20+ Best YouTube Channels for Kids (Ages 8–12)

Looking for safe, smart, and fun YouTube content for your 8–12-year-old? Discover 20+ parent-recommended YouTube channels that are educational, creative, and just the right amount of silly.

Why This List Matters Navigating YouTube can be tricky for parents. You want content that's not just entertaining, but age-appropriate, enriching, and genuinely fun. We've curated this list of YouTube channels for 8–12-year-olds based on real parent recommendations, expert reviews, and educational value.

🚀 STEM & Educational Channels

SciShow Kids Bite-sized science lessons that explain complex ideas in fun and engaging ways.

CrunchLabs Founded by NASA engineer Mark Rober, this channel delivers epic STEM experiments, build-alongs, and surprise guest appearances.

Kurzgesagt – In a Nutshell Animated explainers on science and philosophy topics. Great for visual learners and deep thinkers.

Mark Rober Former NASA engineer known for viral science videos. Kids love his glitter bombs, squirrel obstacle courses, and inventive solutions.

How It’s Made Classic educational series showing how everyday objects are manufactured. Oddly satisfying and very informative.

Let Me Explain Studios Animated stories that mix humor with life lessons and simple educational topics.

😂 Funny & Creative Animations

Oversimplified History lessons made laugh-out-loud funny. Your 8-year-old might know more about the Civil War than you do.

Jack Pop Quirky humor and clever storytelling for kids who love internet culture.

Haminations Funny, clean animated stories about real life.

Jaiden Animations Uplifting and thoughtful animations with relatable stories and positive messages.

🧱 Building & Experiment Channels

Brick Science Combines Lego builds with science experiments. Hosted by a relatable young creator.

Magnet Ball Builds Satisfying magnetic ball creations often featuring animals exploring the builds.

Half Asleep Chris Relaxing Lego storytelling with wholesome narratives and clever builds.

🎨 Art & Creativity Channels

Art for Kids Hub Step-by-step drawing tutorials for every skill level. Great for family participation.

Draw So Cute Teaches kids how to draw kawaii-style characters with ease.

ArtHubForKids Family-run and full of positivity. Helps build creative confidence.

🐾 Outdoor & Adventure Channels

Outdoor Boys Real outdoor adventures: camping, survival skills, and nature exploration.

Danny Go! Dance, movement, and learning rolled into one high-energy show.

The Big Silly Crocodile Zany fun that's a hit with both younger and older kids.

🧵 Claymation & Unique Visuals

Hevesh5 Domino art and chain reactions that are both inspiring and mesmerizing.

Claymation Shorts A genre rather than a channel—seek out claymation creators for calming, imaginative storytelling.

📌 Final Tips for Parents

Watch Together: Preview channels to ensure content aligns with your family's values.

Use YouTube Kids or Playlists: Safer viewing with curated content.

Encourage Balance: Mix screen time with hands-on activities.

📊 FAQ: Best YouTube Channels for Kids 8–12

What are the best educational YouTube channels for 8–12-year-olds? SciShow Kids, Mark Rober, Kurzgesagt, and CrunchLabs are excellent for STEM and learning.

Are these YouTube channels safe for kids? Yes, all listed channels are parent-recommended and age-appropriate. However, always supervise viewing.

How can I make YouTube safer for my child? Use YouTube Kids, set up playlists, and enable parental controls to filter out inappropriate content.

Are there good art and creativity channels for kids? Yes! Try Art for Kids Hub and Draw So Cute for easy-to-follow art tutorials.

Author: Louisamay Hanrahan Last Updated: July 2, 2025