NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC KIDS is a fact-filled, fast-paced magazine created especially for ages 6 and up. With an award-winning combination of photos, facts, and fun, NG KIDS has captivated its more than one million readers for over 35 years. Articles and departments entertain and inspire readers to learn about their world with amazing information about animals, science, technology, archaeology, geography, and pop culture, plus jokes, games, activities in every issue. |
Average Customer Review:
 ( 223 customer reviews )
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1225 of 1260 found the following review helpful:
 Shamefully rife with advertisingAug 19, 2003
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.
544 of 557 found the following review helpful:
When did this magazine head south?Mar 30, 2004
By Nola
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?
381 of 394 found the following review helpful:
 This is the worst kids' magazine you will ever seeNov 03, 2003
By Megan Crane
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!
140 of 141 found the following review helpful:
A terrible misuse of the prestige of National GeographicDec 09, 2003
I bought a single copy of National Geographic Kids at a bookstore thinking I would give my grandson a subscription. I will not. I couldn't believe the number of ads and, worse yet, how much they were made to look like articles. Even many of the actual articles are about "product placement." What other purpose than advertising is there in a 3-page article on The Lord of the Rings? A child's movie? I think not, not for the 8-12 year old set. How could National Geographic have gone so wrong, treating children like nothing more than little consumers? Truly ugly!
172 of 175 found the following review helpful:
Too many commercials!Nov 22, 2005
By UlrikeDG
"Ulrike"
I'm so glad we didn't buy a subscription to National Geographic Kids magazine without checking it out at the news stand first! It truly seemed like there were more pages of ads than of actual CONTENT in this magazine.
If you're looking for a good kids' magazine about nature & wildlife, try one of the National Wildlife Federation's excellent publications. My kids enjoy Your Big Backyard (for ages 3-7) and Ranger Rick (for kids 7 & up), both of which are available through Amazon.com or [...]
Kids Discover magazine (for 6-12 year olds) is another favorite with my children (and me) and contains great science & social studies articles without the commercials of NG Kids. You can subscribe through Amazon or [...]
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