Online Learning for Kids
Educational gifts that don't feel like work.
Khan Academy Kids
FREEAges 2-8. Reading, math, social-emotional. NO ads, NO subscription. Funded by Khan Academy.
Best free preschool.
Khan Academy
FREEAges 6-adult. Math, science, history, SAT prep. World-class.
Best free school-age.
PBS Kids
FREEEducational games + videos. All curated by educators. Free.
Best free entertainment.
ABCmouse
$13/moAges 2-8. Reading + math curriculum. 1-month free trial.
Best curriculum.
Epic!
FREE for educators / $10/mo homeLibrary of 40,000+ kids books. Read aloud option. K-6.
Best for reading.
Duolingo
FREELanguages for kids 8+. Spanish, French, etc. Game-like.
Best for languages.
Tynker / code.org
FREE / $10-30/moCoding for kids. Build games, animations.
Best for coding.
By age
- 2-5 — Khan Academy Kids, ABCmouse, PBS Kids.
- 5-8 — Epic! reading, Khan Kids, ScratchJr coding, Prodigy Math.
- 8-12 — Khan Academy, Duolingo, Scratch coding, BrainPOP, Outschool live classes.
- 12+ — Khan Academy SAT prep, Duolingo, Coursera, Codecademy.
Free tutoring
- Learn To Be — free 1-on-1 online tutoring for under-served kids.
- UPchieve — free homework help, college counseling for low-income.
- Library tutoring — many libraries offer free Brainfuse tutoring with library card.
- YouTube channels — Khan Academy, CrashCourse, MinutePhysics. Free.
Outschool live classes
$15-30 per class. Live online classes from real teachers — math help, art, Minecraft modding, creative writing. Small groups. Best gift for grandkids who finish homework fast or want to dive into a passion.
Library card opens worlds
Make sure grandkids have library cards. Free access to Hoopla, Libby (audiobooks), Kanopy Kids (movies), often Brainfuse tutoring, often Lynda/LinkedIn Learning. Worth more than any paid app.