Help for Parents: Here Are the 20 Best YouTube Channels for Your Kids
A little screen time can be a parent’s savior.
We’ve all had times when that glowing screen has saved the day — from thwarting a mid-store temper tantrum to allowing just 10 minutes of peace to fold the laundry.
Watching videos can even teach your child a thing or two (because honestly, do you want to sing the ABCs a dozen times in a continuous loop?).
In this world where we face the choice between costly cable packages and purchasing multiple streaming subscriptions, YouTube is a great source for a wide array of free videos.
Not sure what to watch? Here are some kid-friendly channels your little one is sure to love.
Toddlers
Videos featuring bright colors, catchy tunes and lovable characters will have your tots entranced while learning about the alphabet, numbers, colors, shapes and more.
LittleBabyBum
LittleBabyBum’s nursery rhyme videos are educational and entertaining, with both classic and original songs. New videos are posted weekly, and some compilation videos last over an hour long.
Baby Joy Joy
An adorable baby in a hooded jumpsuit takes toddlers on musical adventures with Baby Joy Joy videos. This channel has an addictive version of the ABC song.
Kids TV
Kids TV — Nursery Rhymes and Baby Songs is a popular channel with preschool educational videos. Little ones love the Bob the Train and Bottle Squad characters.
Baby Einstein
This established brand’s YouTube channel features a mix of cartoon, puppetry and live-action videos. The Baby Einstein channel also has videos that focus on music, crafts and infant products.
Kids
From toys and games to cooking and crafts, these channels captivate older kids and give them tons of new ideas for what to do when you press the stop button.
Ryan ToysReview
Ryan ToysReview shows the adventures of a young boy, his family and a whole bunch of toys. The videos in this channel also include science projects, pranks, challenges, songs and funny skits.
EvanTubeHD
For more toy reviews, check out EvanTubeHD. Over 4.6 million subscribers tune in to see this boy unbox, describe and play with various coveted toys.
CharlisCraftyKitchen
CharlisCraftyKitchen will have your kiddos wanting to get in the kitchen to cook up sweet treats. This channel also features challenge videos, haul videos and more.
Will It Slime?
If your kids are obsessed with slime, Will It Slime? will teach them how to make all sorts of slime, from butter to fluffy and even magnetic. So. Many. Varieties.
Educational
Sneak in a little school outside of the classroom. These channels take a fun spin on learning.
Crash Course Kids
Host Sabrina Cruz takes on grade school science in this channel. Crash Course Kids will help your kid learn about engineering, physical science, life science and more with down-to-earth explanations and a mix of animation.
Cool School
Cool School covers reading, language, art class and more, but makes it… well, cool! Kids can find their favorite teachers in Ms. Booksy, Crafty Carol, Jim Class and other characters.
SciShow Kids
SciShow Kids will answer your curious kids’ questions of “why?” This science-focused kid channel tackles topics like why we get hiccups and and why the sky is blue.
Free School
Want your kid to learn more about geography and grammar? How about art and animals? Classical music and constellations? Free School has you covered.
As Seen On TV
These channels bring TV right to your smartphone or tablet. Select videos from programs your kids already love.
Sesame Street
”Sesame Street” is the longest-running children’s program and captures millions of viewers on YouTube by offering the classic content kids love. Check out this channel for clips, skits and songs. It even offers full episodes.
Disney Channel
This channel provides content from Disney Channel favorites like “Raven’s Home,” “Bizaardvark” and “Tangled: The Series.” Viewers can enjoy trailers, clips, tutorials, behind-the-scenes videos and full episodes.
Nickelodeon
Nickelodeon’s YouTube channel offers viewers behind-the-scenes content, show clips, trailers, music performances, quizzes and more. Kids can get their fill of their favorite shows like “SpongeBob SquarePants,” “The Loud House” and “Henry Danger.”
Cartoon Network
Your kids can’t get enough of “Teen Titans Go!” and “The Amazing World of Gumball”? Then check out Cartoon Network’s YouTube channel for clips from those shows and other network favorites.
Music
Sometimes the kiddos just need to jam out! Just don’t blame me when the songs from these channels get stuck in your head.
Kidz Bop
Kidz Bop entertains children with kid-friendly versions of the songs we all hear on the radio. Parents can appreciate the fact that lyrics are altered to make the tunes appropriate for little ears.
The Kiboomers
The music videos shown on The Kiboomers channel are great for younger audiences. They include traditional nursery rhymes, original songs and music in other languages.
Disney Music VEVO
Disney and music go hand in hand. This Disney Music VEVO channel has musical hits from your kids’ favorite movies.
Best Baby Lullabies
If your kid protests all forms of resting, Best Baby Lullabies may not be his favorite channel — but it just might be yours. These calming tunes are perfect naptime or bedtime aids with looped audio lasting an hour or more.
Nicole Dow is a staff writer at The Penny Hoarder. She enjoys writing about parenting and money.
