Screens get a bad rap when it comes to kids. They’re blamed for everything from short attention spans to the mysterious ability to hum TikTok songs for days on end. But let’s be honest: screens are here to stay. The trick, as any parent knows, is making sure they’re being used for something vaguely useful — ideally without costing you a small fortune in subscriptions.
That’s where free online learning resources come in. There are loads of brilliant websites, apps and platforms that make learning fun, accessible and completely free. Some are classics you’ll have heard of, others are more under-the-radar gems. The best part? They do the heavy lifting when your child asks you to explain fractions, photosynthesis or the Roman Empire for the twelfth time.
Here’s a round-up of the best free online learning resources for kids — with a dad’s-eye view on why they’re worth your Wi-Fi.
The Classics Every Parent Should Use
Sometimes the tried-and-true resources are the ones that make life easiest. These sites are structured, widely recognised, and designed to support schoolwork. They’re not flashy, but they deliver exactly what kids (and parents) need.
Khan Academy
If the internet had a school, Khan Academy would be the headteacher. It’s completely free and covers just about everything: maths, science, coding, history, economics… you name it. Lessons are broken into bite-sized videos and practice exercises, so kids can go at their own pace without feeling like they’re being lectured.
Best for: Schoolwork support across all subjects
BBC Bitesize
A household name in the UK. BBC Bitesize is built around the national curriculum, so it’s perfect for homework help and revision. It’s divided by age group, which makes it easy to find exactly what your child needs. The videos and interactive activities are also really engaging — a far cry from the revision guides we had back in the day.
Best for: Curriculum-based learning and revision
PBS Kids / Scholastic
These are more US-focused but still brilliant. PBS Kids has fun educational games and videos, while Scholastic has a whole library of themed learning materials. They’re great for variety and for kids who love colourful, interactive content.
Best for: Younger learners who prefer interactive content
Fun Learning Disguised as Games
Sometimes the best way to sneak in learning is to hide it under the hood of play. These resources turn maths, reading and even coding into fun activities that feel more like games than schoolwork.
ABCya
ABCya is like a gaming site where all the fun is sneakily educational. There are games for maths, literacy, problem-solving — all with bright colours and simple interfaces perfect for primary-age kids.
Best for: Primary school fun with a learning twist
Funbrain
Another site that blends learning with play. From maths games to interactive stories, it’s a good all-rounder for keeping kids occupied while still topping up their skills.
Best for: Maths and reading practice through games
Scratch
This one’s fantastic if your child has even a passing interest in computers. Scratch teaches kids the basics of coding by letting them create their own interactive stories, animations and games. It’s creative, practical and surprisingly addictive.
Best for: Coding and creative projects
Kahoot! and Quizizz
If your child loves quizzes, these are gold. You can set up your own or use ones created by other users, turning revision or general knowledge into a competitive, fun game.
Best for: Quiz lovers and group learning
For Budding Scientists and Curious Minds
Kids are natural scientists — always asking “why?” and demanding answers at the least convenient moments. These sites channel that curiosity into structured, entertaining learning without draining your patience.
National Geographic Kids
Packed with articles, quizzes, videos and games, this site is perfect for kids who are obsessed with animals, space or the natural world. It’s visually rich and fun, while still sneaking in a serious amount of education.
Best for: Nature and science enthusiasts
SciShow Kids (YouTube)
This YouTube channel explains science concepts in short, colourful videos. Topics range from “Why do cats purr?” to “How do volcanoes work?” — exactly the kind of questions kids ask daily.
Best for: Bite-sized science explanations
DK Find Out!
A highly visual encyclopaedia site with content on history, space, animals, geography and more. It’s straightforward, interactive and ideal for primary and early secondary school kids.
Best for: Fact-seekers with a big appetite for knowledge
For Bookworms and Story Lovers
Learning doesn’t have to mean numbers or science — sometimes it’s about getting lost in a story. These resources encourage reading, listening and literacy skills in ways that feel like entertainment rather than homework.
Epic (free version)
Epic has a premium option, but there’s also a decent free tier with thousands of books for kids aged 12 and under. Great for encouraging independent reading or finding bedtime stories without raiding the library.
Best for: Independent reading and book variety
Storynory
A brilliant site for free audiobooks and fairy tales. Stories range from classics to original tales, and they’re read aloud in an engaging, kid-friendly way.
Best for: Bedtime or car journeys
Oxford Owl
Created by Oxford University Press, this site offers free ebooks, literacy activities and tips for parents. Especially handy for younger children learning to read.
Best for: Early literacy and reading practice
Everyday Learning (That Doesn’t Feel Like Schoolwork)
Not all learning has to look like lessons. These platforms build skills through music, puzzles and everyday challenges that sneak education into daily life.
Chrome Music Lab
This is a playground for music lovers. Kids can experiment with rhythm, melody and sound in a really hands-on way. It’s fun, creative and secretly teaches the basics of music theory.
Best for: Creative kids and budding musicians
Bedtime Math
This app/website gives kids a fun daily maths problem, designed to be tackled before bed. It’s a low-pressure way to sneak in maths practice without them realising.
Best for: Simple daily maths practice
Duolingo
Yes, the language-learning owl isn’t just for adults. Kids can learn Spanish, French, German or even Klingon (yes, really). It’s gamified enough to keep them coming back.
Best for: Language learning in short bursts
How to Get the Best Out of These Resources
This isn’t a set and forget kind of situation, you will need to step in, get involved, mix it up, and help your kids decide which resource to use when, and probably remind them to do it too.
My tips:
- Mix it up: Kids get bored easily, so rotate between different sites.
- Keep sessions short: 20 minutes of focused learning beats an hour of half-hearted scrolling.
- Don’t force it: If a site isn’t clicking, move on. There are plenty of others.
- Sit with them (sometimes): Especially with younger kids, learning alongside them makes it feel less like a chore and more like a shared activity.
- Balance it out: These sites are brilliant, but they’re best used alongside outdoor play, reading, and a bit of old-fashioned boredom.
Free online learning resources for kids are a lifesaver. They keep children engaged, help with schoolwork, and give parents a breather from having to be walking encyclopaedias. From the structured lessons of Khan Academy and BBC Bitesize to the creative chaos of Scratch and Chrome Music Lab, there’s something for every age, stage and personality.
The best bit? They’re free. Which means you can let your kids learn, play and explore without having to take out a second mortgage on subscription fees.
And let’s face it — anything that explains fractions better than I can is worth bookmarking.