The Best Activity Magazines for Kids

Magazines for kids are a great way to introduce a love of reading as well as a way for kids to be entertained without the use of TV and video games. And while some magazines for children simply promote more media time, there are wonderful activity magazines for kids that make learning fun. The following kid magazines all feature challenging and engaging activities for kids from preschool through the early teen years that they will enjoy getting in the mailbox month after month. Whether you're looking for a unique gift or just an alternative form of learning and entertainment for your child, these magazines for kids are sure to be appreciated.

Highlights Magazine
Highlights is a classic magazine that kids have been enjoying for decades, myself included. In each issue, kids are challenged with fun puzzles and hidden pictures, creative craft ideas, science experiments, fun stories and jokes to read, and more. There's even a section that showcases poetry and drawings from kids, which may spark your child to send in his own submission. I remember receiving this magazine every month as a child and pouring through its pages, eager to complete the fun activities inside. And the best part is that each activity, while fun for kids, also serves an educational purpose, making it a great teaching tool. The original magazine is geared towards 6 to 12 year olds, so it's perfect for elementary school-aged kids. Highlights also carries a magazine geared towards preschool-aged children called High Five Magazine.

Owl Magazine
Owl is a magazine developed for the tween set (ages 9 to 13) that combines fun facts with engaging activities. From puzzles and word searches to quizzes and jokes, older kids will reap the benefits of engaging their minds in challenging activities while also being able to read articles that interest them. Owl also ties into an online community with additional content, which is engaging to many tweens and helps them feel like a part of a community they can relate to.

Wilderness Kids Club Magazine
Wilderness Kids Club is a free, online magazine that teaches kids and families about the great outdoors through science and survival tips. Once you sign up, you're sent a monthly newsletter full of links and information about exploring the wilderness. Tips and tricks are shared for all kinds of outdoor activities, inspiring kids to get out into nature and try them for themselves. If you have a child who's hands-on and loves to explore, than this is a great way to encourage those interests.

Preschool Playroom Magazine
Preschool Playroom has the appeal of a media magazine melded with the educational value of an activity magazine that's perfect for young children just learning how to read and complete puzzles. Kids will have fun learning alongside their favorite TV characters while completing activities such as drawing, matching, counting, coloring, and reading. This bi-monthly activity magazine for kids also includes a character poster and 6-page pullout workbook in every issue. Kids will be drawn to their favorite characters and have fun learning through the engaging activities.

Highlights Puzzlemania
Puzzlemania is actually not a magazine, but a book club, yet the books are full of activities and come every 4 to 6 weeks, similar to a kids' magazine subscription. These books, geared for kids ages 7 and up, are filled with a variety of puzzles that will not only entertain kids, but get their creative centers going. The thought processes behind each challenge is designed to teach specific skills like abstract reasoning and critical thinking, which will help them in many other areas of learning. Puzzles include mazes, sticker puzzles, secret codes, hidden pictures, word play, math & logic puzzles, and more. My kids are always entertained with these books and get excited every time they receive one. The Highlights Company carries 6 activity book clubs in all, catering to different interests and ages.