Looking for great and fun reading options for your kids? These are the BEST magazines for kids…..some really fun options for encouraging a love of reading!

Let’s talk kids and independent reading.  There are two main goals when kids are in elementary school……learning the nuts and bolts of reading (like phonics and sight words) and then……reading for comprehension, enjoyment and entertainment.  So, YES we want to practice sounds and letters and the like…..but we also want our kids to read for fun and for information.  Reading is a lifelong skill, and I think we often underestimate the importance of our children LIKING IT.

One of the most important parts of children becoming independent readers is them feeling like it’s not a chore.  Look, they get assignments from school.  They get chores at home.  It’s really important that reading? Is not an assignment or a chore but something they enjoy.  If you want to find your child lost in a book without you BEGGING THEM…..then one of my biggest suggestions as a teacher and now? Is to let them have choice in what they read.

I’m often asked if comic books, graphic novels or children’s magazines are “cheating” when it comes to engaging young readers.  Why? Because they have pictures? Listen.  Words are words and reading is reading.  In fact, kids magazines were one of my biggest suggestions for parents having trouble getting their children to read at home and a great way to encourage reluctant readers.

If you’re on the hunt for a holiday or birthday gift……magazine subscriptions are always a great option since….issues keep on coming year round!  They’re the perfect gift that keeps on giving.

The Best Magazines for Kids

These? Are some of my favorite children’s magazines.  There are options for kids of all ages, craft ideas, science magazines, options for younger kids and older children.  I promise these are ALL fun ways to encourage reading and make it a regular hobby!

Bravery Magazine: We’ve been Bravery Magazine subscribers for the last two years and we LOVE IT.  This is a quarterly release and each issue focuses on a brave woman (if finding new female role models to learn about is your thing…this publication is PERFECT).  The artwork is stunning and the activities and articles are beautifully thought out (the latest issue focuses on RBG and is a must own).   Each issue contains original artwork, and is STEAM and education-centered without being stuffy or boring.  I’d suggest ages 5-10 for this one. A one-year subscription for Bravery Magazine is $72.  You can also buy single issues on their website if you’d like a specific one.

Ranger Rick Magazine: Did you get Ranger Rick magazines as a kid? I totally did!  These magazines are published by the National Wildlife Federation and give back to this important organization as they also teach your kids some pretty fun facts about animals, so perfect for the animal lover in your family.  There are three magazine options: Ranger Rick for kids ages 7-12, Ranger Rick Jr. for ages 4-6, and Ranger Rick Cub (more of a picture book) for ages 0-4. Right now? There is a limited time deal and each of these is $15 for an annual SUBSCRIPTION!

National Geographic Kids:  Looking for a great science and history focused magazine? National Geographic kids is a great option! Issues focus on animals, science, technology, archaeology, geography, and pop culture, plus there are fun games, science experiments and activities in every publication.  Age-wise: National Geographic Kids is perfect for ages six and up and National Geographic Little Kids is great for younger children. There is a limited time deal and each of these is $15 for a YEAR SUBSCRIPTION!

Highlights For Kids: I’m guessing Highlights for Kids is another magazine you read growing up (it’s been around since 1946!).  Highlights for Kids is a classic lifestyle magazine, it’s filled with short stories and games, craft projects and fun activities (Lydia loves it — especially the monthly hidden pictures section).  Highlights for Kids is perfect for ages six and up and they also have High Five for ages two to six.  Both are GREAT! There is a limited time deal and each of these is $30 for a YEAR SUBSCRIPTION with new issues arriving each month!

Sports Illustrated Kids: Sports Illustrated Kids is an amazing way to engage your sports loving kids in daily reading.  It’s filled with articles, stats and facts and is VERY well done.  I’d suggest this one for ages six and up. There is a limited time deal and this magazine for kids is $20 for a YEAR SUBSCRIPTION!

What are your favorite magazines for kids? I promise, they’re all great for practicing reading skills!