Magazines for children and teens

Magazines for children and teenagers! Here’s our selection of great magazines for children and teens in elementary school, middle school, and high school. With a variety of magazines for children aged 4-8, 8-12, and teenagers, this list is designed for school libraries, homeschooling, and subscription ideas for birthdays, celebrations, or Christmas gifts.

Magazines for kids

To see the latest price, click on the magazine cover image.
We may earn a commission if you decide to purchase a children’s magazine subscription.

Magazines for children – our recommendations

Magazines for children aged 4-8

Highlights for ChildrenHighlights for Children. Strong on STEM features and thinking skills. Good for stimulating children aged 6-10.
Highlights High FiveHighlights High Five. Stories, poems, puzzles, and features to appeal to younger children aged 2-6. Great to read with your child.
LadybugLadybug Colorful illustrated poems and stories for children aged 2-6. Ideal for shared reading.

National Geographic Little KidsNational Geographic Little Kids. Great to encourage young children to read about geography and the world.
Ranger Rick JrRanger Rick Jr. Packed with information about nature and animals for the under-sevens.
SpiderSpider . Aimed at children who are starting to read independently. No ads and quality writing.

ChirpChirp. Attractive and engaging content for 3-6-year-olds. Good for emerging readers.
Humpty Dumpty MagazineHumpty Dumpty Magazine. Ideal to read with children under 4 and older independent readers. Packed with craft ideas, stories, and puzzles.

Magazines for children aged 8-12

National Geographic KidsNational Geographic Kids. Well-crafted content, features, and games for children aged 8-12.
Sports Illustrated KidsSports Illustrated Kids. Child-centered and current – a great addition to the elementary school library.
AskAsk. Science, inventions, and machines – great for children interested in STEM.

Boys' LifeScout Life (formerly Boys’ Life). Outdoor skills and activities – produced by the Boys Scouts of America.
chickaDEEchickaDEE. A wide variety of articles to appeal to both boys and girls.
MuseMuse. Environment, nature, technology, and science in this colorful and well-written magazine.

OwlOWL. Investigative and exploratory stories and articles to appeal to children aged 6-10.
Jack and JillJack & Jill. Lots of creative, crafty and practical activities and guides for boys and girls aged 8-12.
CobblestoneCobblestone. Great for children interested in science, technology, and progress. Well written and visually appealing.

Girls' WorldGirls World. Designed to appeal to girls in middle school. Occasionally edgy, and up to date.
Ranger RickRanger Rick. Great for children who love the outdoors and wild space. Nature, conservation, and wildlife are common themes.
MagnifikidMagnifiKid! A lively Christian magazine with activities, stories, and craft ideas containing a faith element.

Magazines for teens

  • National Geographic – the world-famous magazine which explored nature, wildlife, geography, and the impact of mankind.
  • National Geographic History – in depth themed history articles that are accessible and engaging.
  • Popular mechanics – popular science, electronics, DIY, projects, and technology.
  • Popular science – ideal for younger teens who are interested in real-world applications of science.
  • Scientific American – the oldest science magazine in America. Many world-famous scientists have contributed essays in the past.
  • Field and Stream – a how-to magazine exploring hunting, trapping, tracking, fishing, and wild camping.
  • Birds and Blooms – how to develop nature and wildlife in your back yard.
  • Sports Illustrated – one of the world’s most widely read sports magazines.
  • Wired – discusses emerging technologies, gadgets, and the application of science in everyday life.
  • Brio – a Christian teen magazine focusing on faith and personal improvement.
  • The New Yorker – quality essays, stories, and comments on current affairs.
  • Time – an in-depth analysis of current affairs – ideal for a student interested in politics and the economy.
  • American Cheerleader – the leading cheerleading magazine with a wide range of content each month.
  • American Scientist – a bi-monthly a well-respected science publication.

Magazines for parents

  • Your Teen – tries to make parenting teens less scary with lots of tried and tested and practical advice.
  • Today’s Parent – advice for couples with very children from birth to age 14.
  • Practical Homeschooling – useful, evidence-based ideas and advice in a practical and easy to follow format.

Magazines for teachers

  • Horn Book Magazine – a round-up of recently published children’s literature. Useful for the school library.
  • School Arts – packed with interesting ideas for K-12 art teachers.
  • ADDitude – a specialist professional magazine for teachers of children with ADD.
  • Today’s Catholic Teacher – focuses on the specific needs of teachers incorporating the Catholic faith into lesson planning.
  • Music K-8 – great for music teachers in elementary and middle grades who need something instant and ready to teach.


About Tom Tolkien

Photo of author
Tom Tolkien is an highly qualified and highly experienced teacher and children's literature expert (Honors Degree and Postgraduate PGCE QTS) who has spent over 25 years developing award winning literacy and ELA training resources for K-12 schools in the United States and worldwide. His areas of expertise are children's and YA books, literacy instruction, reading recommendations, and school improvement. Twitter | Linkedin

This resource was last updated on February 20th, 2024 and first published in 2019.