Free Children’s Magazines

About Children’s Magazines

There are dozens of children’s magazines available today for all ages, from the youngest beginning readers to teenagers. Just like many adult magazines are vastly different from one another, so too are children’s magazines themed and organized for particular groups of readers. Each magazine contains only the types of content that will appeal to those specific readers.

Content

The content of children’s magazines can vary widely. Popular types of articles and materials include:

• Puzzles and games
• Riddles and jokes
• Craft projects
• Short stories
• Profiles of children doing amazing things
• Nonfiction informational articles
• Cartoons
• Contests

In general, children’s magazines have very few advertisements because they are not generally read by consumers with large discretionary spending budgets. Teen magazines, on the other hand, will have a greater proportion of ads for teen-related products such as cosmetics, fashion accessories, and pop culture items.

Themes

Kids’ magazines are often organized into themes so readers can choose only the titles that address their favorite topics. Popular themes for children’s magazines include:

• Subject Area: Children’s magazines can be found for sports, hobbies, animals, science, history, and other topics.
• Religion: Most churches and religious organizations regularly publish magazines for the youngest members of their congregations.
• Age Group: Magazines with general content are usually aimed toward specific age groups, such as toddlers, preschoolers, elementary students, preteens, and teenagers.
• Gender: Both boys’ and girls’ magazine titles are available.

Popular Titles

Most children’s magazines have catchy titles designed to attract younger readers. While more magazines are continually being introduced, some of the most popular titles are Wild Animal Baby, National Geographic Kids, Ranger Rick, Cricket, American Girl, Babybug, Girls’ Life, Kid Zone, and Appleseeds.

Where to Find Free Children’s Magazines

With dozens of magazines to choose from, paying for subscriptions can be a costly endeavor. Fortunately, there are many places to find free children’s magazines either to sample or to enjoy for years without spending a penny.

• Libraries: Both public and school libraries often stock children’s periodicals. Newer issues must usually be kept in the library, but older issues may be checked out and taken home.
• Pediatrician’s Office: Doctors and specialists who deal frequently with children will often have several children’s magazines on hand for waiting clients, and they may be willing to loan or give away older issues of the magazines for other people to enjoy.
• Day Care Centers: Story times are popular day care activities, and day care centers often offer a range of kids’ magazines for young readers to browse.
• Preschools: Even schools for the youngest students understand the value of fostering a love of reading, and many preschools are regular subscribers to young reader publications.
• Literacy Centers: Local literacy centers may offer free copies of children’s magazines for both adults and children who need to improve their literacy skills. The simple stories help improve reading abilities and build vocabularies necessary for better literacy.
• Youth Groups: Established youth groups often distribute religious publications designed for younger readers, and youth group meeting centers may have several children’s subscriptions on hand for group members to read.
• Magazine Exchanges: Parenting groups, libraries, churches, and other organizations may offer regular magazine exchanges when parents can trade for free children’s magazines and other periodicals.
• Online Offers: Many websites feature free trial subscription offers and other deals on children’s magazines. Parents interested in taking advantage of these offers should carefully read all terms and conditions to ensure they are getting a good deal on a good publication for their children. Online resources to investigate for free offers include:
  • Wee Ones
  • All Free Magazines
  • Mags 4 Cheap
  • Magazines.com
  • Magazineline.com

Additional Discount Resources

If parents are unable to find free magazine offers for children’s titles, there are other discounts they can investigate to save money on periodical subscriptions. Many school libraries may be able to arrange discounted subscriptions, or school magazine fundraisers may offer better rates than regular subscriptions. Publishing companies that offer both adults’ and children’s titles may offer a free or discounted children’s magazine with the related adult publication, or there may be better deals for longer subscriptions. Some publishers also offer buy one get one free deals on magazine titles, or offer a range of related free gifts to accompany new magazine subscriptions.

Keeping Magazines Free

Free magazines can help kids learn to love reading.

One of the best ways parents can keep magazines free is to save copies for younger children. Many children’s magazines deal with evergreen topics – subjects that kids are interested in year after year. The same craft projects, short stories, and puzzles that one child enjoys will still be fun and exciting when a younger sibling is ready to read them a few years later. Saving magazines in a box or cupboard and keeping them looking nice is a great way to offer fun reading material to many children without needing multiple long-running subscriptions. As children grow older, parents can also investigate other free magazine offers for men, women, or teens.

In Conclusion

There are dozens of magazines available today that are meant for younger readers, and finding free children’s magazines is a great way for parents to encourage a love of reading without the high cost of magazine subscriptions.