel, a part of the online learning platform Khan Academy, was built to offer learning resources to parents and kids aged 2 to 8. The channel features a weekly "Circle Time" video encouraging children to learn, play, and read together.

They'll also have fun using the channel alongside the Khan Academy Kids App , a free app that offers standards-aligned lessons covering math, reading, writing, social-emotional learning , creative projects, and physical activities.

4. Mr. DeMaio

Meredith Bodgas, a mom of two from Bellmore, New York, says her sons love Mr. DeMaio . "He's a real teacher whose YouTube channel teaches elementary-school-age kids about history, social studies, and science," says Bodgas.

"He's a millennial and knows that millennial parents are watching along with their kids , so he plants '90s references for us. His videos run 10-20 minutes, but my 6-year-old stays entranced throughout and actually retains the information." That makes this one of the best educational YouTube channels for kids and parents.

5. PBS Kids

Parents rave about the PBS Kids YouTube channel. "There is no comparison when it comes to getting ready for kindergarten ," notes Becky Bracken, a mom of one from Phoenix, Arizona. "And the emotional intelligence stuff in Daniel Tiger is second to none. And I still can't hear Elmo singing 'Bye Bye Binky' without openly weeping."

6. SciShow Kids

Ashley Austrew, a mom of two from Omaha, Nebraska, says her kids are big fans of SciShow Kids , a science-based channel that inspires kids of all ages to do experiments, research new questions, and talk with experts.

"They have helpful explainers on a wide range of science topics like 'what causes thunder and lightning,' 'why are there seasons,' etc.," she says. "My kids like that we can find videos to answer all the quirky questions they have, like why bread has holes in it, and they really enjoy the little cartoon elements and visuals that make complex topics accessible to them."

7. BrainPOP

BrainPOP's animated, curricular content is meant to engage kids on a slew of subjects, from engineering to Emily Dickinson, while supporting educators and boosting achievement. BrainPOP is geared toward kids in grades 4 and up, while BrainPOP Jr. serves kids in kindergarten to grade 3. There is also BrainPOP Espanol and BrainPOP Francais.

Lauren Sweeney, a mom from Evanston, Illinois, says her son loves the content. "They do a great job of breaking down really complex—and sometimes weighty, there's a GREAT one about BLM—stuff in a way that makes sense to kids," she notes.

8. Mike Likes Science

Jordan loves the science-inspired music videos on the Mike Likes Science YouTube channel for middle- and high-school-aged kids. "Mike's catchy hip-hop tunes and rap definitely make the memory part of science and math just a little easier to navigate," she says.

9. Art for Kids Hub

Rob, a dad of four, uploads new art lessons for elementary school-aged kids to the Art for Kids Hub YouTube channel every week. "This family-inspired art channel teaches kids how to draw just about anything with easy step-by-step instructions," notes Jordan.

10. Netflix Jr.

Mo Mulla, dad and founder of the blog Parental Questions , likes Netflix Jr. for its catchy animated tunes, which encourage toddlers and young elementary school-aged children to sing, play, and learn everything from their numbers, colors, animals, time, ABCs, and more.

For kids in grades K-12, Ted-Ed is an invaluable, engaging resource. "We love this channel because it infuses life lessons and social action into creative stories," explains Jordan.

"The collaboration between creative animators and educators teaches kids about the importance of getting involved in your community, knowing what's going on in the news, in science, in the arts. There's a reason this channel has over 19 million subscribers."

Parental views about YouTube . Pew Research Center . 2020.

Related Articles

15 Remarkable Online Coding Platforms and Websites for Kids & Teens

So your child is ready to learn coding but you're not sure where to begin? No problem! Discover some of the best online coding platforms for kids and teens to learn how to code. These platforms are designed by highly regarded non-profits such as Code.org , as well as Silicon Valley veterans from Google and Apple, ensuring your student learns highly applicable skills and real world tools. As Apple CEO Tim Cook said, "Coding is the most important second language for everyone to learn."

Join our fun beginner-friendly Scratch coding class led live by an expert and designed by professionals from Google, Stanford, and MIT!

Check out upcoming free computer science events for kids led by tech experts: past events have featured guests from Pixar, NASA, Intel, and more.

Discover the Best Coding Platforms for Kids

The best coding platforms for kids open their eyes to a whole new world! These coding platforms offer all sorts of learning, from personalized guided live interaction with experts, through to self-guided challenges. So no matter your child's learning style or busy schedule, you're sure to find the perfect fit.

1. Create & Learn

Create & Learn is an award-winning coding class platform providing top-quality Computer Science education to students in grades K-12. There are more than 35 fun courses to choose from that cover a wide range of topics such as coding, robotics , Artificial Intelligence, game development , smart devices, and more.

All of the classes and camps are held live online in small groups (typically a max of five students) and are taught by experienced teachers. The classes can even be taken together as a learning path, empowering students to build their skills progressively. The curriculum was developed jointly by tech experts and experienced educators from Google, MIT, Stanford, Airbnb, and Uber, with a strong focus on developing students’ creativity and critical thinking skills using project and inquiry based learning. Today the classes have been recognized by Minecraft Education, Meta, SMASH, HulaFrog, ActivityHero, and more for their excellence.

Create & Learn also runs regular free large group events with speakers from NASA, Google, Pixar, and other top companies that every child is welcome to join! Begin with a free coding class to give it a try, or jump right into our most popular beginner class Scratch Ninja for Grades 2-5, Scratch Junior for Grades K-2, Accelerated Scratch for Grades 5-8, and Python for Grades 9+.

2. Minecraft Education Edition

‌ Minecraft Education Edition is an immersive and engaging platform designed specifically for educational purposes. It allows students to explore and learn through interactive gameplay, building, and coding. Minecraft Education Edition is a great fit for parents who want to help their children learn in a fun and interactive way.

In Minecraft Education Edition, students can collaborate and create in a virtual world, developing problem-solving and critical thinking skills. They can explore historical sites, recreate science experiments, or build their own structures, all while learning important concepts in subjects like math, science, and history. The platform provides a unique and engaging way for students to interact with and learn about various topics.

Minecraft Education Edition also offers a range of resources for educators, including lesson plans and tutorials, to help integrate the platform into the classroom. Parents can be confident that their children are learning important skills while having fun with Minecraft Education Edition. Whether your child is a beginner or a more experienced Minecraft player, they will find plenty of challenges and opportunities to learn with this innovative educational tool. To get started sign up as a parent for free or enroll your student in a free Create & Learn Minecraft Education Edition class: Minecraft Modding Quest , where they'll get live expert help solving puzzles, building, and creating fun games in Minecraft with coding.

3. Roblox Studio

Roblox Studio is a dynamic and interactive platform that offers kids and teens a unique opportunity to design and build their own games and virtual worlds. With its intuitive interface and easy-to-learn coding language, Roblox Studio is the perfect tool for children who want to develop their creativity and technical skills. Roblox Studio also has a number of safety controls in place to try to ensure a supportive environment for young developers.

Through Roblox Studio, kids can explore a vast library of assets and tools to create their own games, characters, and environments. They can customize everything from the terrain and lighting to the characters' movements and abilities, all with a simple drag-and-drop interface. And with its integrated coding language, Lua, children can add their own logic and behaviors to their creations, developing important skills in programming and problem-solving.

Roblox Studio also offers a variety of resources and tutorials for both beginners and experienced developers. From step-by-step guides to video tutorials , kids can learn how to use the platform's many features to bring their visions to life. Kids can also enjoy coding classes led live online by experts to learn Roblox coding and how to make their own obbies and more. Join Beginner Roblox Coding to build fun games with block coding, before advancing to text-based Lua in the Coding with Roblox Studio class . There's even an Advanced Roblox Coding class for making complex games.

Scratch is a platform designed by MIT that is a great way for children to learn coding. It's a free programming language and online community where you can create your own interactive stories, games, and animations. And kids as young as kindergarten can take part in using Scratch, through their tool designed for kids ages 5-7, Scratch Jr .

Scratch coding uses intuitive blocks that can be snapped together to tell a story or create an animation. At the same time, Scratch incorporates key coding concepts like loops, conditional statements, and variables. So Scratch serves as a great introduction to focus on computer science principles without worrying about syntax (typing errors!).

To make an account, click “Join Scratch” in the upper right corner. Then follow the instructions to make a username and password. Check how to use Scratch to begin experimenting.

Then, up first, have your student try some simple and fun Scratch exercises that involve flying, changing colors, noises, and more! Then complete some Scratch challenges including a translator and a story-based game. For ideas on what to make after that check out: Scratch projects for kids ideas and ScratchJr projects for kids .

5. Khan Academy

Khan Academy can be a nice fit for older and more advanced students who'd like to supplement live classes with some learning on their own. With Khan Academy students practice at their own pace, first filling in gaps in their understanding and then accelerating their learning.

Khan Academy’s library of trusted, standards-aligned practice and lessons were create by experts. Their content covers math K-12 through early college, grammar, science, history, AP, SAT, and more. Khan offers computer programming lessons in HTML, SQL, and JS.

In their most popular Computer Programming series, students learn how to create fun drawings and animations, using JavaScript and the ProcessingJS library, giving them a visual and interactive way to grasp complex programming concepts.

6. Code.org

Code.org is a nonprofit with a catalog of courses they've designed, and some from 3rd party partners as well, to help guide students in grades K-12 on their coding path. Kids in Grades K-5 can learn to make their own game, app, or computer drawing, all with self-guided lessons. This coding platform is a nice fit for students that can keep themselves motivated, or for parents that want to be highly involved!

Designed for older students in elementary school classrooms, their Course C is a popular place to begin coding for kids . It teaches students to create programs with sequencing, loops, and events. Translate their initials into binary, investigate different problem-solving techniques, and learn how to respond to cyberbullying. At the end of the course, kids can create their very own game or story they can share. The course guides kids step by step through each project right within their browser.

Meanwhile, students in Grades 6-12 can build real apps and websites using blocks, JavaScript, CSS, and HTML through short, self-paced modules. They're great way to learn concepts that apply across all programming languages and tools. Turtle Programming in Game Lab is a good place to begin. Students use simple JavaScript commands to draw shapes and images using a virtual “turtle.” And they learn to break down big programming problems into manageable pieces. Plus, they design and program their own digital scenes.

Learn more about how to use Code.org and get involved during its infamous " Hour of Code " - a global movement aimed at encouraging people of all ages to engage with computer programming through a one-hour coding experience that's accessible to beginners.

7. W3Schools

W3Schools is a free educational website for learning coding online that's great for more advanced coders. For students in middle school and high school, W3Schools is a great resource for coding tutorials in multiple languages. Students can get detailed information on coding topics in an easy-to-digest format.

What makes W3Schools particularly appealing for young coders is its "Try it Yourself" feature, where learners can write and test code directly within the web browser, providing hands-on experience at no cost. The site does a great job breaking concepts down into small pieces. Kids can get started by creating their first web page with HTML, and then style their web page using CSS.

W3Schools may be better to use as a supplemental resource, as it does not provide expert support to answer questions or direct students to clear next steps.

8. TinkerCAD

TinkerCAD is a versatile and user-friendly platform designed to introduce kids and teens to the exciting world of 3D design and modeling. With its intuitive interface and engaging features, TinkerCAD empowers young learners to explore their creativity, enhance spatial reasoning skills, and delve into the fundamentals of design and engineering.

Through TinkerCAD's online platform, students can access a range of tools to create 3D models from scratch. The platform's drag-and-drop functionality makes it easy for beginners to shape, manipulate, and assemble objects in a virtual 3D space. TinkerCAD's block-based coding editor, Codeblocks, provides an entry point for students to learn coding principles alongside their design projects.

One of TinkerCAD's key strengths is its accessibility. Students can use TinkerCAD with just a web browser, eliminating the need for complex installations. The platform offers an extensive library of pre-designed shapes and components, enabling learners to easily incorporate diverse elements into their designs. From simple geometric structures to more complex inventions, TinkerCAD accommodates various skill levels and encourages experimentation. And the platform integrates seamlessly with 3D printing, enabling students to bring their digital creations into the physical world.

9. Thunkable

Thunkable is a powerful and user-friendly coding platform that empowers teens, to create their own mobile apps without the need for extensive coding knowledge. And it's even used by many to develop commercial applications! With an intuitive drag-and-drop interface and a visual programming language, Thunkable is an ideal tool for children looking to explore app development, enhance problem-solving skills, and express their creativity through technology.

Through Thunkable, young learners can design and build their own mobile applications for both Android and iOS platforms. The platform's simplicity allows students to create interactive and functional apps by dragging and dropping visual components, eliminating the need for complex coding syntax. Thunkable's visual programming language is designed for ease of use, making it accessible for beginners while providing a solid foundation for more advanced coding concepts.

One of Thunkable's notable features is its versatility in app creation. Kids can develop apps ranging from simple games and interactive stories to utilities and educational tools. The platform supports the integration of various device functionalities, such as sensors, GPS, and multimedia, allowing students to experiment and add dynamic elements to their projects.

A great way to get started with Thunkable is with the help of a live expert instructor, and a curriculum designed by Stanford and MIT professionals, in this Mobile Coding for Apps and Games class .

10. VEXCode VR

VexCode VR is an innovative coding platform designed to introduce children in grades 1-12 to the exciting world of robotics and programming. With its engaging and user-friendly interface, VexCode VR provides a unique opportunity for kids and teens to learn coding skills while experimenting with virtual robots. The platform is particularly well-suited for children interested in robotics, problem-solving, and logical thinking.

VexCode VR allows students to explore the fundamentals of coding by programming virtual robots to complete a variety of challenges. The platform provides a dynamic environment where kids can experiment with different coding concepts using a block-based programming language. The drag-and-drop interface makes it easy for beginners to grasp coding principles and create sequences of commands for their virtual robots.

One of VexCode VR's strengths lies in its focus on robotics and real-world applications. Through the platform, children can engage in hands-on activities by solving challenges that mimic real-world scenarios.

For parents looking to support their children's coding journey, Vex Robotics offers additional resources, including robotics kits and competitions that align with the skills learned in VexCode VR. To learn the VexCode VR platform with the guidance of a live expert, join the award-winning kids' class Junior Robotics .

Replit is an innovative and accessible coding platform designed to inspire and educate students. With a user-friendly interface and a focus on collaborative coding, Replit provides an ideal environment for children to learn coding skills and engage in creative projects.

Through Replit, kids can access a wide variety of coding languages and environments, making it suitable for learners at different levels. The platform supports popular languages such as Python, JavaScript, and more, allowing students to explore their interests and gradually advance their coding abilities.

One of Replit's standout features is its simplicity. With an intuitive interface, students can easily create, modify, and run their code directly in the browser, eliminating the need for complex setup procedures. This accessibility makes it an excellent choice for beginners who are just starting to learn coding concepts.

Replit supports real-time collaboration, enabling students to work on coding projects together, fostering teamwork and communication skills. The platform provides a shared coding environment where multiple users can collaborate simultaneously, allowing for a dynamic and interactive coding experience.

12. Google Colab

Google Colab is a powerful and accessible coding platform that provides a collaborative environment for studentsto learn and practice coding. Developed by Google, Colab is designed for working with Python and supports a variety of machine learning libraries, making it an excellent tool for students interested in data science, artificial intelligence, and general programming.

Through Google Colab, children can access a cloud-based computing environment directly from their web browser. This eliminates the need for local installations and allows students to focus on coding rather than dealing with setup complexities. Colab supports Python notebooks, providing an interactive and visual coding experience suitable for learners at various skill levels.

Colab is particularly powerful for those interested in data science and machine learning. The platform provides access to Google's robust infrastructure, enabling students to work on projects that involve large datasets and complex computations. Colab integrates seamlessly with Google Drive, facilitating easy sharing and collaboration on coding projects.

One of Colab's notable features is its support for Jupyter notebooks. Students can write and execute code in a step-by-step manner, making it easier to understand and debug their programs. Colab also allows for the integration of text, images, and charts within the same document, providing a comprehensive and visually engaging learning experience.

13. ChatGPT

ChatGPT  is an AI product created by  OpenAI  that you can converse with and ask an incredibly wide range of questions from how to cook pasta, to travel recommendations, to coding, to solving calculus problems, and a whole lot more. It is so intelligent that it can pass Google Interviews, AP tests, and Bar exams just to name a few examples.

While ChatGPT doesn't involve traditional coding, it provides an engaging way for kids to interact with artificial intelligence, encouraging curiosity and exploration of language and technology concepts. Parents can supervise and guide their children's interaction with ChatGPT to ensure a positive and educational experience.

Kids can experiment with creating Scratch projects with help from ChatGPT. Get help debugging code. And can even code a simple ChatBot on top of ChatGPT. This fun live online Create with ChatGPT class is a great place to start learning with the help of an expert.

In addition, we have incorporated ChatGPT throughout our Python for AI class to help student debug, learn new content, and brainstorm ideas by working with ChatGPT so they can learn better and more effectively. Furthermore, students who sign up for the Python class also receive 6 month of free access to  Python Skill Builder , an AI based tool that helps students practice learning after the class.

14. Swift Playgrounds

Swift Playgrounds provides an immersive environment for learning Swift, Apple's programming language, used for developing iOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS applications. The platform is specifically designed to make coding accessible to beginners (it's great for high schoolers), providing a stepping stone for students to eventually transition to more complex programming languages.

Swift Playgrounds offers an interactive and gamified learning experience. Users solve puzzles, complete challenges, and build projects, all while learning fundamental coding principles. Also Swift Playgrounds is designed to run on iPads, making it a portable and versatile tool for coding education. The touch-based interface allows for a hands-on coding experience. Finally, users can even explore a 3D interactive world within the app, adding a playful element to the learning process.

15. Blockly

Developed by Google, Blockly provides a user-friendly environment where kids can create programs by stacking visual blocks that represent code commands. It's an ideal starting point for beginners as it eliminates the need for syntax memorization and focuses on the fundamental building blocks of programming.

Blockly uses colorful and intuitive blocks that represent different programming commands. Kids can drag and drop these blocks to create sequences of code. Blockly provides instant feedback as kids assemble their code. This real-time feedback helps them understand the cause and effect relationships in programming.

In addition, Blockly is versatile and can be integrated into various educational platforms and tools. It is used in conjunction with other coding environments to introduce coding concepts in a visual and interactive way. And it supports a wide range of browsers, promoting flexibility in learning environments.

Blockly offers a set of educational Blockly Games where kids can learn coding through interactive and engaging activities. These games cover various coding concepts and progressively increase in complexity.

Free Coding Websites for Teens' Self-Study

Self-starters and advanced learners can check out some of the best websites to learn coding for free:

• Create & Learn's Free Classes : From Roblox coding to Python, enjoy a free session led live by an expert and designed especially for teens.
• Coursera : From Python for Everbody to C++, find just what you need to get started.
• Udemy : Try self-paced courses in basic coding in JavaScript, an introduction to Python and more.
• General Assembly : They hold free workshops.
• Upskill : They offer over 200 free courses to learn programming.
• Learn by Google Developers : Explore the Google Developer Library and much more.

The Best Way for Kids and Teens to Learn Coding

Downloading an app, sorting through YouTube videos , and reading some books are all great ways for students to learn coding . However you've probably encouraged your child to do this before, and maybe they're consistent for a few days, and then eventually drop it.

There are undoubtedly so many online resources and platforms where your child can get information and knowledge about how to code for free. But what happens if they get stuck on a line of code, learn outdated information, or find all it too overwhelming or confusing? They probably won't stick with coding, and they might never want to return to it. The opportunity to foster their passion for computer science might flash by in the blink of an eye!

As the chart below reveals, there are many options for learning kids coding . Live classes offer some of the most compelling benefits when comparing some key factors such as supportive help, interactivity, and thoughtful accurate learning paths that set students up for success.

Live online classes are a great solution for helping your student explore computer science and discover how it aligns with their interests. They are likely the best shot your student has at gaining real coding skills soon, because passionate teachers will hold students accountable and support them. In addition, live online courses adapt the material to kids' learning styles, they help students when they run into tough problems with their code, and they taking the 'thinking' off your plate with a carefully designed curriculum - so you don't have to plan your student's next step or worry that the content will be out of their reach and overly frustrating.

Learning quickly and accurately in live online classes and camps will best equip your student to gain valuable computer science skills. They are an investment, but they don't have to be forever. For example, here at Create & Learn, you can pick and chose the classes your child enrolls in based on their schedule and interests: which can easily match your child's preferred time engagement and growing passions. Explore the curriculum here: Grades K-2 | Grades 2-4 | Grades 4-6 | Grades 6-9 .

Of course, there's not just one solution for learning something new. Pairing live online classes with additional materials, such as the free online websites and apps we've mentioned here that encourage self-discovery, is a great way to round out your student's coding education.

Enjoy Incredible Coding Platforms for Kids

STEM stats show that STEM jobs are expected to grow 10.5% between 2020 and 2030 compared to 7.5% growth for non-STEM jobs. This equates to 1 million more job openings over 10 years! It's not too early to get started.

Only 26% of elementary schools and 38% of middle schools offer computer science classes. So check out these online coding platforms for kids to begin your child's coding adventure.

We recommend kindergarten students begin with Scratch Junior , elementary students start with Scratch Ninja , middle school students begin with Accelerated Scratch , and high schoolers start with Python .

Up next, explore free coding games for kids .

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Get your kids coding

Coding is a terrific way to spark your kids interest in computers, analytical and creative thinking, and a possible future career. While it seems like programming an app or a software sounds boring, it's actually really fun and challenging in a good way. And finishing a project can give the kids a sense of fulfillment and achievement that's unique to coding.

Plus, while a lot of industries are uncertain, computer programming won’t be going anywhere anytime soon. So, involving your children in fun edutainment focusing on coding will give them a head start on something they’ll most likely encounter as students or in their professional careers. Thankfully, there are a lot of resources, both websites and apps , to make coding for kids fun and hopefully jumpstart a lifelong interest, including free ones.

If you’re hoping to spark an early interest in computers for your kids, coding is a great way to go. To help get that future software engineer or game developer in your home started on their path, we’ve collected seven of the best online resources for coding kids. The timing is perfect as well, as students are about to go back to school this 2023.

Be sure to check out our back to school sales this year so you can save money on the best laptop , the best student printer , and more.

Developed by the MIT Media Lab, Scratch is a block-based visual programming language and website for kids.

According to the website, the mission of Scratch is to help young people learn to "think creatively, reason systematically, and work collaboratively". 

Users can create projects using the interface, which is divided into three sections: the stage area, block palette, and coding area. Scratch can be used to create games, animations, text, stories, music and more.

Scratch is popular with schools, museums, libraries, community centers and home users. The primary age range for Scratch is 8 to 16, but there are modules that teachers and parents can use to learn about programming too.

2. Construct

Create games and then market them online with Construct , an event-based game development platform. 

Using HTML5, Construct allows students to build 2D games that range from RPGs to adventure-based clickers. The website features games made by big budget teams from Netflix and Cartoon Network alongside games made by humble individual creators.

Construct 3 runs on Windows, Macs, Linux, Chromebooks , and mobile devices. Check out our best student Chromebooks for some ideas.

There are many tutorials on the website that break down the steps of game creation with HTML5. Creating games with Construct 3 has a premium monthly or yearly cost, but the website has a host of educational resources that anyone can download for free.

Cost: $99 (around £75/AU$140) a year for individual plan

Help your child enter their career by getting them started with a high powered engine used by developers in the real world. Unity helps students gain experience with 3D interactive visual design and text-based coding in the C# coding language. Students will learn about all the ground-level aspects of object-oriented coding.

Unity allows people to make games and publish them on a variety of platforms. Users can create 2D or 3D scenes, animations, or cinematics in the Unity Editor. 

Unity is free for students to use, and it's also free for individuals who receive less than $100k in funding over the last 12 months.

Roblox is a multi-player game that also has a coding environment. Kids can learn how to code and design their own games while also connecting with their friends online. The coding process is gamified as kids can earn exclusive badges and avatars after they prove their coding knowledge.

Of particular interest is the Hour of Code, which allows students to create their own stories by completing three lessons: Creating Variables, Getting Player Answers, and Telling the Story. 

Hour of Code is an initiative by Computer Science Education Week and Code.org to get students to commit to one hour of computer science and programming.

Another game-based coding platform, Tynker has a number of beginner and storytelling projects that are great for younger children. 

There are picture-based block coding apps, as well as text-based block coding apps available for students. It also has lessons and projects to teach children about robotics, creating Minecraft worlds, and learning Python, Javascript, HTML and CSS.

Tynker has weekly summer code jams that offer $10,000 in prizes. The site also offers free accounts for teachers that include free coding courses, unlimited student accounts, and free professional development.

Cost: Free to start, $20 (around £15/AU$30) a month

6. Codecademy

Let your kids take the sorting quiz on the site and it will help them choose which language to tackle first.

Codecademy is a comprehensive, user-friendly website that teaches kids basic code through simple exercises. The modules are easy to follow and users can try them before making a financial commitment to the site.

Once you reach the premium section of the site, you can build portfolio-ready projects from the ground up, work with other site members to collaborate on projects, and access exclusive courses, quizzes and other practice content.

Cost: Free to start, $19.99 (around £15/AU$30) a month

7. Code.org

Code.org is a nonprofit foundation stating its vision is that "every student in every school has the opportunity to learn computer science". 

The majority of Code.org students are girls or underrepresented minorities, indicating they are doing important work to diversify STEM education. All of the curriculums and software on the website are offered free of charge and licensed under a Creative Commons license.

The curriculums are broken up by age groups. Kids can learn to make their own games or build working apps using blocks, CSS, HTML, or Javascript. The Express Course is particularly helpful for older students who are new to computer science but have no trouble with reading or writing.

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Bebe King: Funeral held for six-year-old Southport stabbing victim

Bebe was killed along with Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, in an attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in the Merseyside town on 29 July.

Saturday 17 August 2024 15:01, UK

A funeral has been held for six-year-old Bebe King, who was killed in the Southport stabbings.

Bebe died along with nine-year-old Alice Dasilva Aguiar and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, after the attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in the Merseyside town on 29 July.

The atrocity sparked anti-immigration protests, riots and counter-protests in towns and cities in England and Northern Ireland after false information circulated on social media that the attacker was an illegal migrant.

The suspect was later named as Axel Rudakubana , now 18, who was born in Cardiff to Rwandan parents and has been charged with three counts of murder, 10 counts of attempted murder and possession of a kitchen knife with a curved blade.

Bebe's family held a private funeral for family and close friends in Southport on Saturday, while people not in attendance were encouraged to light a candle in her memory.

Her parents Lauren and Ben previously paid tribute to their "precious daughter" , whose older sister Genie, nine, witnessed the attack and managed to escape.

"Our world was shattered by the loss of our precious daughter Bebe," the couple said in a statement.

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"Along with two other beautiful souls, Elsie and Alice, she was taken from us in an unimaginable act of violence that has left our hearts broken beyond repair."

Eight other children were wounded in the rampage, and all have since been discharged from hospital and are recovering at home.

Meanwhile, a yoga teacher who was injured in the attack is back in hospital after struggling with her breathing.

Leanne Lucas is believed to have been one of the organisers of the dance event. Businessman John Hayes was also wounded in the attack.

Read more: Toughest sentences yet for rioters Who was involved in the riots?

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Hundreds of people lined the town's streets for Alice's funeral procession last Sunday along with around 30 uniformed police officers and Merseyside Police Chief Constable Serena Kennedy.

Alice's parents Sergio and Alexandra, originally from Madeira in Portugal, released a picture of her alongside a Taylor Swift cardboard cutout at the event on the day of the attack.

"It hurts, we will never see you grow up," they said in a statement.

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34 Best Gifts For 6-Year-Olds, According to Picky Parents

What are the best gifts for 6-year-olds? Well, that, of course, depends on the kid in question . Maybe you have an art-obsessed child who’ll be over the moon with anything from Crayola, or perhaps you’re shopping for a kid who would prefer a building set and action figurines. “When it comes to 6-year-old girls and boys, they’re really entering into the world of being kids,” says Harvey Karp, MD , a pediatrician, author, and founder of Happiest Baby . “It’s the beginning of following and caring about the rules. The world becomes very black and white, and they get better control over their bodies.” In short? Great gift ideas include games with more structure, learning toys, and things that’ll allow them to hone their fine-motor skills.

We’ve included everything from stem toys to some of the coolest reusable dress-up costumes you’ve ever seen. There are also sneakily educational toys, as well as clothes they’ll actually be excited to receive (like a sequined rain slicker and dinosaur robe). I’ve found these picks to be a hit with my almost-6-year-old daughter and her friends—who admittedly have a few tween tendencies—as well as with fellow moms.

The best gifts for six-year-olds, at a glance

• Best Art Gift : Marvin's Magic Amazing Magic Pens , $29
• Best Clothes Gift : Bluey Hoodie , $68
• Best Board Game : Hasbro Gaming Sorry! Family Board Games , $22
• Best Craft Gift : Ice Dyed Hat Socks Project Kit , $30
• Best DIY Kit : Super Smalls Make It Super DIY Bead Kit , $49
• Best Puzzle Gift : Ravensburger Savannah Jungle Waterhole Puzzle , $17
• Best STEM Gift : TP Toys Wooden Explore Potting Bench , $200
• Best Building Gift : Lego Classic Lots of Bricks Construction Toy Set , $48

All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Marvin's Magic Amazing Magic Pens

Marvin's Magic Amazing Magic Pens

Harvey Karp, MD , a pediatrician, author, and founder of Happiest Baby , is quick to point out the importance of art for 6-year-olds. “They’re learning to write, so being able to practice their letters with art supplies [is great],” he says. This set of “magic” color-changing pens makes the process even more enjoyable as it allows young artists to write and reveal secret messages.

Hanna Andersson Bluey French Terry Hoodie

Hanna Andersson

If you want a kid to actually be happy about getting new clothes for a holiday or their birthday, bright, fun colors are always the best way to go (a.k.a., no “sad beige” aesthetic, no matter how chic you think it is). This Bluey hoodie from Hanna Andersson is made from soft cotton and has the character’s adorable ears on the hood. It can also work for the five-year-old in your life who is a fan of the show.

Hasbro Gaming Sorry! Family Board Game

“Six-year-olds are learning to follow the rules and interact with others,” says Harvey Karp, MD , a pediatrician, author, and founder of Happiest Baby , pointing out this is the ideal age to begin introducing games. This one, of course, is a tried-and-true classic with simple and easy-to-follow instructions but a fast and unpredictable pace that keeps things interesting.

Ice-Dyed Hat & Socks Project Kit

Ice Dyed Hat Socks Project Kit

I personally have loved a tie-dye moment at every age and stage of my life, but now that I’m the parent of a nearly 6-year-old, I appreciate an option that keeps the mess contained to a single box. Better yet, this kit comes with a couple of ready-to-go garments, so you won’t need to frantically dig around your home for white T-shirts and socks.

Super Smalls Make It Super DIY Bead Kit

Super Smalls

While a bracelet-making kit is a tried-and-true present for crafty 6-year-olds, this one from Super Smalls is praised in particular by Amazon reviewers for its wide selection of charming and colorful beads. Liz Zelkowitz, a publicist and partner at PR firm House Of , is also a fan. “How many beaded name bracelets does your 6-year-old need? Turns out, dozens,” she says, noting her daughter’s love of homemade jewelry. “This Super Smalls kit is so cute and chic, I may not mind my kid repeatedly losing and remaking hers.”

Ravensburger Savannah Jungle Waterhole Puzzle

When in doubt, puzzles are generally a crowd-pleaser—especially when they include an intricate, engaging design that’s enjoyable to look at. The image on this one is especially excellent for younger kids as it has so many details to focus on for clues while trying to figure out how the 100 different pieces go together.

TP Toys Wooden Explore Potting Bench

While this gardening station comes with caveats—mainly that there must be both money and space to accommodate the purchase—it is a lovely option for any kid interested in how plants grow. It features a water butt with sink and draining platform, as well as a cold frame for keeping seedlings safe. There’s also a potting shelf for holding extra plants.

Lego Classic Lots of Bricks Construction Toy Set

One of the many joys of parenting a 6-year-old is that you don’t have to worry anymore about them putting random tiny things in their mouths and choking (as any parent will tell you, this stage lasts longer than you’d think). So, why not celebrate with a gloriously comprehensive 1,000-piece Lego building toy set with every color and size imaginable?

Lulu Jr. Illustory Book Making Kit

This award-winning make-your-own book kit is satisfying for the joy kids will find in writing and illustrating their own story and for the thrill of seeing their handiwork in a professionally printed book. Reviewers definitely agree: “The Lulu Jr. Kit has been an absolute delight for my 6-year-old daughter,” one enthusiastic customer commented. “She spent two months creating her very own book and had an absolute blast using the kit’s user-friendly pages. The process was engaging and fun, allowing her imagination to run wild as she crafted her story and illustrations. The end result was a book that she‘s incredibly proud of, and we all love it too!”

Uncommon Goods Color Your Own Fairytale Storybook Pillowcase

Uncommon Goods

Boasting only five-star reviews, this color-it-yourself pillowcase is beloved both for the way it keeps little ones busy—and the thrill they get from scribbling on one of their bed linens. Even better, the marker comes right out in the washing machine, so they can decorate it multiple times.

Ooly Carry Along Sketchbook

If there’s one thing I’ve learned as a mother of two young girls, it’s that having paper on hand can be a life (and sanity) saver when you’re out and about with bored, whiny children. I love this sketchbook both for its compact size—just right to throw in a midsize satchel or tote bag —and its adorable crowd-pleasing cover. And for less than $15, it’s worth stocking up on a few for when birthday parties inevitably sneak up before you have time to hit the local toy store.

Bluey Wackadoo Dice Imagination Act Out the Action Game

BLUEY Wackadoo Dice Imagination Act Out The Action Game

Don’t know what your giftee is into? Chances are a certain Australian canine cartoon is on their list of favorite things. “Everyone loves Bluey, in case you didn't know,” says Liz Zelkowitz, a publicist and partner at PR firm House Of , noting the hit Disney+ show as a favorite among the under-seven set. “This is a cute, cheap dice game kids can play at playdates, the pool, parties—we take them everywhere!”

Hand Puppet Animal Craft Kit for Kids 6-in-1

Puppets become really interesting for kids at this age [of six],” says Harvey Karp, MD , a pediatrician, author, and founder of Happiest Baby , who notes the situational play allows children to sort through new feelings and experiences, and for parents to participate in the process. “You can ask questions like, ‘What should this one do next? Why did she do that? What do you do when you’re sad?’” Rather than purchase ready-made puppets, consider a DIY kit that’ll allow the recipient to have control over the characters in their show (and, of course, keep them busy for longer).

Fat Brain Toys Hey Clay Animals Kit With Interactive App

Fat Brain Toys Hey Clay Kit With Interactive App

Harvey Karp, MD , a pediatrician, author, and founder of Happiest Baby , points out that by age six, most kids have moved past straight sensory play. “​Whereas the younger kids really like sandboxes and water, 6-year-olds are getting a little bit more mature around those things—so clay or silly play dough can be a fun toy for them.” This set of squishy modeling clay in particular is a smart way to go, as it comes with an app providing step-by-step instructions and the finished product doesn’t require oven time (you just air-dry it).

Tiny Land Fort Building Kit

Tiny Land Kids Fort Building Kit

This study tipi fort has over 2,000 glowing reviews for a reason: Not only will it provide a fortlike space for children to play in for hours, but it’ll fold right up for parents to store in the corner or a closet when they’re done. (You could also set it up with a night-light for a special sleepover situation.) “I am utterly smitten with this product,” wrote one shopper, who also commented on how easy it was to assemble and its adorable string lights.”The inclusion of a carrying case, a delightful pop-up campfire toy, enchanting star string lights, convenient inside pockets, and the feature of being washable were all significant selling points that set this product apart from its competitors.”

Melissa & Doug Star Diner Restaurant Play Set

Melissa & Doug Star Diner Restaurant Play Set

Because my children are obsessed with creating menus of “food” made from random ephemera around our apartment, this restaurant set was one of the best toys we’ve ever bought. It’s also a go-to for any equally imaginative kids in my orbit, especially since it only costs $21 and includes 41 different pieces.

Playmobil Fire Rescue Truck

For the car lover who always has an entire bin filled with Hot Wheels, this fire truck includes a hand pump that squirts real water and a functioning winch that can tow other toy vehicles.

Floss & Rock Enchanted Tin Tea Party Playset

Floss & Rock Enchanted Tin Tea Party Playset

When in doubt, I’ve found this sweet tea set to be an affordable and foolproof option for the girls on my shopping list. They’ll love the intricate illustrations and potential for doll and stuffy tea parties; their parents will appreciate that all the small pieces neatly pack up into a compact carrying case.

Lite-Brite Touch Portable STEM Learning Toy

Lite-Brite Touch Light Up Portable STEM Learning Toy

If you loved playing this game in the ’80s but loathe to bestow a parent with the task of cleaning up hundreds of tiny light bulbs, Liz Zelkowitz, a publicist and partner at PR firm House Of , recommends this updated touch-screen version. “The original Lite Brite that we all grew up with is great but usually ends with me cleaning those teeny plastic pegs off the floor for hours—no thanks,” she says. “I just ordered this as a birthday gift for my 6-year-old daughter's friend.”

VTech KidiZoom Camera Pix Plus

For the 6-year-old who is constantly “borrowing” your iPhone to snap pictures, Liz Zelkowitz, a publicist and partner at PR firm House Of , suggests this colorful old-school digital camera. “My kiddo loves taking ‘selfies’ of herself and her dolls (and of the back of my head while in the car) with this,” she says, noting that it includes some creative add-ons like frames and filters, as well as the option to play games.

Horizon Group USA Barbie Makeup Artist Magazine

"My daughter and her pals love the idea of makeup, but have zero clue how to use it, thankfully,” says Liz Zelkowitz, a publicist and partner at PR firm House Of , who says this coloring book is a brilliant way for younger kids to get their cosmetics fix. “It allows them to actually play with sparkly ‘eyeshadow’ and apply it onto pictures of Barbie and her friends without the focus being on wearing it themselves.”

Great Pretenders Reversible Dragon/Knight Cape

As if a plush knight or dragon cape on its own was not cute enough, this reversible style comes with the option of wearing both. This essentially makes it two gifts for the price of just one, and also doubles the ways your recipient can interact with it.

Kaleidoscope Coloring: Purrmaids, Llamacorns, and More!

Trade the straightforward coloring-book route for this set of adorable illustrations (complete with markers) for kids to both color in and doodle around. “My daughter and her friends will spend hours coloring these,” says Liz Zelkowitz, a publicist and partner at PR firm House Of . “They love the fun markers and cute packaging!” Pro tip: Round out the gift with a few packs of stickers.

Boden Sherpa Lined Anorak

There are regular jackets, and then there’s the printed outerwear at Boden, which has a selection of enchanting motifs that never fail to win over my daughters. This alicorn (which, for those not in the know, is a pegasus/unicorn hybrid) design is a surefire winner for the kid obsessed with princesses and fairy tales.

Hapinest Find and Seek Scavenger Hunt Card Game for Kids

Harvey Karp, MD , a pediatrician, author, and founder of Happiest Baby , points to age six as being the ideal time to begin introducing card games. The beauty of this one, which offers scavenger-hunt prompts, is that the rules are simple enough that a younger sibling will be able to participate too.

Classic Twister

Sure, Twister may be old hat to you, but it’s going to be a totally novel experience for a 6-year-old, and a blast introducing it to them. (Disclaimer: It’s best to give this to someone who will have other kids—or willing parents—around to play with them when they open it.)

Mattel Uno Original and Uno Flip Card Games (Combo Pack of 2)

As my 5-year-old inches closer and closer to six, it’s been really cool to see how her understanding of how to play this classic game (and its spin-off versions) has grown. I’ll definitely be stocking up on a few packs as emergency presents for classmates’ birthday parties this coming school year.

Hasbro Gaming Jenga Classic Game

One of the best things about Jenga is that it’s both a crowd-pleaser at parties and also a game one can play alone—something that’s always helpful for parents to have on hand. Supercreative kids may also find alternate uses for the blocks, like turning them into little log houses for their toys.

Kids Toys Toss and Catch Game Set

Most children in this age group are just learning how to play catch, so Velcro pads act sort of like training wheels until they have full mastery of the game. This set is a particularly smart option for someone with either a family vacation or extended break from school coming up, as it’s easy to throw in a backpack and keeps kids busy for a long time.

Jambo 3-Lane Slip Splash and Slide

JAMBO 20Ft Premium 3 Lane Slip Splash and Slide

Honestly, this one is kind of a present for parents too. Set this bad boy up in the backyard on a long summer day with no plans, and it’ll keep every kid in its vicinity occupied with minimal effort for hours on end.

Bling2o Kid’s Donut Sprinkles Swim Goggles

Bling2o Kid's Donut Sprinkles Swim Goggles

Neiman Marcus

Swim goggles, in principle, sound so boring and utilitarian, but this endearing “sprinkle”-covered pair is sure to make any kid amped for their weekly lessons at the pool. Note: If this style feels too girly, there are also gamer - and shark-inspired options. Come Christmas, these also happen to be an amazing stocking stuffer.

Stephen Joseph Kids’ Color Changing Umbrella

Stephen Joseph Kids' Color Changing Umbrella

Getting kids to properly gear up for impromptu rain showers is way easier when you can offer them an umbrella that not only has a fun design, but also changes colors when wet. This one comes in several different motifs, including fierce shark art and a charming unicorn illustration.

Hatley Kids’ Dino Fossils Hooded Fleece Robe

Hatley Kids' Dino Fossils Hooded Fleece Robe

A kid’s robe is one of those things that are actually insanely useful, but always feel silly to spend money on as a parent (a towel, after all, essentially serves the same purpose). This makes it an ideal gift, especially if you go for one in a playful print like this dinosaur fossil pattern.

Lola & The Boys Kids’ Magic Sequin Rain Jacket

Lola & The Boys Kids' Magic Sequin Rain Jacket

Does anyone need a glimmering sequined rain jacket? Of course not. But give this to the sparkle-obsessed 6-year-old on your list, and I promise it will elicit screams of joy when she opens it. (They’re also likely to love the constant stream of admiration it gathers on a stormy day.)

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Here's the Latest 2025 Social Security COLA Estimate -- and Why There's Good News and Bad News for Retirees

• July inflation numbers announced on Wednesday morning were better than expected.
• This could mean the 2025 Social Security COLA will be lower than previous estimates.
• There was good news and bad news for retirees with the latest COLA estimate and the July inflation report.
• Motley Fool Issues Rare “All In” Buy Alert

Retirees could be in store for a lower Social Security increase next year.

Arguably, no government report matters to retirees as much as the monthly U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Consumer Price Index Summary. This report provides inflation data for the previous month.

Why is it important to retirees? One of the numbers in the report is critical to calculating the annual Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) .

On Wednesday morning, the BLS released its inflation report for July. It didn't take long for the first updated projection to come out regarding how much next year's COLA might be. Here's the latest 2025 Social Security COLA estimate -- and why there's both good news and bad news for retirees.

Image source: Getty Images.

The latest 2025 Social Security COLA estimate

After BLS released its July report, headlines trumpeted that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) fell below 3% for the first time in nearly three-and-a-half years. The July CPI of 2.9% was also lower than the consensus estimate of 3%.

However, the CPI (which technically is the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers, or CPI-U) doesn't matter for retirees' Social Security benefits increase. Instead, the Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a less-heralded metric called the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W).

The CPI-U and the CPI-W usually move in lockstep. They did so in July, with both inflation metrics rising 0.1% from the previous month and 2.9% year over year.

Should retirees expect a 2.9% Social Security COLA next year? Not according to independent Social Security and Medicare policy analyst Mary Johnson. Her model, which incorporates the monthly CPI-W figures, estimates the Social Security benefit increase in 2025 will be 2.6%. (Johnson projected a 2.7% increase last month.)

Good news and bad news for retirees

Some retirees might see a 2.6% COLA as bad news. Social Security benefits increased by 3.2% this year and jumped 8.7% in 2023. For anyone who views the annual COLA as a raise, receiving a lower amount will be a change for the worse.

However, in a real sense, a lower COLA in 2025 is good news for retirees. Why? It means that inflation is moderating. Social Security benefits will stretch further with lower inflation.

There's good news for retirees in the details of the July inflation report, too. The costs of eating out increased by 0.2% month over month, a lower sequential increase than in the previous four months. According to Statista, older Americans tend to eat out more than younger Americans.

The medical-care index slid 0.2% lower in July after rising 0.2% in June. Hospital services costs declined 1.1% last month. These trends are also positive for retirees since healthcare is typically a bigger expense for them.

However, we can find at least one inescapable negative associated with a Social Security COLA of 2.6%: Retirees won't receive the benefits increase until January 2025 but will incur the higher costs this year.

Only an estimate

It's important to remember that we're only talking about an estimate of what the 2025 Social Security COLA might be. The actual number won't be announced until mid-October.

SSA uses the CPI-W figures from the third quarters of 2023 and 2024 to calculate the annual COLA. The final monthly number for Q3 of this year will be released on Oct. 10, 2024. The official 2025 Social Security COLA should be available soon afterward.

The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy .

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50 Best Toys for 3-Year-Olds, Tested by Experts and Real Kids

Unique, educational and —most importantly — entertaining gift ideas for 3-year-old boys and girls.

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

Don't forget those preschool energy levels, either! "Three-year-olds have a high need for physical activity and movement too," Dr. Bogdanov says. "Give them something to pedal or jump on that encourages gross motor development like bikes, trikes and scooters ." With all that factored in, these were our favorite toys and gifts for 3-year-olds in 2024, whether you're looking for a present for 3-year-old boys , 3-year-old girls or any other threenager in your life.

Our Top Picks

• Crayola Spill Proof Paint Set , $25 at amazon.com
• LeapFrog Rainbow Learning Lights Mixer , $25 at amazon.com
• Little Tikes T-Ball Set , $27 at amazon.com
• VTech Storytime With Sunny , $38 at amazon.com
• Yoto Player (3rd Generation) , $99 at amazon.com

These include current and previous Good Housekeeping Best Toy Award winners , which were vetted by Good Housekeeping Institute experts and tested with real families, plus editor's picks and best-sellers. Any there's plenty more suggestions to go with them!

Yoto Player (3rd Generation)

This audio player is designed for preschoolers to be able to use by themselves; they just have to put a card in to start a story, song or podcast, and take it out when they want it to stop. Good Housekeeping testers appreciated its long battery life and ease of use. This comes with a make-your-own audio card, but then you can explore cards with Disney themes , bedtime music , and many more . Ages 3+

RELATED: The Best Preschool Graduation Gifts

VTech Storytime With Sunny

Testers were taken in by the expression on this light's face, which moves when it talks and tells stories. It comes with four disks that are packed with stories, songs, games, jokes, tongue twisters and more. It also works as a nightlight and an alarm clock, so testers appreciated that they could use it for bedtime and wake-up routines. It also comes in pink . Ages 3+

RELATED: The Good Housekeeping Best Toy Awards

Little Tikes T-Ball Set

Batter up! This height-adjustable T-ball set is designed to grow with kids until they're about 6 years old , and you'll be amazed at how much their strength, skill and coordination improves in that time. If you have a real sports star on your hand, you can also get the basketball hoop and golf set to go with it. Ages 18 months+

Crayola Spill-Proof Paint Set

Good Housekeeping testers were amazed at the way these semi-solid paints didn't drip, slosh or spill (though they did notice that if kids got the paint on their hands, they could make smudges that way). This set makes tapping into their creative sides even easier with eight paint colors, three brushes and activity sheets to paint on. Ages 3+

LeapFrog Rainbow Learning Lights Mixer

Kids really got into the pretend play with this one. “My son loved pulling apart the pretend butter and eggs and adding stuff to the bowl,” one parent tester said. But in addition to pretend baking, kids can use this to follow a recipe card, listen to instructions, press the buttons to make the paddle spin, practice counting (pressing the buttons from one to five) or practice colors (the mixer lights up in different ones). Ages 2+

Disney Junior Splash & Glow Ariel

Mermaid fans will thrill to this toy, which sings and has color-changing lights on her tail, which also acts like a fountain to make a ballgown-skirt-like cascade of water. One tester even said Ariel held up well at the beach, despite the sand and salt water. "The battery and singing continues to function great, and shows no signs of wear," the tester said. Ages 3+

'Sneak!' Board Book

This book won over Good Housekeeping Institute testers with a clever gimmick: Each page has a poem about a different animal, then kids have to use a "slide and see" feature to reveal which creature it is. Testers also loved the unusual animal selections: " This book introduced us to sea dragons and owl butterflies,” one reviewer said.

RELATED: The Good Housekeeping Best Kids' Book Awards

Fat Brain Toys Teeter Popper

Get them to work on their balance and coordination with this curved board, which kids can sit on or stand on and rock back and forth. The fun part is that the bottom is covered in suction cups, so it makes a popping sound. It comes in pink, green and blue. Ages 3+

GraviTrax Junior Starter Set

Marble runs are often the domains of older kids, but this set brings it down to preschool level. It comes with 100 sturdy pieces that are easy to align and arrange into a track, plus jungle-themed elements they can use just to make the design a little splashy. (You can also get sets with desert , polar and ocean themes, plus expansion packs .) Testers said that 3-year-old did need some help with the setup, but kids loved creating their own little worlds out of the pieces. Ages 3+

Step2 Waterfall Discovery Wall

What set this water table apart from all the others was its space-saving design: Most of the features are aligned vertically to keep it to a smaller footprint. Kids can scoop and pour water and watch it cascade through the different features. It's also two-sided, so siblings can use it at the same time. Ages 18 months+

RELATED: The Best Water Tables

Fisher-Price Rockin’ Record Player

Music-loving kids and their vinyl-collecting parents will both get a kick out of this one. It comes with five records in different musical styles, and it's designed so kids can choose a record, remove it from its sleeve, place it on the turntable and put the arm into the grove all by themselves. Testers confirmed that the kids indeed played the records themselves — sometimes over and over again! Ages 3+

Camping Outdoors Memory Matching Card Game

Test their matching, retention and strategy skills with this classic memory game. The illustrations in the deck have a camping motif, so they're great to keep in a backpack and use in the park or on the go. Ages 3+

LeapFrog Interactive Learning Easel

There are so many different ways to use this easel: There's a chalkboard on one side, a whiteboard on the other and the top even has clips to hold up paper for drawing with crayons or markers. But what kid testers really loved the most was the interactive elements, which offer guided drawing activities that kids can follow along with. There's also traceable magnets that help them practice letters and shapes. Ages 3+

Magna-Tiles 32-Piece Space Construction Set

Kids who love to build will always appreciate having more Magna-Tiles added to their collection. This set is especially great for kids who love space, since it gives them the pieces they need to make their own launch site, including a space shuttle, a space capsule, a capsule window, a space figure and a wheeled chassis. Parent testers said their kids liked building the spaceship and then re-using the pieces for open-ended play. Ages 3+

LEGO DUPLO Buildable People With Big Emotions

Kids get 10 faces, five wigs and enough big building pieces to make different bodies, which could be a bridge to conversations about how people look different or have different emotions. One parent tester said her DUPLO-loving kid found the characters refreshing compared to the ones in other sets, which can't move their limbs or be repositioned, and they loved filling out their DUPLO world with all the different people. Ages 3+

Micro Kickboard Mini Deluxe Scooter

This scooter was designed with preschoolers in mind: It has three wheels to help keep them balanced, and the handlebars are height adjustable to keep up with them as they grow to age 5. Plus, it comes in half a dozen colors, so you can choose their favorites. Ages 2+

RELATED: The Best Scooters for Kids to Get Them Rolling

Melissa & Doug Top & Bake Wooden Pizza Counter Play Set

Order up! This set gets their imaginations firing as they add their favorite topping and pretend to cook the pizza in the oven. But they'll also practice sorting and counting — it comes with fake money — as they run their own pizza shop. Ages 3+

'Once Upon a World' Board Book Collection

Get lost in the illustrations in this beautiful board book set, which imagines different, classic fairy tales unfolding in different countries around the world. Rapunzel takes place in India, Cinderella is in Mexico, Snow White is in Japan and The Princess and the Pea takes place in Russia. Ages 0+

The Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel Game

At age 3, kids might start to have the attention and comprehension needed to play a family game. This one challenges players to get one of each acorn — and they have to use a squirrel-shaped tweezer to pick them up, too. Bonus: This set comes with a board book to read after the game is over. Ages 3+

BRIO World Dinosaur Adventure Set

There are dinosaur toys, There are train sets. What this BRIO offering asks is: Why not both? The set comes with two Brachiosauruses figures (that can pick up dino eggs using the power of magnets), a pteranodon, a lava cave a wagon and plenty of tracks to send them around. One tester said her child loved the dinosaurs so much, he'd carry them around even when he wasn't playing with the train. Ages 3+

Marisa (she/her) has covered all things parenting, from the postpartum period through the empty nest, for Good Housekeeping since 2018; she previously wrote about parents and families at Parents and Working Mother . She lives with her husband and daughter in Brooklyn, where she can be found dominating the audio round at her local bar trivia night or tweeting about movies.

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More From Forbes

Best homeowners insurance of august 2024.

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Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations.

Our analysis of 14 home insurers finds that Westfield is the best homeowners insurance company. State Farm and USAA are also among our top picks. Our analysis included costs, complaints and coverage options. Take these factors into account when shopping for home insurance. The right policy will protect your home and belongings, and give you liability coverage in case someone gets hurt and blames you.

How We Chose the Best Homeowners Insurance Companies

We analyzed home insurance rates, complaints and other factors. Our editors are committed to bringing you unbiased ratings and information. Our editorial content is not influenced by advertisers. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate insurance companies, so all companies are measured equally. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and the methodology for the ratings below.

• 70 coverage details scored
• 33,200 rates analyzed
• 102 years combined insurance experience on the editorial team

Westfield - Best for Price - 5 / 5

State Farm - Great for Bundling Auto and Home - 4.8 / 5

USAA - Best for Military and Veterans - 4.8 / 5

Nationwide - Great for High-Value Homes - 4.6 / 5

Chubb - Best for High Liability Limits - 4.4 / 5

Erie - Great for Coverage Perks - 4.4 / 5

American Family - Great for Extended Coverage for Dwellings - 4.0 / 5

Auto-Owners Great for Discounts - 4.0 / 5

*USAA home insurance is available only to members of the military, veterans and their families.

BEST FOR PRICE - Westfield - See Plans

Compare rates from participating partners via EverQuote's website.

Average cost for $350,000 of coverage - $1,344 yearly/$112 monthly

Online quotes - No

Editors’ Take

Westfield has the lowest average prices among the top-scoring companies in our analysis. We also like its expanded dwelling coverage, including extended replacement cost and guaranteed replacement cost coverage. Westfield’s Estatepak home insurance is designed for high-value homes, and Wespak Estate combines luxury home coverage with auto insurance.

Low rates among the companies we evaluated.

Low complaint level indicates overall customer satisfaction.

Some Westfield home insurance policies include equipment breakdown coverage.

More: Westfield Home Insurance Review

GREAT FOR BUNDLING AUTO AND HOME - StateFarm - See Plans

Average cost for $350,000 of coverage - $1,298 yearly/$108 monthly

Online quotes - Yes

We found that State Farm has decent prices and the highest average discount for bundling home and auto insurance among the companies we evaluated. Dog owners will like that the company doesn’t have a banned dog list.

Average 23% savings when you bundle home and auto insurance.

Offers an option for extended replacement cost coverage that extends your insurance limit when rebuilding costs are more than your stated dwelling coverage amount.

• No banned dog list.

More: State Farm Home Insurance Review

BEST FOR MILITARY AND VETERANS - USAA - See Plans

Average cost for $350,000 of coverage - $1,270 yearly/$106 monthly

We found that USAA delivers low prices and quality service to military members, veterans and their families. Those who are eligible should definitely consider USAA insurance. We also like that customers can take advantage of a variety of discounts through the USAA perks program, including hotels, rental cars and cruises.

• Excellent home insurance rates.
• Low complaints indicate quality customer service.
• Offers extended replacement cost for dwellings.

More: USAA Home Insurance Review

GREAT FOR HIGH-VALUE HOMES - Nationwide - See Plans

Average cost for $350,000 of coverage - $1,157 yearly/$96 monthly

We like Nationwide’s competitive rates and that it offers both extended and guaranteed replacement cost coverage. High-net-worth homeowners will probably like Nationwide’s Private Client insurance, which includes a cash-out option if your home is destroyed and you decide not to rebuild. That coverage also reimburses you for accidental breakage of items such as crystal and china, and equipment breakdown coverage for appliances and home systems.

• Low-cost average home insurance rates for varying levels of coverage—all well below the national averages.
• “Dwelling replacement cost plus” options provide extended coverage if your house is destroyed.

More: Nationwide Home Insurance Review

BEST FOR HIGH LIABILITY LIMITS - Chubb - See Plans

Average cost for $350,000 of coverage - $1,810 yearly/$151 monthly

We think homeowners will appreciate Chubb’s excellent customer service and extended replacement cost coverage. Owners of high-value homes will appreciate Chubb’s high liability coverage limits. The company also offers the option to receive a cash settlement if your house is destroyed and you don’t wish to rebuild. Top-notch service includes Chubb’s Wildfire Defense Service for clients in wildfire-prone areas. This includes wildfire preparation and firefighting service when fires threaten a home.

• High liability limits available up to $100 million.
• Expanded benefits, including GreenWise, which pays to replace damaged items with environmentally-friendly materials, low-impact processes and efficient heating and cooling technology.
• Chubb’s HomeScan program helps prevent damage by finding leaks, missing insulation and faulty electrical connections.

More: Chubb Home Insurance Review

GREAT FOR COVERAGE PERKS - Erie Insurance - See Plans

Average cost for $350,000 of coverage - $1,256 yearly/$105 monthly

We found that Erie stands out from many competitors for its competitive rates, good customer service and superior dwelling coverage options. Erie is worthy of being a top contender if you live where it’s available. With both extended and guaranteed replacement cost options, you can make sure you have ample funds to rebuild your house.

• Low complaint level indicates good customer service.
• Erie’s Extended Water covers natural disaster floods, which aren’t typically covered by standard home insurance, and other water damage.
• Erie’s SecureHome policies include several perks such as coverage for misplacing and lost jewelry, watches, silverware, guns and more.

More: Erie Home Insurance Review

GREAT FOR EXTENDED COVERAGE FOR DWELLINGS - American Family - See Plans

Average cost for $350,000 of coverage - $2,020 yearly/$168 monthly

We like American Family for its extended and replacement cost coverage, which allows you to exceed dwelling coverage limits if you need to rebuild your home. We also like its multiple types of home insurance discounts.

• Low complaint levels for home insurance.
• Offers a variety of discounts, such as a “renovated home” discount if you’ve updated your electrical, heating or plumbing systems.
• Doesn’t have a banned dog list.

More: American Family Home Insurance Review

GREAT FOR DISCOUNTS - Auto-Owners - See Plans

Average cost for $350,000 of coverage - $1,525 yearly/$127 monthly

We’re impressed by Auto-Owners many policy discounts, including price breaks for being claims-free, being mortgage-free, having an automatic generator back-up, having protective devices, paying in full and more.

• Competitive home insurance rates.
• Additional coverage types such as equipment breakdown and home cyber insurance.
• Provides both extended replacement cost and guaranteed replacement cost coverage.
• Level of home insurance complaints against Auto-Owners to state insurance departments is very low.

More: Auto-Owners Home Insurance Review

Which Home Insurance Companies Offer Extended Replacement Cost?

Extended replacement cost is a feature that typically provides a certain percentage of money above your dwelling coverage amount if your house costs more to replace than the dwelling limit provides. This is valuable coverage in cases where local construction costs have spiked and made your dwelling coverage insufficient.

The availability of extended replacement cost insurance can vary by state.

Which Home Insurance Companies Offer Guaranteed Replacement Cost?

Guaranteed replacement cost coverage is a step above extended replacement cost. It guarantees that the insurer will pay any amount necessary to rebuild your house after a disaster. It is harder to find, but some of the best home insurance companies offer it.

Which Home Insurance Companies Have a Banned Dog List?

Some insurers have official lists of banned dog breeds . If you own one of these breeds the dog may be excluded from your liability insurance or you could be denied coverage altogether.

The use of banned breed lists can vary by state. Any dog with a history of aggression or biting ... [+] could be individually banned by a home insurer.

How To Find The Best Homeowners Insurance

We suggest taking these steps to find the best home insurance.

1. Determine How Much Coverage You Need

Review each basic coverage type and adjust the limits to fit your specific needs. Here are the main coverage types to consider.

Dwelling coverage. The dwelling coverage should match the cost to rebuild your house, based on local construction labor and material costs.

Extended dwelling coverage. We recommend adding extended or guaranteed replacement cost coverage if your insurer offers one or both. These provide reimbursement above your dwelling limit if the cost of rebuilding turns out to be more than expected. We think this coverage is a smart buy.

Contents coverage. This reimburses you for replacing stolen or damaged possessions, including furniture and clothes. We recommend making sure your policy has replacement cost coverage. This reimburses you for the cost of new items, as opposed to the depreciated value of your damaged items. If you have high-value items such as antiques, we recommend scheduling personal property .

Liability insurance. This pays other people if you cause injuries or property damage. We recommend buying enough liability coverage to cover what can be taken from you in a lawsuit. Supplement home insurance with umbrella insurance for extra liability coverage.

Medical payments. Medical payments coverage is available in small amounts, such as $1,000 to $5,000. It pays the medical bills of people who blame you for accidental injuries, without regard to fault.

Additional living expenses. Additional living expenses coverage reimburses you for extra costs—such as a hotel or rental—if you can’t live at home because of damage from a problem covered by your policy.

Other coverage. Fill in gaps with supplemental coverage like insurance for floods, earthquakes, water and sump overflow, and more.

2. Compare Home Insurance Quotes

It’s smart to compare home insurance quotes from multiple insurance companies. Insurers’ rates can vary considerably for the same coverage, so it’s good to compare quotes from at least three companies.

3. Ask About Home Insurance Discounts

Insurance companies offer many home insurance discounts that can reduce your policy costs. Here are common ones.

Expert Round-Up:

What’s the best home insurance isn’t the same for everyone. Here’s how to find the best home insurance for you.

EXPERT TIPS

Tips for Finding the Best Home Insurance

George Hosfield - Advisory Board Member

Examine the Roof Coverage

Roof claims are one of the most common (and expensive) claim types and the terms of roof coverage can vary significantly. Some policies provide coverage for the full replacement cost of the roof. Others only provide the current “actual cash value” which may be a fraction of the total cost. Some policies have separate, higher deductibles for roof claims. When comparing policies, be sure to understand these nuances

Les Masterson - Insurance Editor

Get the Right Dwelling Coverage Amount

Your home insurance company or agent should be able to provide an estimate of how much it would cost to rebuild your house. This should be your dwelling coverage amount. One common mistake I’ve seen is that people confuse this amount with the real estate market value, but it’s not the same. And don’t include land value.

Ashlee Valentine - Insurance Editor

Ask About a Bundling Discount

Our research finds that home insurance discounts can save you hundreds on your policy. One of the best discounts is bundling home and auto policies. We found that State Farm beats competitors with an average 23% multi-policy discount. Make sure to ask about how much you can save by bundling.

Home Insurance Complaint Comparison

Nearly all of our top picks for the best home insurance companies have complaint levels that are below the industry average.

ASK AN EXPERT

Michelle Megna - Insurance Lead Editor

Does home insurance cover flood damage? -Michael I., Brentwood, Tennessee

No, standard homeowners insurance doesn’t cover flood damage. You instead typically need to buy a separate flood insurance policy either through the National Flood Insurance Program or a private insurer that sells flood coverage. NFIP policies are capped at $250,000 dwelling coverage but I’ve found that you may be able to find higher levels with a private insurance company.

When should you not file a home insurance claim? - Ron T., St. Louis, Missouri

Filing a home insurance claim can increase your rates at the next renewal time, so you want to make sure you won’t pay more to fix your home or replace your items in the long run. For instance, if you have a $1,000 deductible and you’re reporting a loss of, say, less than $1,500, it likely wouldn’t be wise to file a claim, since you’ll likely pay more over time because of the possible rate increase.

Jason Metz - Insurance Lead Editor

How do you figure out how much liability insurance you need? -Don D., Phoenix, Arizona

When choosing a liability insurance amount, think about your assets and savings, which could be at risk if you’re sued. A policy’s liability coverage generally only goes up to $500,000. If you need more coverage, you can buy umbrella insurance, which will offer liability coverage of $1 million and up

Methodology

To find the best home insurance companies we analyzed costs around the country, policy information and complaints against insurers. We scored companies based on these factors:

• Home insurance rates (50% of score): Based on average rates for each insurance company for homes with dwelling coverage of $200,000, $350,000, $500,000 and $750,000. Source: Quadrant Information Services .
• Complaints (20% of score): Based on complaints about home insurance that were upheld by state insurance departments. Source: National Association of Insurance Commissioners.
• Availability of extended and/or guaranteed replacement cost coverage (20% of score): Extra dwelling coverage is valuable in the event of large disasters, when construction materials and labor costs tend to spike. We gave points to companies that offer either extended or guaranteed replacement cost coverage. Source: Forbes Advisor research.
• Banned dog lists (10% of score): Banned dog breed lists can make homeowners ineligible for coverage. (A company’s banned dog list might not be applicable in all states.) While any homeowners insurance company could potentially ban any dog with a biting history, not all put a ban on specific breeds. Source: Forbes Advisor research.

Read more: How Forbes Advisor rates home insurance companies

Other Homeowners Insurance Companies We Rated

Here are other companies we analyzed.

Country Financial - 3.8 / 5

Farmers - 3.4 / 5

Allstate - 3.2 / 5

Shelter - 3 / 5

Progressive - 2.9 / 5

Travelers - 1 / 5

Best Homeowners Insurance Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who has the cheapest home insurance.

Based on our analysis, the cheapest home insurance companies are Progressive, Nationwide, Erie, USAA and State Farm.

Those are good starting points, but the cheapest home insurance for you will vary depending on your location and the type of house you’re insuring. Shop around for a few home insurance quotes. And if you’re also getting car insurance quotes , ask about a discount for bundling auto and home insurance with the same company.

What does homeowners insurance cover?

Homeowners insurance covers your house, other structures on your property like a detached garage, personal property like furniture and clothing, liability insurance, additional living expenses and medical payments coverage.

HO-3 is the most common type of homeowners insurance policy and it covers your house for any problems except those specifically excluded in the policy. It additionally covers personal property for specific problems named in the policy, such as fire, theft and smoke damage.

How do I file a homeowners insurance claim?

Contact the home insurance company or your insurance agent to file a home insurance claim over the phone, through the company’s website, chat, email or app, depending on the company. You want to document the loss by providing information about the cause, when it happened and a list of what was lost.

If your home was damaged, you should try to prevent more damage, such as boarding up a broken window. We wouldn’t suggest fixing the problem before contacting your insurance company. The insurer may want to send an adjuster to observe the damage. You should also keep damaged items so the insurer can document. Once the insurance company is done with its investigation, the insurer will offer a claims payout.

Next Up In Homeowners Insurance

• Cheapest Homeowners Insurance
• Compare Home Insurance Quotes
• Homeowners Insurance Discounts
• How Much Is Homeowners Insurance?
• Homeowners Insurance for Veterans
• Best Home and Auto Insurance Bundle
• Homeowners Insurance Tips

Information provided on Forbes Advisor is for educational purposes only. Your financial situation is unique and the products and services we review may not be right for your circumstances. We do not offer financial advice, advisory or brokerage services, nor do we recommend or advise individuals or to buy or sell particular stocks or securities. Performance information may have changed since the time of publication. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Forbes Advisor adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. To the best of our knowledge, all content is accurate as of the date posted, though offers contained herein may no longer be available. The opinions expressed are the author’s alone and have not been provided, approved, or otherwise endorsed by our partners .

Les Masterson - Deputy Editor, Insurance

Les Masterson is a deputy editor and insurance analyst at Forbes Advisor. He has been a journalist, reporter, editor and content creator for more than 25 years. He has covered insurance for a decade, including auto, home, life and health. Before covering insurance, Les was a news editor and reporter for Patch and Community Newspaper Company and also covered health care, mortgages, credit cards and personal loans for multiple websites.

George Hosfield Home Insurance Expert

George Hosfield is senior director and general manager of home insurance solutions at LexisNexis Risk Solutions. In this role, he manages all aspects of the personal lines property business, including overall strategy, profitable growth, new product development and partnerships. He is responsible for several industry-leading data solutions, including LexisNexis® Rooftop and LexisNexis® Current Carrier Property®.

George has been with LexisNexis for more than 20 years, working in a variety of operational and strategic roles in both the LexisNexis Legal & Professional and LexisNexis Risk Solutions divisions.

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The 11 Acts Performing in AGT 19's Live Quarterfinals Tonight, August 13

After a two-week hiatus,  America's Got Talent  returns with the first of four Live Quarterfinal rounds in the weeks leading up to the Final.

After eight rounds of Auditions and a two-week hiatus for the Paris Summer Olympics ,  America's Got Talent  Season 19 is officially kicking off the Live Shows round of competition with Tuesday, August 13's Quarterfinals episode.

How to Watch

Watch America’s Got Talent Tuesdays at 8/7c on NBC and next day on Peacock . 

Tonight's two-hour event — beginning at 8/7c — marks the first of four Quarterfinal rounds , which will each see 11 Acts perform for a live audience and Judges Howie Mandel , Heidi Klum , Sofia Vergara , and Simon Cowell . By the end of the night, one Act will receive a Live Show Golden Buzzer from a Judge , sending them directly to the Final.

America's Vote will then open up, with the three Acts with the highest votes advancing to the Semifinal. These results will be revealed during Wednesday night's results shows, airing a 8/7c.

RELATED:  How Major Twists and a Two-Week Finale Up the Ante for AGT 2024 Live Shows (DETAILS)

To prepare for what's to come, find the first 11 Acts competing in tonight's first Quarterfinals round and get a refresh on each of their Auditions:

Act:  Contortion

The 13-year-old left India for the first time in her life when she auditioned for  AGT  with an unforgettable creepy contortion Act that Cowell called "like the Exorcist."

Ashes & Arrows

Act:  Band

Ciaran McMeeken, Benjamin Voigt, and Jonathan Calhoun make up the Asheville, North Caroline-based country rock band who auditioned with their original song, "Born to Love."

Attraction Juniors

Act:  Shadow Performance

Swifties everywhere would approve of Attraction Juniors' audition, which they performed to Taylor Swift's "The Lucky One" from her album  Red .

Flewnt and Inkabee

Act:  Rap Duo

The father-son hip hop duo proudly represent Australia's First Nation people with their hopeful and energetic lyrics, with Mandel calling 11-year-old Inkabee "a superstar."

Hakuna Matata Acrobats

Act:  Acrobatic

Hailing from Tanzania, the four-man acrobatic crew blew everyone away during auditions with a seemingly impossible balancing Act that nearly went wrong.

Hypers Kids Africa

Act:  Dance Group

The Ugandan children's dance crew impressed the Judges with their infectious and joyful routine set to LunchMoney Lewis' "Bills."

Liv Warfield

Act:  Singer

Warfield's powerhouse vocals instantly had Cowell's jaw to the floor when she broke out into her own song, "Stare," which led to her nabbing the executive producer's Golden Buzzer.

Los Osos High School

California's Los Osos High School dance team kicked of Season 19 as the premiere's first Act , making a statement with a sprawling routine set to Usher's "Yeah" and "OMG."

Phillip Lewis

Act:  Baton

The 27-year-old Georgia native charmed the Judges with his infectious smile and showmanship, earning a standing ovation from both the audience and Judges.

Richard Goodall

A shy janitor from Indiana, Goodall's vocals proved to pack and punch when his surprising version of Journey's "Don't Stop Believin’" earned him Klum's Golden Buzzer.

Rhythm & Roni

Act:  Dog Performing

It was hard not to smile during Roni Sagi and her border collie Rhythm's expertly choreographed dance routine to Sia's version of “California Dreamin’.”

Catch up on past episodes of America's Got Talent on Peacock .

America's Got Talent

• AGT Franchise
• Cast And Show News

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