National Geographic Kids is a magazine and digital platform for children ages 6 to 14

National Geographic Kids publishes a monthly print magazine and runs a website with videos, games, articles, and interactive content about animals, science, nature, and exploration. A subscription gives you either the print magazine delivered to your home, digital access through their website and app, or both. The magazine arrives monthly and covers topics like wildlife, archaeology, space, and environmental science written for kids rather than adults.

You can buy a subscription directly from National Geographic Kids, through Amazon, or through other magazine subscription services. Pricing and what you get varies depending where you buy and which option you choose — print only, digital only, or a combination. The subscription renews automatically each year unless you cancel.

Key Takeaways

  • National Geographic Kids offers print magazines, digital access, or both, with different pricing for each option.
  • Print subscriptions arrive monthly at your home; digital subscriptions include the website, app, and online video library.
  • You can purchase directly from National Geographic Kids, through Amazon, or via third-party magazine subscription retailers.
  • Subscriptions renew automatically each year, so you will need to cancel before the renewal date if you do not want to continue.

Print magazine subscriptions and what they include

A print subscription delivers the monthly magazine to your mailbox. Each issue is roughly 50 pages and includes articles, photography, games, puzzles, and activities. The magazine does not require internet access once it arrives, so it works for kids who do not have devices or screen time limits.

Print subscriptions typically cost between $15 and $25 per year depending on where you buy and whether there are promotional rates available. Delivery usually takes 4 to 6 weeks for the first issue after you order, then arrives monthly. You can pause or cancel at any time, though you will not receive refunds for undelivered issues if you cancel mid-subscription.

Digital subscriptions and online access

A digital subscription gives you access to the National Geographic Kids website and mobile app. You can read articles, watch videos, play games, and access interactive content on any device with internet. The digital library includes current and past content, so you are not limited to the current month's material.

Digital subscriptions typically cost less than print — often $10 to $15 per year — and begin immediately after purchase. You log in with an email address and password to access the content. Digital access works on phones, tablets, and computers, though some features may work better on certain devices.

Combined print and digital subscriptions

Some retailers offer both print and digital together in a single subscription. This option costs more than either alone but gives you the physical magazine plus online access. The combined price usually falls between $25 and $40 per year depending on the retailer and any active promotions.

Combined subscriptions are useful if you want the magazine for reading offline or collecting, but also want the flexibility of digital access when you are away from home or want to explore content beyond the current month's issue.

Where to buy and how pricing differs by retailer

National Geographic Kids subscriptions are sold through multiple channels, and prices vary. You can buy directly from the National Geographic Kids website, through Amazon, or through magazine subscription services like Magazines.com or MagazinesDirect. Each retailer sometimes offers different promotional rates, especially during holiday seasons or back-to-school periods.

Buying directly from National Geographic Kids often gives you the most straightforward experience and customer service, but third-party retailers sometimes have lower introductory rates. Compare prices across a few sources before buying, since a subscription purchased in September may cost less than the same subscription purchased in January. Read the terms carefully to confirm whether the price is for the first year only or a locked-in rate for renewal.

How to manage, pause, or cancel your subscription

Most subscriptions renew automatically on the anniversary of your purchase date. To stop receiving issues or charges, you need to cancel before the renewal date. You can usually cancel through your account on the retailer's website, by calling customer service, or by email — the method depends on where you bought the subscription.

If you bought through National Geographic Kids directly, log into your account and look for subscription settings or account management. If you bought through Amazon or another retailer, manage the subscription through that retailer's account page. Keep your confirmation email or order number handy when you contact customer service, as they will ask for it to locate your account.

Some subscriptions allow you to pause for a month or two rather than cancel completely, which can be useful if you want to take a break but plan to resume later. Ask customer service whether pausing is an option when you contact them.

What age group National Geographic Kids is designed for

National Geographic Kids is written and designed for children ages 6 to 14. The content, language, and topics are chosen with this age range in mind — more advanced than early-reader magazines but not as technical as the adult National Geographic. Younger children (ages 6 to 8) may enjoy the photos and simpler articles with adult help, while older kids (ages 10 to 14) can read most content independently.

Parents sometimes subscribe for younger children and find the magazine works well as a bridge to more complex science and nature topics. The magazine does not contain advertising or inappropriate content, and there are no hidden fees or upsells within the digital platform.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I give a National Geographic Kids subscription as a gift?

Yes. Most retailers offer gift subscriptions with a start date you choose and a gift message. The recipient does not need to have an existing account — the retailer will set one up as part of the gift process. Gift subscriptions typically work the same way as regular subscriptions and renew automatically unless canceled.

What happens if I cancel mid-year?

You will not receive a refund for the remaining months. The subscription ends on the cancellation date, and you stop receiving new issues or digital access. If you cancel after paying for a full year, you lose the unused portion, so timing your cancellation around the renewal date saves money.

Can I read National Geographic Kids content without a subscription?

The National Geographic Kids website has some free content available to anyone, including articles and videos. However, a subscription gives you access to the full digital library, the mobile app, and ad-free browsing. The print magazine is only available through subscription.

Does the digital subscription work offline?

Most digital subscriptions require an internet connection to access content. Some apps allow you to download articles or videos to read offline, but this depends on the app version and your device. Check the app's features or contact customer service to confirm what can be downloaded before you buy.

How do I change my subscription from print to digital or vice versa?

You typically cannot change the subscription type mid-year. You would need to cancel the current subscription and buy a new one with the format you want. Some retailers may allow you to upgrade or downgrade at renewal time — contact customer service to ask whether this is an option.