ABCmouse
abcmouse.comA full early-learning curriculum for ages 2-8 in game form. Paid, but one of the most complete programs for the age group.
Preschool: The Best Websites
Screen time is worth more when the site was built by educators. These are the preschool sites that are safe, ad-appropriate and genuinely teach, with the free ones called out clearly.
How We Picked These Kids' Sites
Every site in this category is designed for young children, run by an established organization, and free of the aggressive advertising and unmoderated content that make so much of the web unsuitable for preschoolers. Where a site charges a subscription, we say so.
Highlights Kids
highlightskids.comThe classic children's magazine online: hidden pictures, jokes, crafts and stories, still ad-free and gentle.
Khan Academy Kids
learn.khanacademy.org/khan-academy-kidsCompletely free, ad-free learning for ages 2-8 from the nonprofit Khan Academy: reading, math and social-emotional skills. If you try one preschool learning site, make it this one.
KidsHealth
kidshealth.orgDoctor-reviewed health information for families from Nemours, one of the largest pediatric health systems in the US, with separate sections written for parents, kids and teens in age-appropriate language.
National Geographic Kids
kids.nationalgeographic.comAnimal facts, science, games and jaw-dropping photography from National Geographic, built for curious kids and the homework that follows.
Nick Jr
nickjr.comGames and videos with PAW Patrol, Blue's Clues, Dora and the rest of the Nick Jr. lineup, designed for preschoolers to navigate on their own.
PBS KIDS
pbskids.orgFree educational games and videos with Daniel Tiger, Wild Kratts, and the rest of the PBS lineup. No ads, no purchases, and research-backed learning goals behind every game.
Peter Rabbit Fun and Games
peterrabbit.comThe official home of Beatrix Potter's Peter Rabbit: stories, activities and gentle games built around the century-old characters, maintained by the brand's publisher.
Sesame Street
sesamestreet.orgGames, videos and printables with Elmo, Cookie Monster and friends from the nonprofit Sesame Workshop, built on more than 50 years of early-learning research.
Starfall
starfall.comThe phonics site that has taught a generation to read, run by a nonprofit foundation. Core reading activities are free; a low-cost membership unlocks the full curriculum.
Which Preschool Site Should You Try First?
Completely free, no ads: Khan Academy Kids
Khan Academy Kids (ages 2 to 8) is free with no ads and no subscriptions, from the nonprofit Khan Academy. Reading, math, and social-emotional learning wrapped in a gentle app-and-web experience. If you try one thing from this page, make it this.
Free games and trusted shows: PBS Kids
PBS Kids pairs research-based games with characters kids already trust, like Daniel Tiger and Wild Kratts. Despite the upheaval in public-broadcasting funding, PBS Kids continues to operate and remains free.
Learning to read: Starfall
Starfall, run by a nonprofit foundation, has taught phonics to a generation of early readers. The core reading content is free; a low-cost membership unlocks the full math and reading curriculum.
Health questions: KidsHealth
KidsHealth (from Nemours) is written for parents, kids and teens separately, and is the most reliable first stop for children's health questions on the open web.
Animals and nature: National Geographic Kids
Facts, photos, games and videos about animals and the natural world, from a brand that has been doing this for over a century.
What About ABCmouse?
ABCmouse is polished and comprehensive, but it is a paid subscription (about $15 a month). It can be worth it for a structured curriculum, but try the free options above first; for most families Khan Academy Kids covers the same ground at no cost.
Preschool: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best free learning website for preschoolers?
Khan Academy Kids is the standout: completely free, ad-free, nonprofit-run, and covers reading, math and social-emotional skills for ages 2 to 8. PBS Kids and the free portions of Starfall are excellent companions.
Is ABCmouse free?
No. ABCmouse is a subscription service from Age of Learning, typically around $15 per month, with discounts for annual plans. It offers free trials, but ongoing use is paid.
Are these websites safe for young children?
Every site listed here is designed specifically for children and run by an established organization. As always, young children benefit from an adult nearby, and each site's parental-controls page explains its data practices.
How listings work: Win What Where is committed to finding and listing only the best websites.
Every listing is reviewed by a person. We do not accept paid submissions.