Tools for this page
Print

Kids.NationalGeographic

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version
    Not age appropriate for kids under 0, age appropriate for kids over 8; suggested age 8.

  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Learn about the world and its inhabitants.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 8 and Up

The good stuff

  • Educational value:

    Kids can learn all about animals and science through games, videos, photos, and stories.
  • Messages:

    Not an issue.

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Some of the videos' images (a cheetah attacking its prey) and voice-over can be scary for sensitive kids.
  • Sex:

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

    Banner ads promote the magazines and other Earth-related organizations.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.

What Parents Need to Know

This review of Kids.NationalGeographic was written by Heidi Kotansky

Parents need to know that among its educational games, kid-friendly animal information, and great footage, this online component to National Geographic Kids magazine does have some scary videos. One about the cane toad, for example, talked about how the cute amphibian is very poisonous -- so poisonous that if a crocodile eats one, it can die. Another showed a brief moment where a cheetah attacked its prey. Banner ads offer subscriptions to magazines and also feature other organizations, but are clearly marked and unobtrusive. There's also a link to the main National Geographic site and its store.

Families Can Talk About

Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
  • Families can talk about using animals to promote learning. How can learning about a lion in Africa teach you about the world? Kids will love a trip to the zoo or library to learn more about favorite animals they see on the site.
Did this review help you decide?

Will you let your kids log in?

Use this website? Review It!

More on Kids.NationalGeographic

What’s the Story?

Like in the real world, there's a lot to check out on KIDS.NATIONALGEOGRAPHIC.COM. Once you click on an animal's image, you can read all about it, watch a video of it, see where it lives on a map, send an e-card of it, or print a "collectors card" with the animal and its facts on it. There are also educational games, activities, and all kinds of stories to read (from how the human heart works to how the mountain pine beetle is killing forests).

Is It Any Good?

Kids will love playing the games, doing the activities, and clicking through to related kid-friendly sites. Just be aware that some of the videos do show big teeth and animals killing prey, which may be a tad frightening. And some of the commentary -- about how a cute cane toad is actually deadly -- can also startle a sensitive kid.

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Use this Website? Review It!

What did you think about Kids.NationalGeographic?

or

to post a review

Most Recent Reviews

    More Great Stuff For Your Kids

    • Most Popular This Week

      foursquare

      foursquare

      Is this social network too risky for your child?

    • Tech Tip

      Learn the basics with our latest video.How to Text

      Learn the basics with our latest video.

    • Book of the Week

      All the World

      All the World

      Endearing art, rhythmic poem celebrate the flow of life.

    • Pick of the Week

      Bestselling Books

      Bestselling Books

      Popular new reads kids are buying today.

    • Game of the Week

      Simplz: Zoo

      Simplz: Zoo

      Family-friendly puzzler mixes in a bit of zoo simulation.

    Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
    • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
    • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
    • Post your own reviews and share them with friends

    This will never be displayed to others.
    Your email will never be displayed to others.
    Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
    A screen name protects your privacy
    To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!

    Set-up your account
    This will never be displayed to others.
    Your email will never be displayed to others.
    Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

    Choose a screen name
    It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
    A screen name protects your privacy

    Tell us your children's ages
    You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
    We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
    is
    until
    (optional)
    is
    until
    is
    until
    is
    until
    is
    until
    is
    until
    Add another child

    We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.

    Set-up your account
    This will never be displayed to others.
    Your email will never be displayed to others.
    Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

    Tell us your children's ages
    You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
    Why we ask for this
    We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
    is
    until
    is
    until
    is
    until
    is
    until
    is
    until
    is
    until
    Add another child

    Choose a screen name
    It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
    A screen name protects your privacy
    Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
    I'm already a Common Sense member.
    Kids under 13 must use a screen name