Are you raising curious, creative, gifted kids whose quest for knowledge never ends? Check out this list of 100 educational YouTube channels perfect for fueling that insatiable desire to learn. 

For all I complain about the use of screen time around here, I have to admit its value as a teaching tool. The sheer magnitude of the internet with its limitless scope and sequence is impossible to ignore. So many people. So much talent! So many beautiful places and theories and ideas. All of that information is right at our fingertips – literally. With just a few mouse clicks we can visit faraway places and learn new concepts. It really is a sight to behold.

Take YouTube, for instance. Now yes, there are millions of channels and a large number of them aren’t worth the data they expend. But as a homeschool mom to some seriously curious, creative, gifted kiddos, I’ve had ample opportunity to scour the platform and find media that appeals to us. What follows below is my curated list.

100 Educational YouTube Channels for Curious, Creative, Gifted Kids

(A note about age appropriateness: my recommendations are only that – recommendations. I suggest you check out the channels first and make sure they meet your standards for the type of media you want your children to view).

For Kids Who Love Science

Steve Spangler – The Spangler Effect

Cool science experiments and discussions every week on a number of different channels. Middle school and up.

Minute Earth

Amusing illustrated videos on a variety of life science and ecology topics. Suitable for mid-elementary and up.

Minute Physics

Hand-drawn clearly explained lessons in physics topics. Suitable for mid-elementary and up.

Doctor MadScience

Fun, engaging science experiments with Jordan, a 15-year-old boy with Autism. All ages.

d’Arte of Science

d’Arte of Science combines fun science demonstrations with maker applications. Perfect for kids who are inventors at heart. All ages.

NatGeo Kids

Professional and varied, NatGeo Kids provides informational and engaging videos on a range of topics, from life science and biology to chemistry, physics, and engineering. All ages.

Crash Course

A collection of educational videos on a variety of topics, Crash Course operates three channels specifically devoted to Science:

• Crash Course Physics (middle school and up)
• Crash Course Chemistry (middle school and up)
• Crash Course Kids (all ages)

HooplaKidz Lab

A variety of videos on general science topics. Includes step-by-step demonstrations of experiments you can do at home. All ages.

For Kids Who Love History

Simple History

Survey channel of animated episodes. Includes an in-depth look at major military conflicts throughout history and strange historical events. Middle school and up.

Extra History

From the makers of the game design geeks (I say that lovingly – my husband is a gamer) over at Extra Credits, Extra History features animated videos that explain major events in ancient and modern history. Videos clock in around 11 minutes long. All ages (with supervision).

Historia Civilis

Perfect for ancient history buffs, Historia Civilis keeps its focus on Ancient Greece and Rome. All ages.

Alternate History Hub

Answer your “what if?” questions at Alternate History Hub, a YouTube channel devoted to exploring what might have happened had major events in history never occurred. Middle school and up.

The School Of Life – Curriculum

This channel doesn’t focus so much on historical events but on the history of ideas. How did manners develop? What about cultural traditions? Check The School of Life for these and other fascinating topics. Middle school and up.

Crash Course World History

From the makers at Crash Course, a series of survey videos from ancient to modern times. Middle school and up.

Crash Course US History

Can you tell we love Crash Course? A collection of videos exploring the events, people, and places involved in US History, from Colonial days to the Obama administration.  All ages (mostly)

Epic History TV

The Napoleonic Wars. The Suez Crisis. Alexander the Great. The First Crusade. Looking for a specific event in history? Head to Epic History TV. Middle school and up.

Feature History

Curious about some of the lesser known events in history like The Emu Wars (yeah, that’s a thing). Head to Feature History. Good for middle school and up.

History

The History Channel’s exhaustive video library is hosted on YouTube. Find everything from full-length documentaries to short flashbacks and event spotlights. All ages.

For Kids Who Love Math

patrickJMT

patrickJMT has been creating math videos on YouTube for the past 10 years. Looking for advanced concepts explained in an easy-to-understand manner? patrickJMT is your guy. All ages.

StandUpMaths

British comedy and math all rolled into one. All ages.

Nancy Pi

A self-proclaimed math nerd, Nancy Pi is a great role model for our girls. MIT grad who covers advanced math topics. Middle school and up (some mild language)

Duane Habecker

Math teacher Duane Habecker shares instructional videos sorted by level. Elementary through middle school.

PBS Infinite Series

A fascinating look at the math all around us, courtesy of a mathematician and a physicist. From the channel’s description: “Math is pervasive – a robust yet precise language – and with each episode, you’ll begin to see the math that underpins everything in this puzzling, yet fascinating, universe.” All ages.

MathMammoth

Great for kids and parents alike, MathMammoth provides instruction for all levels – both for learning and for teaching. All ages.

Eddie Woo

Inspiring and engaging, Aussie math teacher Eddie Woo offers math videos on a variety of topics and subjects. All ages.

Khan Academy

Ye old math standby Khan Academy. Free, comprehensive, and a gift to the world of education. All ages.

Mind Research Institute

A neuroscience and education social benefit organization devoted to helping the world solve its problems – through math. All ages.

CodingMath

All the math you’ll need to know to excel in coding and programming. All ages.

For Kids Who Love Theater and Performing Arts

Crash Course Theater and Drama

Learn the history of theater and drama theory from the is-there-nothing-they-can’t-do folks at Crash Course. Middle school and up.

Acting is My Life

Acting and audition tips from a genuine, aspiring actor. All ages (with supervision)

Acting Out Studios

Acting tips for kids, teens, and adults. All ages.

Royal Shakespeare Company

Go behind the scenes and watch clips of productions at the Royal Shakespeare Company. Engaging and, at times, gritty – just the way Shakespeare would have wanted it. Middle school and up.

Broadwaycom

Love Broadway? See interviews with actors, behind the scenes footage, and clips from shows. All ages.

Hamilton

Crazy about the musical Hamilton? This is the YouTube channel for you. All ages.

Joffrey Ballet School

Student profiles, lessons, and videos on dance theory straight from the world-renowned Joffrey Ballet. All ages.

Royal Opera House

See clips of performances, interviews with performers, and get a backstage pass at one of the foremost opera houses in the world. All ages

Boston Symphony Orchestra

The official YouTube channel of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Performances, interviews, and more. All ages.

Hoffman Academy

Learn piano and music theater with Mr. Hoffman. All ages

For Kids Who Love the Visual Arts

Art for Kids Hub

A family-run channel for kids who love art. From basic drawing lessons to more advanced topics, this is the perfect channel for young artists. Elementary.

SprayPaint Art Secrets

Learn to paint without a brush – using spray paint! Middle school and up.

The ArtChik

Art lessons for all ages and levels from artist Andrea Kirk. All ages.

Christina Sherrod Art

Lessons in acrylic paint. Beginner to advanced instruction suitable for all ages.

National Gallery of Art

Can’t get to DC to visit the National Gallery of Art? Check out their YouTube channel for an up-close look at their vast collection. All ages.

The Musee du Louvre

Can’t get to France, either? Visit the official YouTube channel for The Louvre to see their unbelievable collection and hear interviews with artists and staff. All ages.

Graffiti Tutorials

For the kid who’d love to paint some (very legal) graffiti, check out Graffiti Tutorials. A legal graffiti artist and dad from the UK shows you how it’s done. All ages.

You are An Artist! Chalk Pastels

Homeschool mom Tricia Hodges teaches kids of all ages how to create with chalk pastels. All ages.

Colouricious

Specializing in Textile arts and spotlighting artists from around the world, Colouricious offers insight into the word of color blocking, fabric dyeing, thread weaving, and more. All ages.

Knitting & Creation

Learn to knit, sew, and crochet on this expansive channel dedicated to the textile arts. All ages.

For Kids Who Love Reading and Writing

Kids BookBuzz

The YouTube channel for Kids Book Review, a bimonthly magazine devoted to reviewing books for kids. All ages.

PolandBananasBooks

Avid reader and vlogger Christine Riccio hosts all things “bookish”: comedy sketches, discussions, reviews, interviews, and more. Teens and mature tweens.

Jesse the Reader

Jesse the Reader calls himself a Book Warrior – he loves to read and wants to share that love with this audience. Book reviews, discussions, interviews, and tips for doing your own writing. Tweens and teens.

Padfoot and Prongs 07

This vlogger loves all things Harry Potter and YA. Author Q&As, fictional friendships, book reviews, and more (like videos of her bookshelf organization). Tweens and teens.

Jellafy

Comedy sketch videos related to books and reading. Teens.

KM Weiland

KM Weiland isn’t updating her channel anymore, but there is a treasure trove of information here on how to become a better writer. Check out her series on Pixar for some excellent insight on creating unforgettable story arcs. Middle school and up.

Ellen Brock

Professional editor Ellen Brock knows her stuff. Learn to write your best novel (and publish it) on her YouTube channel. Middle school and up.

Penguin Random House Writers Academy

Get advice from industry giants who know what they’re talking about. Seriously fabulous creative writing master classes available for free. Middle school and up.

Vivian Reis

YA author Vivian Reis gives tons of valuable writing advice on her channel. Suitable for teens.

Terrible Writing Advice

Fun, sarcastic, and irreverent, JP Beaubien tells writers what to do by giving them awful advice. I know – it sounds weird. It works. Trust me. Teens.

For Kids Who Love Nature and Animals

Brave Wilderness

Coyote Peterson loves animals, and he shares them and their habitats with you. All ages.

Coyote’s Backyard

Coyote Peterson’s close-to-home channel in which he shares animal adventures with his daughter and her friends. All ages.

Australia ZooTube

Remember Steve Irwin, the crocodile hunter? His children, Robert and Bindi, man the helm at the Australia Zoo’s YouTube channel. All ages.

BBC Earth

Everything you’ve ever wanted to know about Planet Earth, all in one place. Older elementary and up.

National Geographic

Like the magazine, only better. Older elementary and up.

Smithsonian Channel

Profiles of the people, places, and wonders that fill the planet Earth. All ages, with supervision.

Travel Thirsty

Tag along as these bloggers travel the world feasting on fabulous sites and amazing food. All ages, with supervision.

Epic Wildlife

Got a taste for the weird and wonderful? Epic Wildlife is for you. Weekly videos featuring the exotic and unusual in the natural world. All ages, with supervision.

River and Wilder Show

Brothers River, Wilder, and Archer take you along on some pretty cool adventures around the world. All ages.

Monterrey Bay Aquarium

An up-close look at underwater habitats. Live and recorded videos. All ages.

For Kids Who are Makers, Inventors, and Such

April Wilkerson

April started building stuff in 2013 when she realized she could make furniture for less than if she bought it. This self-taught carpenter shares her secrets on her self-titled channel. All ages.

Laura Kampf

Super fun, original inventions from German maker Laura Kampf. Homemade carnival rides, bike cup holders, and more. All ages.

Make Something

Cool, creative woodworking projects for every age and ability level. All ages.

Rulof Maker

This European maker is still learning his English, but his making skills are out of this world. Check out his homemade SCUBA gear, but as he says – don’t copy him. All ages.

How to Make Everything

Ever wonder what life would be like if you have to make everything – and I mean everything – from scratch? Andy from How to Make Everything recreates everyday items all by himself. All ages.

Mini Gear

Small cars, bubble gum guns, ATM machines and more, all made out of cardboard. All ages.

I Like to Make Stuff

Bob from I Like to Make Stuff has devoted his channel to education and building a growth mindset. He’s a really cool, really creative guy – the perfect teacher for kids. All ages.

Colin Furze

This guy built a jet-powered scooter. That’s all I have to say about that. All ages.

Make:

The YouTube home of Make: magazine, this channel seeks to inspire creatives and makers of all ages and stages. All ages.

The King of Random

Nate and Grant build all kinds of things out of all kinds of stuff. They throw in some pretty cool science experiments along the way. All ages.

For Kids Who Love Space and Astronomy

Vintage Space

Space historian and author Amy Shira Teitel digs deep and explores everything you ever wanted to know about the history of space flight. All ages.

PBS Space Time

Join astrophysicist Matt O’Dowd as he explores the outer reaches of space and everything it holds. All ages.

Amazing Space

Live space-related feeds from people who love space. All ages.

Video from Space

Want to know what it’s like to be an astronaut? Video from Space features an up-close look at life in zero gravity, along with periodic discussions of interstellar breakthroughs. All ages.

Real Space

Full-length space documentaries curated from around the web. All ages.

Space with Sarah

Dr. Sarah Pearson is a Danish computational astrophysicist specializing in galactic dynamics. She answers your burning questions about space on her YouTube channel, Space with Sarah. All ages.

Space and Astronomy

An up-close look at the planets that make our universe. Full-length documentary episodes funded by Germany’s ZDF Enterprises. All ages.

NASA

Live feeds from space, footage of rocket launches, and documentary-style videos about space exploration from the US governmental agency. All ages.

SpaceX

Videos from rocket launches and space flight excursions courtesy of entrepreneur Elon Musk. All ages.

SpaceRip

Black holes, bipolar nebulas, red sprites, and more – SpaceRip delves into the complex mysteries of space. All ages.

For Kids Who Love to Code

The Coding Train

Okay – the trailer is, interesting. But the channel is awesome, full of creative coding challenges you don’t want to miss. All ages.

FreeCodeCamp

An open source community of programmers sharing tutorials and talks. All ages.

Coding Blonde

In addition to breaking stereotypes about women in STEM, Coding Blonde uses everyday language to explain coding and technological concepts. All ages.

Learn Coding Tutorials

Already know what you want to learn? You’ll find it here at Learn Coding Tutorials. All ages.

Coding is for Girls

A great place to learn Django and Python. All ages.

Coding Garden with CJ

CJ is super likable. His videos are primarily live streams of coding in action. All ages.

Coding in Flow

Florian takes an interesting approach to his channel. He describes himself as a beginning coder who learns by teaching. All ages.

Simplified Coding

App development for Android devices. All ages.

Philosophy Behind Coding

This channel doesn’t just teach coding skills. It also focuses on exactly what it’s titled: the philosophy behind coding. Learn to think algorithmically and sharpen your problem-solving skills.

Dapper Dino

Watch the video tutorials and join their server to practice skills with like-minded folk. All ages (parental supervision suggested on the server).

This is just the beginning of the vast amount of YouTube channels available for curious, creative, gifted kids.

Have a topic I haven’t covered or a channel you’d like to see added? Let me know in the comments!

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