18 Educational TV Shows for Kids That Will Keep them Entertained
You'll feel better about the kids' screen time with these super smart shows. Binging encouraged.
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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' television and tablet intake now more than ever.
We've curated the top educational shows for kids that are tailor-made for their curious, growing minds. All ages—from elementary-aged children and preschoolers to toddlers and even babies—will stay engaged and entertained while learning science, reading, math, history, and more, all in a super fun way. They may even learn a life lesson or two. Through lovable characters, smart storytelling, and loads of humor, these popular learning shows will capture their attention episode after episode. Parents will feel nostalgic over Sesame Street and Bill Nye the Science Guy, while newer shows like The Who Was? Show on Netflix are sure to become family favorites.
So in between viewings of the best kids' movies on Netflix, funny family movies, and the best animated movies on Netflix, hit play on one of these 18 educational TV shows for kids. They'll be fully entertained, and you may learn a little something, too! Binging encouraged.
Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum
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.
Ages: 5-8
Number Blocks
Easily digestible 5-minute episodes teach simple counting lessons with a cheerful cast of colorful blocks. Catchy songs and dialogue accompany bright, creative animation.
Ages: Toddlers
The Who Was? Show
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!
Ages: 8-12
Sesame Street
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.
Ages: Preschool
Odd Squad
Using their sharp math skills, the agents of the Odd Squad tackle, well, really odd cases. No incident is too strange for this crew, which makes each episode a real nail-biter.
Ages: 5-8
If I Were an Animal...
Peek into the lives of animals in their natural habitats, like a hedgehog as he searches for a place to hibernate, a baby giraffe's first steps, a pair of polar bears who leave their den, a penguin as it heads out to sea, and more. The show is narrated by sweet child voices, making it all the more suitable and relatable for your little ones.
All ages (preschool especially)
Sid the Science Kid
We're guessing your kiddos are curious, right? Well, meet their new BFF, Sid. He starts 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. There's no shortage of catchy tunes and lots of humor to keep kids engaged.
Age: Preschool
Super Why
“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, and Red Riding Hood) and children makes for a sweet interactive experience.
Age: Preschool
Ask the Storybots
For the Storybots, "answering questions is their business and pleasure." They investigate and find the information to answer each episode’s title question like, "Why do we have to recycle?"; " How do cell phones work?" and "Why do people look different?"
Ages: 3-8
Bill Nye the Science Guy
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. (He is the science guy, after all.) You can still find episodes of this popular show more than 20 years after it wrapped.
Ages: 7-10
Little Einsteins
With their trusty sidekick Rocket, the Little Einsteins embark on adventures to explore nature, culture, and more, all with a soundtrack of classical music. A cast of diverse animated characters work together as a team to solve challenges. The theme song is particularly catchy!
Ages: Preschool
Wishbone
Airing from 1995-1997, this popular television show followed an adventurous Jack Russell terrier named Wishbone as he becomes characters from classic literature, from Jane Austen to Shakespeare.
Ages: Elementary ages
Baby Einstein
Since the late '90s, parents around the world have claimed that their kids are smarter because of Baby Einstein. With a toy line, books. and other baby products to accompany the sweet, colorful videos, kids are engaged both on and off screen.
Ages: Babies and toddlers
Brainchild
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.
All ages (although parents should screen more mature topics)
Ready Jet Go!
Kids are fascinated by all things space—the moon, stars, and sky. Introducing Jet Propulsion, an animated "alien" boy, who knows first-hand what it's like out there in space. Ready Jet Go! offers an introduction to earth science and technology that will inspire future astronauts and astrologers.
Ages: 3-8
The Magic School Bus
The Magic School Bus aired from 1994 to 1997 and is somewhat of a cult classic. 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 virtual bus ride. Students set off on wacky adventures while learning all about science.
Ages: 6-12
The Magic School Bus Rides Again
There’s a new teacher in town! And it’s Ms. Frizzle’s little sister! The Magic School Bus Rides Again offers the same entertaining adventures as the original popular show it's based on. The show promotes imagination and innovation as the students go on truly magical adventures in each episode. To the bus!
Ages: 6-12
Wild Kratts
Animated brothers Chris and Martin take kids on a wild journey to amazing animal habitats around the world. Their sense of adventure will appeal to thrill-seeking kids who are curious about animals.
Ages: 6-8
Amy Mitchell is the managing editor at Country Living and VERANDA. She writes about a wide range of topics, including homes and lifestyle content.
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