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Screen time for kids gets a really bad rap. And we can all agree that too much of it isn’t great. It’s true, parents are guilty of parking their kids in front of cartoons to get a few items marked off the to-do list (or just to get supper on the table!). But thanks to all the best educational shows for kids out there, we can all feel better about our little ones’ screen time now more than ever.
“There is so much evidence that high-quality digital media really can be impactful and beneficial for children’s minds. Shows like Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood can teach emotion regulation and social skills, while Sesame Street can help teach curiosity and academic concepts,” says Tiffany Munzer, MD, a Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics and Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics at University of Michigan. So, we’ve curated the top educational shows for kids that are tailor-made for their curious, growing minds.
All ages—from toddlers to elementary-aged children and beyond—will stay engaged and entertained while learning about science, reading, art, history, and more. Through lovable characters, interactive storytelling, and loads of humor, these popular learning shows, including some cult classics, will capture their attention episode after episode. Munzer recommends Common Sense Media as a wonderful resource and tool for families. “They can plug in content and search for reviews specific to age.”
So when you need a quick time out for dinner prep, hit play on one of these 22 educational TV shows for kids. They’ll be fully entertained, and may learn a little something, too! Binging encouraged.
For Cozy Nights in, Check Out Our Family Friendly Watch Lists:
PBS Kids and Sesame Workshop joined forces to launch a music-focused series of live action videos that focus on civic engagement. The catchy tunes are sung by young cast members with a few surprise celebrity guests. Its lively and fun approach will inspire youngsters to become more actively involved in their community.
This ever-popular British animated series is making its U.S. debut. Follow Milo and his fellow animal friends Lark and Lofty as they embark on fun filled adventures exploring a variety of jobs like, “what’s it like to be a plumber, a doctor or a teacher?”
Another import that has quickly become a fan favorite is the Aussie whodunnit series, aka The Inbestigators. It follows four quirky kids who take on the role of community watch dogs or detectives who solve whatever crimes they encounter. It’s innocent, clever, and fun all wrapped up into one series. A third season is coming soon.
Discover what’s behind the mesmerizing and melodic sounds of nature in this three-part docuseries featuring Sir David Attenborough. Using advanced audio technology, each episode explores how animals use sounds to help them survive and thrive in their natural habitats—filmed in exotic locations from the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico to the reefs of Indonesia.
In its seventh season, this cuddly tiger is still captivating audiences—and not just kids. Perhaps it’s Daniel’s sweet demeanor and empathy for others that really draws you in or that catchy theme song, “It’s a beautiful day in the Neighborhood. A beautiful day for a neighbor. Would you be mine? Could you be mine? Won’t you be my neighbor?” which plays over and over in your head. There is so much to learn from Daniel and his friends. Prepare to get hooked.
In this gentle version of the beloved mermaid tale, Ursula is anything but a villain but instead uses her magical powers to help other sea creatures in need. The series highlights and celebrates Caribbean cultures with positive messaging throughout each episode.
Who wouldn’t love watching 10 seriously talented American bakers test out their dough making skills a la French style. It’s entertainment at its best, both inspiring and educational for the entire family.
Are you ready for an adventure? Ready to go back in time? Experience both, plus meet historical figures (imagined as kids!) all along the way with Xavier Riddle and friends. Now in its second season with new episodes soon to be released.
Based on the popular book series of the same name, each episode features a pair of very different historical figures, for example Gandhi and Benjamin Franklin, Isaac Newton and Amelia Earhart, Galileo and Queen Elizabeth. Kid actors bring the personalities to life in amusing, entertaining, sketch-comedy style skits. Beware of the catchy theme song!
Since its first episode in 1969, Sesame Street has been entertaining and teaching a diverse audience of children. Lovable characters like Big Bird, Cookie Monster, Oscar the Grouch, and Bert and Ernie teach letters, numbers, and valuable life lessons. Sesame Street is the classic show for kids, as well as a nostalgic trip down Memory Lane for parents.
Using their sharp math skills, the agents of the Odd Squad tackle, well, really odd cases. No incident or mystery is too strange for this crew to solve, which makes each episode a real nail-biter. The fourth season was filmed in the United Kingdom with a new cast that brings an international flair. New adventures await!
We’re guessing your kiddos are curious, right? Well, meet their new BFF, Sid. From the creators of Sesame Street, this fun loving character and his friends start each episode with an everyday question like “Why are my shoes shrinking?” or “Why do bananas get mushy?” and spends his day answering it through a scientific lens. Although it wrapped up in 2013, old fans and newcomers alike will still enjoy the catchy tunes and humorous nature of Sid and his friends as they explore the many facets of science.
“Reading is power!” is the motto of this super cute show featuring a team of fairytale superheroes. The two-way dialogue between the show’s dynamic characters (Whyatt, Princess Pea, Wooster and Red Riding Hood) and children makes for a sweet interactive experience. The series has expanded to include an app and a reading camp aimed at supporting literacy skills amongst young readers.
Now with three seasons underway and a 4th still to come, this award-winning animated series is equally popular with kids and adults. The adorable quintet of bots head to the human world to investigate and find answers to all your preschoolers burning questions like, “why do we have to recycle?” And “why do people look different?”
From 1993-1998, Bill Nye covered topics like life science (humans, living things), physical science (chemistry, physics), and planetary science (earth, space) on his namesake series which earned numerous awards, including 28 Emmys. (He is the science guy, after all!) You can still find episodes of this popular show more than 20 years after it wrapped.
While it wrapped up back in 2009, these lovable characters and their trusty sidekick, Rocket, continue to have mass toddler appeal as they embark on adventures to explore nature, art, culture and more, all while enjoying classical music along the way. The theme song is particularly catchy!
If you have an animal lover who also likes books of the classical kind, this popular show from the ’90s will capture their hearts. Each of the 30-minute episodes follows an adventurous Jack Russell terrier named Wishbone who reimagines himself as characters in classic literature from Charles Dickens to Sherlock Holmes. Though it may feel dated, this show with all its charm and wit is likely to instill an appreciation for all the literary treasures your child will encounter along their educational journey.
This clever show touches on topics like germs (“a lot of things that you might think are clean are actually full of germs”), space (“how big is the universe?”), thinking (“why do some thoughts just pop into your head?”), and even deep dives into subjects like social media and emotions. The show only ran for one season, but for the older kids, this is worth checking out.
Ages: 6+ (although parents should screen more mature topics)
Kids who are fascinated by all things space and Sci-Fi will love re-runs from this lively animated series. Jet Propulsion, an animated “alien” boy, who lives on Planet Bortron 7, knows first-hand what it’s like out there in space but when he meets two ordinary kids on Planet Earth, the adventure begins. Ready Jet Go! offers an introduction to earth science and technology that will inspire future astronauts and astrologers alike.
The Magic School Bus aired from 1994 to 1997 and is somewhat of a cult classic from the ’90s. The show, based on the best-selling book series of the same name, follows the eccentric Ms. Frizzle and her class as they set off on field trips via a virtual bus ride where they learn all about science. It’s good clean fun that teaches children how to problem-solve while respecting other people’s point of view.
Amy Mitchell is the managing editor for VERANDA and Country Living, where she writes articles on a variety of topics—decorating and design, gardens, and holidays. Amy’s experience in the shelter magazine category spans more than 20 years, as she’s previously held positions at Coastal Living and Cottage Living. Her personal pursuits include cooking, gardening, and hunting her favorite tag sale spots for the next piece of Pyrex for her prized collection.
Tiffany Grace-Chung Munzer, MD, is a clinical assistant professor at the Pediatric Behavioral Clinic at the University of Michigan’s C.S. Mott Children's Hospital, where she specializes in developmental/behavioral pediatrics and pediatrics. Dr. Munzer graduated from University of Arizona College of Medicine in 2013 before going on to complete her residency in pediatrics and her fellowship in developmental/behavioral pediatrics at the University of Michigan in 2016 and 2019, respectively. She is board-certified in developmental/behavioral pediatrics.
Expert consulted: Tiffany Grace-Chung Munzer, MDClinical Assistant Professor
