Best Magazine Subscriptions for Kids in 2026

Compare some of the best magazine subscriptions for kids, including Global Sprouts, Highlights, National Geographic Kids, Honest History and more.

There is something special about getting mail with your name on it.

For children, a magazine subscription can turn an ordinary trip to the mailbox into a reason to read, create, explore and ask questions. The best children’s magazines do more than keep little hands busy. They give children ideas they want to talk about long after they finish the last page.

What Makes a Great Kids’ Magazine?

  • Matches your child’s reading level
  • Encourages active participation
  • Introduces new ideas without overwhelming
  • Includes topics your child genuinely enjoys
  • Encourages conversations beyond the page

Passport to Play by Global Sprouts

Best for: Culture, geography and hands-on world learning

Global Sprouts’ Passport to Play is designed for children who are curious about the world. Each monthly issue explores a different country through cultural learning, geography, crafts, language, recipes, games and STEAM activities. Separate age-level editions help younger and older children explore the same featured country at an appropriate level.

Highlights

Best for: All-around reading and puzzles

Highlights combines stories, puzzles, experiments, crafts, jokes and reader participation, making it a strong all-around option for families who want variety.

National Geographic Kids

Best for: Animals, science and nature

For children who constantly ask questions about animals, oceans, dinosaurs and the natural world, National Geographic Kids is a natural fit.

Honest History

Best for: Children who love history

Honest History introduces historical people, places and events through illustrated stories and activities.

Kazoo

Best for: Creative girls ages 5–12

Kazoo is an independent, ad-free magazine featuring art, puzzles, stories, creative projects and profiles of interesting women.

Which Magazine Is Best for Your Child?

Choose Passport to Play for culture and geography, Highlights for variety, National Geographic Kids for nature and science, Honest History for history and Kazoo for creativity. The best subscription is the one your child looks forward to opening.

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