Binding: Magazine
First Issue Lead Time: 6-10
Format: Magazine Subscription
Issues Per Year: 10
Label: National Geographic Society
Languages: Array
Magazine Type: Consumer magazine
Manufacturer: National Geographic Society
Number Of Issues: 10
Publisher: National Geographic Society
Release Date: 2001-11-23
Studio: National Geographic Society
Subscription Length: 365

The mission of National Geographic Kids is "to entertain children while educating and exciting them about their world." Geared toward children ages 6 to 14, National Geographic Kids is an interactive, multi-topic magazine covering animals, entertainment, science, technology, current events, and cultures from around the world. Regular departments include "Inside Scoop," "Amazing Animals," a kids' achievement feature, and a colorful seven-page "Fun Stuff" section devoted to challenging games, puzzles, comics, and more.

Customer Rating:
Summary: Pure Advertising
Comment: Had a year subscription for my kids. This is just blatant advertising - - mostly movies and toys. The real NG-esque content is sparse, if present at all. My boys also have SI for kids which they love, and though it has some advertising, it has way more content.

We will not continue our subscription of NG for kids.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Don't waste your money on NGK!
Comment: I was so excited to order what I thought would be an educational and fun magazine for my son's first magazine subscription. What a waste of money! This is mainly advertising for movies, tv shows, candy, and video games. On top of that it's laid out in a difficult to read format. My son said some of the pages gave him a headache to look at them. I know it did me! After 3 issues I cancelled our subscription.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Absolutely horrible!! Big disappointment.
Comment: I am a lifelong "National Geographic" reader - our family has always had a subscription, and last year my father gave us a subscription to National Geographic's "Little Kids" magazine, which is not great but okay. Our daughter liked it, and this year we thought we'd move up to the older "Kids" magazine instead.

The first issue arrived and it was HORRIBLE. Noting but ads, ads, ads, and worse than that they were ads for terrible things like toys and video games and junk food. Obviously, N.G. must have franchised this publication out to a third party, but we were still shocked. It was not what I had expected from a publication that I was raised to respect for its commitment to the outdoors and the natural world. What little original content the magazine provides is also really stupid and poorly laid out. This is not a magazine that respects the minds of the children it is written for.

I immediately called to complain and demand a refund. I checked with my local library and asked them to cancel their subscription as well. Then I e-mailed National Geographic to complain again and the response I got back was the worst customer relations reply I have ever seen: they basically told me that readers "expect" advertisements, and that most parents don't seem to mind. This obviously isn't true: look at all the other reviews on Amazon. Also, check out The National Wildlife Federation's "Ranger Rick" magazine (which members of my parent's group recommended to me after the National Geographic fiasco) They don't have a bunch of ads for candy and video games -- they have cute little articles about bunnies and tigers and mountain goats. That's what I was looking for. Shame on you, National Geographic. This is a disgrace.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Disappointed
Comment: Never have I bothered reviewing on Amazon, but this was such a disappointment. I hope National Geographic sees these reviews and get's it together. They do such a great job with other publications. I do not recommended this mag.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Too much advertising!
Comment: If you are interested in your kids wanting more stuff, National Geographic kids is just the one for you. I don't bother to tell my kids it came in the mail. I just recycle it. My Big Backyard is a wonderful option for young kids.

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