Explore engaging resources for supplemental learning on core subjects such as math, science, and reading that include activities like games and puzzles.
STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Design, Mathematics
Brains On
From American Public Radio, a science podcast for families to enjoy together. Topics are wide-ranging and include everything from how elevators work to exploring dyslexia.
The California Academy of Science
Activities to highlight the importance of the natural world through interactive games and webpages, live wildlife video feeds, and closeups of creatures.
Hour of Code
Fun, themed coding tutorials that are great for beginners as well as kids who are comfortable with coding but want to practice or tackle a fun challenge. Spend an hour making art or designing games using popular characters from Frozen, Minecraft, or Star Wars.
Math Snacks
Short videos and games to introduce different math concepts to school-age kids.
National Geographic
There are a wide range of activities available, from games to videos and exploratory modules on a wide variety of topics like space, U.S. states, and animals.
Pixton (Free access with your library card!)
Pixton is a digital comic creation website for kids and teens. No drawing skills are required—just select from preset characters and backgrounds from a variety of pop culture, literary, scientific, and historical themes. Personalize the character appearances and costumes, choose poses and facial expressions, and write dialogue to tell a story. Comics are saved automatically to a user’s account and can be easily downloaded or printed from the Pixton site. Patrons will need a library card to sign in through the NYPL website and access their NYPL Pixton account.
Scratch
Scratch is a programming language developed by MIT especially for beginning coders ages eight and older. Use the Scratch website or download the free software to create, remix, and share coding projects like games and animations in a safe online community.
Sketchpad
An online platform for making digital art. Paint and draw with a wide range of tools and special effects or add clip art and text. Sketchpad’s website can be used on a computer or a tablet.
Smithsonian Fun Stuff for Kids Online
Find activities, games, apps, and other learning resources from Smithsonian institutions as well as animal live streams from the National Zoo.
Literacy and Reading
Reading is Fundamental Literacy Central
An online hub for literacy and reading that features many lesson plans, activities, and printable materials such as book-themed word searches, crossword puzzles, and memory games. Click “Find a Book” to search for specific books and paired activities. You can also search by grade level and material type. Note that a log-in is required to access the Puzzle Creator.
Brightly
An online hub from Penguin Random House to “help raise kids who love to read.” Features reading tips, book recommendations, activities, and more.
Candlewick Press Resources
Candlewick Press has produced myriad resources featuring some of our favorite characters like Stink and Mercy Watson. Click on “Activity Sheets and Reproducibles” for printable resources.
Scholastic Parents
Resources, downloadable activities, booklists and more! Click on “Activities and Printables” to find printable learn-at-home activities.
ReadWriteThink
An online reading and language arts hub jointly hosted by the International Literacy Association and the National Council for Teachers of English. Features printable activities, book recommendations, and interactive tools like a digital comic book creator.
Reading Rockets
Resources, activities, and reading tips for parents focused on building reading skills and developing a love of reading in their children. Features downloadable Reading Adventure Packs with activities parents and children can do together.
Other Resources and Activities
PBS Kids
Play games online and watch fun videos.
iCivics
Learn about civics through games that place you in the White House or on the Supreme Court bench.
Wonderopolis
Created by the National Center for Families Learning (NCFL), this website features a "wonder of the day" to promote curiosity, imagination, exploration, and discovery.
NPR’s Kids and Families Podcasts
We especially love Wow in the World, “a podcast designed for parents and kids to listen to together,” with its content focused on learning more about the world.
The Fin, Fur, and Feather Bureau of Investigation
Storytelling and fun activities to teach kids about different places and cultures across the globe.
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Homework Help: 3rd–5th Grade
ExploreExplore an array of resources that will help you with everything from chemistry and history to English and math.
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Back to School with NYPL
The New York Public Library is here to support kids of all ages, educators, and parents and caregivers with an array of programs and resources, both in person and online. Discover what we’re doing for kids and teens as New Yorkers return to school this fall—plus books, free homework help, learning tools, and fun, engaging activities to help you develop all your skills.
Our Supporters
These programs and initiatives are part of the Library’s Tisch Youth Education Programs, led by the Merryl and James Tisch Director of Branch Libraries and Education. Major support for educational programming is provided by Merryl H. and James S. Tisch.
Major support for children's and young adult programming is provided by the Andreas C. Dracopoulos Family Endowment for Young Audiences.
Major support for youth education is provided by Arthur W. Koenig; Jane Lauder; the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF); Mr. and Mrs. Timothy R. Barakett Endowment for Children’s and Young Adult Programs and Services; The Gottesman Fund; E.H.A. Foundation, Inc.; Mr. and Mrs. Evan R. Chesler; Robert A. and Elizabeth R. Jeffe Foundation; Michael ByungJu Kim and the MBK Educational Foundation; New York Life Foundation; Verizon Foundation; the Gray Foundation; and City’s First Readers, an initiative made possible with funding from the New York City Council.
