20 YouTube Channels for Homeschooling

I don't know about you, but we love to use YouTube videos to complement various subjects and interests in our homeschool. I've polled my kids and some of my trusted homeschooling friends to put together a list of the best educational YouTube channels to add fun and learning to your homeschool. There's something for everyone: art,baking, music, science, engineering, and random facts (our favorite).

As with any form of media, please preview each channel to see if it's appropriate for your kids and family.

Art and Music

• Wow Art
  My twins love this channel. The projects can be made in under 30 minutes with items you probably have around your house.  No special tools or skills are required.
• Hoffman Academy
  We started using these videos years ago when my kids were younger. They enjoyed them at the time, but then we moved and got rid of our keyboard. Now that we have a new keyboard, they have revisited the videos and are working through them. These videos can be used for a wide variety of ages and abilities.
• TwoSetViolin
  A friend recommended this channel to me because her musical kids enjoy it. These young musicians love violins, love classical music, love to practice and they have some fun and interesting videos.
• Bob Ross
  I remember back in the '80s, my brother and I would watch Bob on Sunday afternoons. We never actually painted anything but man, I could point out Titanium White and Cobolt Blue from a mile away. Happy little trees? The more the better. Check out this channel and try your hand at painting.
• You Are an Artist
  I confess that I love chalk pastels, and I love the feeling I get when I finish one of Nana's videos. The pastels are forgiving and the tutorials are simple and fun. You only need paper and an affordable pack of pastels. Fast and easy and a bit messy. Worth it!

Math and Science

• Brave Wilderness
  My younger son loves this channel! He got on a real kick last spring and was sharing all kinds of crazy and interesting stories. Some videos can be intense, so if you have a sensitive kid, please preview! This channel takes you on wild and amazing adventures, and gets you up close and personal with all kinds of creatures.
• Australia Zoo
  Confession time: I loved watching Steve and Terri Irwin's show back in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Even though I am terrified of snakes, there was something about their love for animals and each other that kept me hooked. This channel features their children, zoo staff, and the amazing zoo animals.
• Animal Planet
  With detailed playlists and a wide variety of videos and topics, your animal lover can find something to be inspired by on this channel.
• Mark Rober
  This former NASA engineer is a fan favorite with my boys. He tackles all kinds of science topics in crazy, fun, and accessible ways.
• The Royal Institution 
  A homeschool friend of mine, originally from the United Kingdom, recently shared this channel with me. There are full-length talks and short videos on science topics for everyone, though probably best suited for teens and adults.
• Vihart
  Art and science and math are all covered in these cool videos! I love how Vi explains complicated ideas (well, complicated for ME) in easy-to-follow ways.
• Minutephysics
  "Cool physics and other sweet science" is a perfect description of this channel. Simple and compelling graphics and a variety of topics. Probably best suited for middle school and up.
• Periodic Videos
  If you have a kid who loves chemistry, check out this channel. They have videos for each element on the periodic table!

General Interest

• Real Life Lore
  Here's my truth: I can never watch just ONE of Real Life Lore's fascinating videos. My kids have gotten up and left the living room to do other things while I sit there watching and talking out loud to the narrator as if he can hear me (he cannot). Be forewarned: I once saw an exploding whale and that's something you don't forget.
• Crash Course
  We've used Crash Course videos for nearly all subjects in our homeschool. In fact, it's one of the first places I send my kids when they have a question about a topic. The videos are concise, funny, and informative.
• TedEd
  These animated lessons cover a variety of topics such as historical figures, math, science, language, and more.

Hobbies and Interests

• Rosanna Pansino
  My daughter loves watching Rosanna's baking adventures. She's even checked out Rosanna's book at the library and tried her hand at few recipes. The over-the-top creations are sure to make your eyes pop!
• AstonishingStudios
  My kids are big fans of this channel. AstonishingStudios showcases carefully designed creations with LEGO^® pieces. From candy machines to food makers, your LEGO^® fanatic will be inspired.
• LEGO^® 
  What's more fun than stepping on LEGO^® bricks at 1:34 AM? Watching cool LEGO^® videos, of course! The official LEGO^® channel has behind the scenes videos, product reviews, and stop-motion animation.
• Food Network
  Let's be honest, our kids eat lots of food and mealtimes seem to roll around every 18 minutes. Why not get your kids in on the cooking action? Check out all the different celebrity chefs and delicious recipes.

I hope this list will give and your kids some fresh and fun ideas. Be sure to watch some videos with your kids. Yes, you can get in on the YouTube magic as well. When you connect with your kids over topics they love using YouTube for homeschooling, you're building memories too.