Product Description

The mission of National Geographic Kids is "to entertain children while educating and exciting them about their world." Geared toward children ages 6 to 14, National Geographic Kids is an interactive, multi-topic magazine covering animals, entertainment, science, technology, current events, and cultures from around the world. Regular departments include "Inside Scoop," "Amazing Animals," a kids' achievement feature, and a colorful seven-page "Fun Stuff" section devoted to challenging games, puzzles, comics, and more.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #68 in Magazine Subscriptions
• Formats: Magazine Subscription, Print

Customer Reviews

Shamefully rife with advertising
This "magazine" is actually advertising with a few decent articles and activities mixed in. I was shocked when my six-year-old son received his first issue--it was filled with food, clothing, and media ads. There is also some lame content that looks like an activity but is really advertising (the latest issue has a two-page spread that has kids look for the brand-name cereal pieces that don't match the others). I cannot believe that National Geographic would even consider being associated with this publication.

Kids are bombarded enough with advertising via television, movies, and fast food restaurants. Do we really need to target their developing minds during a simple pleasure such as reading? I should think the goal of a decent children's magazine is to get the child to sit calmly, relax, and read; this magazine simply adds to the culture of hype and cross-promotion.

If you don't want your child thinking that "Kim Possible", Pokemon, and Froot Loops are subjects of a science magazine (and if you don't want to pay for the privilege of doing so), steer clear of this one and take a look at Ranger Rick or other publications with no ads.

When did this magazine head south?
I had a subscription to National Geographic's original kids magazine, World, when I was a child. In fact, I still have a couple dozen issues from about 25 years ago, which my 5 years old son has enjoyed looking through.

A few months ago, I looked on the web to see if World still existed. Happily, it did, now renamed National Geographic Kids. I ordered a two-year subscription for my son.

I wanted so much to like it. But the damn thing is chock full of advertising for candy, video games and movies, and in a way that makes it hard to separate the selling from the educating. It is a little repulsive, actually, the level to which the advertising is carried.

As I sit here in front of my computer, I am looking wistfully at a May 1982 issue of World magazine. Within which, there is not one stich of advertising.

What happened?

This is the worst kids' magazine you will ever see
The magazine is one huge ad. Even the feature stories are all about selling some popular culture fad. A great example is a story about how the Incredible Hulk "evolved" from its comic book roots through its TV show to its currently released movie version. Most of the feature stories are like this. They are selling current films or pop singers, not teaching your children anything. I cannot describe how bad this magazine is.

Try Ranger Rick! Or check out KidsDiscover. Great magazine - $20.00 a year - no ads!