What National Geographic Junior is and how to get it

National Geographic Junior is a monthly magazine for children ages 6 to 14 published by National Geographic. It contains photographs, articles about animals and nature, science experiments, maps, and activities. You can order a subscription directly from National Geographic's website, through third-party subscription services, or sometimes find discounted rates through warehouse clubs or educational retailers.

A subscription means the magazine arrives at your home each month for a set period — typically one year — without you having to reorder. The price and what's included can vary depending on where you order and whether you choose print, digital, or both.

Key Takeaways

  • National Geographic Junior publishes 10 issues per year (monthly except for two combined issues), and you can order directly from nationalgeographic.com or through other retailers.
  • Print subscriptions arrive by mail; digital subscriptions let you read on a tablet or computer through the National Geographic Kids app or website.
  • Subscription prices vary by retailer and whether you choose print, digital, or a bundle, so comparing a few sources before ordering can save money.
  • You can pause, cancel, or manage your subscription through your account on the retailer's website, usually without penalty if done before renewal.

Ordering directly from National Geographic

The official National Geographic website (nationalgeographic.com) sells subscriptions to National Geographic Junior directly. Go to the subscriptions section, select National Geographic Junior, and choose your format: print only, digital only, or both. You'll enter your mailing address (for print) and create an account with an email and password.

Payment is by credit card, debit card, or PayPal. After you complete the order, you'll receive a confirmation email with your subscription details and start date. Print subscriptions typically begin arriving within 4 to 6 weeks. Digital access usually starts within a few days.

Third-party subscription services and retailers

Services like Amazon, Walmart, and magazine subscription platforms often sell National Geographic Junior subscriptions at different prices than the official site. Some offer first-year discounts or bundle deals. Check a few sources before ordering, because the same subscription can cost more or less depending on the retailer and current promotions.

When you order through a third party, that company handles billing and customer service, not National Geographic directly. This means you'll log in to manage your subscription through that retailer's website or app, not through National Geographic. Read the terms carefully — some third-party sellers have different cancellation policies than National Geographic's own site.

Print versus digital subscriptions

A print subscription delivers the physical magazine to your mailbox each month. It requires a mailing address in the United States or, in some cases, Canada. Print subscriptions cost more than digital but don't require a device or internet connection to read.

A digital subscription gives you access to the magazine on a tablet, phone, or computer through the National Geographic Kids app or website. Digital subscriptions cost less and start immediately, but you need a compatible device and internet connection. Some digital subscriptions also include access to past issues and bonus content.

A combo subscription includes both print and digital. It costs more than either alone but gives you the physical magazine plus instant digital access on the day it's released online.

Cost and what affects the price

Subscription prices change based on promotions, the retailer, and how long you commit. A one-year print subscription typically costs between $20 and $40, depending on where you order and current discounts. Digital subscriptions are usually cheaper, ranging from $10 to $25 per year. Combo subscriptions run higher, often $30 to $60 annually.

Introductory rates for first-time subscribers are common — you might see a lower price for your first year, then a higher renewal rate. Always check the renewal price before you order, because some subscriptions auto-renew at full price unless you cancel beforehand. The confirmation email should state both the introductory price and what you'll pay when it renews.

Managing, pausing, or canceling your subscription

Log into your account on the website or app where you ordered. Look for a "Manage Subscription," "Account," or "My Subscriptions" section. From there, you can view your renewal date, update your mailing address, pause delivery for a few months, or cancel entirely.

If you ordered from National Geographic's site directly, use your National Geographic account. If you ordered through Amazon, Walmart, or another retailer, log into that retailer's account instead. Most services let you cancel anytime without penalty, though some require cancellation before a certain date to avoid the next renewal charge. Check your confirmation email or the terms page for the exact cancellation deadline.

Gift subscriptions and special offers

National Geographic and most retailers offer gift subscriptions, which you can send to someone else. You provide the recipient's name and mailing address, and the subscription starts on a date you choose. Gift subscriptions often come with a printed gift announcement card. The price is usually the same as a regular subscription, though some retailers offer gift-specific discounts.

Watch for seasonal promotions around holidays, back-to-school time, and the new year. These often include discounted first-year rates or bonus digital access. Signing up for National Geographic's email list can alert you to sales before they're widely advertised.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many issues come in a year?

National Geographic Junior publishes 10 issues per year. Most months have their own issue, but two months are combined into a single issue, so you receive 10 magazines annually rather than 12.

Can I change my mailing address after I subscribe?

Yes. Log into your account on the retailer's website and update your address in the subscription settings. Changes usually take effect within one or two billing cycles. If you're moving soon, update your address before the next issue ships to avoid missed deliveries.

What happens if an issue doesn't arrive?

Contact the retailer or National Geographic through the website where you ordered. Have your subscription number ready. They can resend the issue or credit your account. Print delivery can take 4 to 8 weeks depending on your location, so wait at least that long before reporting a missing issue.

Can I read digital issues on multiple devices?

Yes, if you log into the same account. Download the National Geographic Kids app on each device and sign in with your subscription email and password. You can typically read on up to four or five devices at once, depending on the retailer's terms.

Is there a student or teacher discount?

National Geographic sometimes offers discounts for educators and schools. Check the subscriptions page on nationalgeographic.com or contact their customer service to ask about current education rates. Some school supply retailers also carry discounted subscriptions during back-to-school sales.