Free Home Learning Resources for Kids: Free Online Education Resources For 2027
There are millions of fantastic sources of online learning for kids, but how do you choose? In this article I have hand-picked the best free educational websites for kids, as a child psychologist and mum of two.
I’ll help you find free home learning resources for your kids, whether you are looking for home education resources or simply hoping to inspire your child with a new learning project.
2027 edition. Links and free-access details checked in October 2026.
Kids Learning Websites: Which One Will Suit Your Child?
There are many reasons why you might find these free online educational resources helpful, and these are just a few:
- Your child is home educated and you are looking for new inspiration or lesson plans.
- Your child is temporarily out of school for health reasons and you want to keep some structure and learning in their daily routine.
- You are trying to keep your child occupied during school holidays, and keep them learning.
- Your child is looking for a new interest and you want to give them some inspiration.
- You are looking for additional online learning resources to boost your child’s confidence or skill level in a particular topic area.
These free learning resources may provide your child with ideas for projects that they would otherwise not have the chance to try!
What used to be called “distance learning” is now a fantastic and free opportunity to broaden your child’s learning experience.
For primary school children, start with BBC Bitesize, Oxford Owl or Oak National Academy. For GCSE revision, try Seneca alongside your child’s school curriculum.
Choose a flexible learning schedule around your child’s energy and interests. A simple learning timetable could pair one online activity with outdoor time.
If you are starting home education, you may hear the term “deschooling”. This describes time spent adjusting after leaving school. You don’t need to explore every website immediately.
Home education groups can help you build a support network and swap ideas. Look for welcoming local support groups where your child can meet others too.
Online Learning Websites For Boosting Confidence and Self-Esteem
As a psychologist I tell parents it’s vital not to overload children with too many activities as this can overload the nervous system.
On the other hand learning new skills can provide an immense boost for children’s confidence and self-esteem. This is especially true if your child has struggled to find a passion at school.
Remote learning through these great websites is ideal for children who do not have the confidence to try face-to-face clubs. They can explore a variety of topics without the worry of how to “do” social interaction.
Even if some of your child’s online learning is in group form in virtual classrooms, some children find this interaction more manageable. Check how your child feels rather than assuming it will suit them.
Educational Websites for Kids: Categories in This Article
I have divided the resources into twelve categories to make it easier for you to find them. They are:
- General/mixed subjects
- Current affairs
- Life skills
- Computer programming
- Music
- Geography
- History
- Languages
- Science & nature
- Art & craft
- Maths
- English as a second language
1. Free Home Learning Resources: General/Mixed Subjects
Khan Academy
Khan Academy has a formidable reputation as being one of the best educational websites.
This online learning platform is especially great for maths and computing for all ages, but also a wide range of subjects at secondary level.
Note that the Khan Academy uses the United States grade level system but it’s mostly common material.
This website has so much to offer. Do go over and investigate!
Khan Academy is a non-profit organisation.
BBC Bitesize
BBC Bitesize offers free activities, videos and revision for primary and secondary pupils. Choose your child’s age, subject and UK curriculum to find suitable material.
I was blown away by the wealth of topics and the user-friendly way they are presented.
Futurelearn
Many short courses offer free, time-limited access. Check the individual course before joining.
Certificates, extended access and some courses require payment. New accounts are restricted to ages 16+, making this an option for older teenagers.
Seneca
Seneca describes itself as “The UK’s Fastest-Growing Homework & Revision Platform”.
For those revising at GCSE or A level there is tonnes of free revision content on this interactive website, with paid access to higher level educational material.
There is also KS2 content, including SATs preparation. Choose material that matches your child’s current learning.
Its quizzes use retrieval practice: recalling information rather than simply reading it again. Try a few questions, then discuss anything your child found confusing.
Openlearn
This free website offers taster courses aimed at students considering Open University or other higher education, but anyone can access it.
These interactive lessons are adult level but some courses e.g. nature and environment are accessible to older kids.
Openlearn is ideal if you have a high achieving teenager who is looking for a learning challenge.
Ted Ed
All sorts of engaging educational video lectures for older students. A great way to learn about things that are not on the school curriculum.
I love Ted Ed’s bite-sized videos. The best thing about them is their engaging graphics that will catch the eye of teens scrolling through on their phones.
They will find themselves unwittingly engaging in 5 minutes of learning!
The Kid Should See This
“Smart videos for curious minds of all ages”. This is a great resource providing a wide range of cool short videos full of educational content.
Boost your child’s critical thinking and expand their knowledge.
Crash Course
A YouTube channel with videos on many subjects such as artificial intelligence, economics, sociology and study skills.
It’s an eye-catching and easy to navigate website containing beautifully crafted and themed videos.
Crash Course Kids
This YouTube channel is as above but presented with primary aged children in mind.
It looks brilliant.
A fun and easy way to top up your child’s learning!
Why not line these up to for your child to watch whilst on a car journey or travelling on your holidays?
iDEA Awards
A digital enterprise award scheme you can complete online.
iDEA Awards provides free mini courses on a range of subjects to help young people develop digital, enterprise and employability skills.
A great option if your child is motivated by awards.
Oxford Owl for Home
Lots of free educational activities and interactive games for young children of primary school age (elementary school).
It includes a free e-Book library, phonics guides and maths games and printable worksheets.
Cbeebies Radio
This wonderful site offers listening activity ideas and educational games for younger kids under 6 years old.
Blue Peter Badges
The Blue Peter badge scheme has been running for many years based on the popular UK television programme.
Children aged 5–15 in the UK can document achievements in sport, music or conservation. They can then apply for different badges.
A badge and valid badge ID card can unlock free entry to participating attractions. Check each attraction’s terms, including accompanying adult tickets, before travelling.
Toy Theater
Educational free online games for little children.
DK Super Readers Activities
The old DK Find Out link now leads to DK’s retired learning service. Selected Super Readers activity sheets and comprehension quizzes remain available on DK.com.
These complement particular books; they are no longer a general children’s encyclopaedia.
Oak National Academy
Oak provides free lessons for Years 1–11, covering England’s National Curriculum. Choose a subject and topic, then work through the video and activities.
These are recorded videos rather than live lessons, so you can pause together. For home education, they offer a structured starting point without requiring a subscription.
2. Educational Websites For Kids About Current Affairs
Newsround
This UK site based on the children’s TV programme is a trusted source of information on current events for 6-12 year-olds.
3. Kids’ Learning Websites in Social Studies and Life Skills
Barclays Life Skills
Barclays Bank offers free online lessons for kids in life skills such as:
- Saving money and sticking to a budget.
- Managing stress and nurturing wellbeing
These interactive activities and videos are intended to be parent-led.
The resources are conveniently divided into age categories: primary school, secondary school and young adults.
4. Free Coding Websites for Kids
Blockly
Learn computer programming skills through Blockly.
A fantastic resource which may spark an interest in computer science!
Scratch
Another invaluable resource for future computer programmers and game designers. Creative computer programming.
5. Free Music Websites for Kids
MusicTheory.Net
Excellent free online tools for music theory.
This site is suited to high school students and older primary school students or middle school students.
6. Kids’ Websites About Geography
National Geographic Kids
National Geographic Kids website is jam-packed with learning, fun games, activities and quizzes for children.
Your child can explore animal facts and discover different countries.
Don’t miss these free resources if your child is curious about the world.
Geography Games
Geography fun brain games!
A beautifully simple site with easy-access quizzes on topics such as flags and capital cities.
7. Free Online Education Resources About History
Big History Project
The Big History Project is a joint effort between teachers, scholars, scientists, and their supporters to bring a multi-disciplinary approach to knowledge to lifelong learners around the world.
I love the way it is crafted to put history in context, from the time the earth was formed, using a multi-disciplinary approach.
The videos are high quality and informative.
This site is suitable for middle school and high school children.
8. Online Learning For Kids in Languages
Duolingo
Learn different languages for free.
Suitable for young people as well as adults.
Web or app based.
My son used the free version of Duolingo every day during his Spanish GCSE. It worked brilliantly for him, and he achieved a grade 9.
9. Educational Websites For Kids About Science & Nature
Wonderlab Plus
Brought to you by the Science Museum (London), Wonderlab Plus is aimed at 7-11 year olds.
It is wonderfully interactive!
Children can choose between games, quizzes, videos, and crafts on many aspects of science.
Here’s a quick video about it.
Mystery Science
Science lessons aimed at primary school teachers, with limited free access and trial options.
The videos are brief, fun and visually stimulating including many science experiments.
Check access conditions before planning a project: the full lesson library requires membership.
Crest Awards
Free STEM project ideas help your child explore science through real-world experiences.
For home education, you can use the activities without buying an award. Award applications generally carry fees; Scotland currently has funded access. Check current fees and minimum orders before applying.
A fun way to keep your child motivated to learn more about science, from outer space to sustainable energy solutions.
Nature Detectives
Schools’ pages and home activities for nature-loving kids.
Many of the activities can be done in a garden if you cannot get to a remote forest location!
WWF Home Learners
WWF offers free nature and climate activities for primary and secondary children. Follow your child’s curiosity with a wildlife project or a discussion about protecting habitats.
Check the suggested age before choosing a pack, especially for younger children.
10. Free Education Resources in Art & Craft
Tinkercad
A fantastic site teaching children 3D designs.
The Artful Parent
This free online resource provides some easy and fun art activities for kids.
Red Ted Art
Fabulous easy-to-follow ideas for craft activities for little ones.
You will find a huge range of both seasonal and evergreen online art activities.
The Imagination Tree
Creative art and craft activities for the very youngest.
11. Free Maths Resources for Home Learning
Prodigy Maths
American “math skills” site using American grades, but great for UK primary school age too.
The educational maths questions are free. Optional memberships add game features, so expect upgrade prompts.
White Rose Maths: 1-Minute Maths
This free app offers short activities for building confidence with numbers. Your child can practise skills such as addition, subtraction and times tables.
Use it for a brief warm-up, rather than another long lesson. Other White Rose materials may require payment, so check before downloading.
Third Space Learning: Fluent in Five
Free home learning packs cover six weeks of arithmetic practice for Years 1–6. You need to provide your details to download them.
For children preparing for SATs, choose questions that match their current understanding. There is no need to rush through the pack.
NRICH
Cambridge’s NRICH offers free mathematical problems, puzzles and games across school ages. Choose a challenge your child can explore with you.
Ask how they reached an answer, rather than focusing only on getting it right.
12. Online Learning For Kids in English as a Second Language
British Council
Free games, songs, stories and printable activities for children learning English. These can support home education or extra practice alongside school.
Online Learning For Kids: Summary
The opportunities available in these free learning websites are mind blowing!
Pick a subject area that your child would benefit from engaging with or would enjoy, and dive in.
I recommend you choose only one project at a time so your child doesn’t get overwhelmed.
For home education or after-school curiosity, start with what interests your child. You can adjust your choices as their confidence and needs change.
I hope you enjoy these online learning websites!
Dr Lucy Russell is a UK clinical psychologist and Clinical Director of Everlief Child Psychology. She qualified as a clinical psychologist from Oxford University in 2005 and worked in the National Health Service for many years before moving fully into her leadership and writing roles.
In 2019 Lucy launched They Are The Future, a support website for parents of school-aged children. Through TATF Lucy is passionate about giving practical, manageable strategies to parents and children who may otherwise struggle to find the support they need.
Lucy lives with her family, rescue cats and dog, and also fosters cats through a local animal welfare charity. She loves singing in a vocal harmony group and spending time in nature.
