30 Best Educational Shows For Kids Of All Ages
Incorporate these educational shows during a child's screen time to facilitate learning while having fun.
Harshita is a graduate in commerce and holds a PG Diploma in Patent and Copyrights Law from NALSAR University. She has also pursued CA and has more than three years of internship experience in auditing. Her love for travelling has taken her to various parts of the world, and writing the travelogues was what brought out her love for content writing.
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Educational shows for kids help improve children’s learning abilities and enhance their intellectual development. They also help keep children engaged for certain periods with the help of colorful visuals and interesting characters.
However, parents might worry about their children getting excessive screen time. Although too much screen time is harmful, moderate levels of screen time with due supervision can have positive effects. Read on if you are looking for the best educational shows to keep your children engaged and improve their cognitive skills.
30 Best Educational TV Shows For Kids
1. Sesame Street
Suitable for: 2+ yrs.
Original network: PBS, HBO, HBO Max
Can be watched on: PBS Kids, Netflix
Sesame Street is a classic show focussed on preparing children for school. The show uses entertainment to educate tiny tots. With the help of interesting characters such as Bert, Ernie, Elmo, and Big Bird, your little ones can learn numbers and letters.
2. Sid the Science Kid
Suitable for: 4+ yrs.
Original network: PBS Kids.
Can be watched on: PBS Kids, Amazon Prime Video.
Follow the life of an inquisitive kid, “Sid,” as he asks interesting questions such as “Why do bananas get brown spots?” and then looks for a scientific explanation of the phenomenon. The show introduces children to early science concepts and encourages them to be curious.
3. Bubble Guppies
Suitable for: 3+ yrs.
Original network: Nickelodeon. Nick Jr.
Can be watched on: Amazon Prime
Bubble Guppies depicts the underwater adventures of merpeople Molly, Gil, Goby, Deema, Oona, Nonny, and Zooli. Children are introduced to math science, music, and reading. The show uses music and sketch comedy to educate children.
4. Numberblocks
Suitable for: 2+ yrs.
Original network: CBeebies, S4C.
Can be watched on: CBeebies, Netflix.
Are you looking for a fun way to introduce your children to math? Encourage them to watch this television show. Each episode is just five minutes long and presents a preschool mathematical concept. The concept is explained using unit blocks with different numbers, making the representation colorful and attractive for your little ones.
5. If I Were an Animal
Suitable for: 5+ yrs.
Original network: Netflix
Can be watched on: Netflix
Narrators Emma and Tim take the viewers through the life of different animals from birth to adulthood in their natural habitat. In every episode, children get to learn about four different species.
6. One Strange Rock
Suitable for: 8+ yrs
Original network: National Geographic Channel.
Can be watched on: Disney+
Hosted by Will Smith, the show reveals the story of our wonderful planet Earth from when it came into being and its progress into a thriving planet with different life forms. The rich scientific information, commentary from real astronauts, and beautiful visuals make it a treat for little science fans.
7. Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum
Suitable for: 5-8 yrs.
Original network: PBS Kids
Can be watched on: PBS Kids
This show takes you back in time on an exciting adventure with Xavier Riddle and his friends. In every episode, the characters meet a historical figure and take their help to overcome challenges in life. Children can experience some of the greatest historical moments through this series. Apart from history, children can also learn valuable life skills, such as problem-solving.
8. The Electric Company (2009 TV series)
Suitable for: 5+ yrs.
Original network: PBS Kids Go.
Can be watched on: Amazon Prime Video, PBS LearningMedia
The Electric Company is a group of tweens who fight against vandals called Pranksters and protect the neighborhood. The show makes learning language fun using catchy music, short animations, sketches, and humor. Children are taught grammar, phonics, and vocabulary.
9. Odd Squad
Suitable for: 5+ yrs.
Original network: PBS Kids (In the U.S.).
Can be watched on: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, PBS LearningMedia.
The show depicts an organization called “Odd Squad” with child agents who investigate and solve peculiar mysteries with math skills. Basic math concepts are presented in a fun manner to capture the interest of children. Apart from math concepts, your little ones will pick up skills such as reasoning and problem-solving.
10. Ready Jet Go!
Suitable for: 4+ yrs.
Original network: PBS Kids.
Can be watched on: PBS Kids, Amazon Prime Video.
For children curious about space, what better way to learn about it than from a space-traveling alien? Meet “Jet Propulsion,” an alien who is studying Earth’s environment and human customs. This show is a perfect medium to educate your children about space, astronomy, earth science, and technology.
11. Dinosaur Train
Suitable for: 3+ yrs
Original network: PBS Kids.
Can be watched on: PBS Kids, Amazon Prime Video.
Experience the exciting prehistoric world in the “Dinosaur Train” with a Tyrannosaurus rex named Buddy. This show teaches children interesting facts about different species of dinosaurs and other prehistoric animals.
12. Wishbone
Age: 5+ yrs.
Original Network: PBS.
Can be watched on: Amazon Prime Video.
If you want to introduce your children to literary classics early on, this show is a perfect way to do it. The show follows a Jack Rusell Terrier named Wishbone who imagines himself as a character of different famous literary works ranging from Shakespearean plays to Jane Austen’s romances and mysteries of Sherlock Holmes.
13. Wild Kratts
Suitable for: 6+ yrs
Original network: PBS Kids Go, PBS Kids, TVOParents, TVOKids, Teletoon
Can be watched on: PBS Kids, Amazon Prime Video.
Learn new facts about different animals and their habitats with brothers Chris and Martin Kratt. The brothers take part in fun adventures around the world, which includes meeting new animals, and sometimes, rescuing them, making this show appealing.
14. Ask the Storybots
Suitable for: 3+ yrs.
Original network: Netflix
Watch the Storybots tackle tough queries asked by curious children. Tiny robots go on a quest to find answers to questions such as “Why is the sky blue?” and “Why do people look different?”
15. Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood
Suitable for: 3+ yrs.
Original network: PBS Kids (U.S.).
Can be watched on: PBS Kids, Netflix
Watch Daniel Tiger, a preschooler and his friends handle the daily challenges and learn social skills. Values such as kindness, emotional intelligence, and respect are communicated through the life of these preschoolers. Children are also introduced to various emotions and concepts, such as friendship.
16. Brainchild
Suitable for: 7+ yrs.
Original network: Netflix
Can be watched on: Netflix
The show educates children on scientific concepts they may experience regularly and provides fun facts. The topics range from science concepts such as gravity to slightly abstract ones such as emotions and dreams.
17. Word Party
Suitable for: 3+ yrs
Original network: Netflix
Can be watched on: Netflix
Five little animal friends, Franny, Lulu, Tilly, Bailey, and Kip pick up exciting words while going about their day. The show uses singing, dancing, and playing to enhance the vocabulary of your little ones
18. Genius By Stephen Hawking
Suitable for: 8+ yrs
Original network: PBS
Can be watched on: PBS, Amazon Prime Video and National Geographic Channel.
In each episode, Stephan Hawking selects a group of volunteers to do scientific experiments and answer some burning questions. The show uses demonstrations to educate children about science while also communicating an important message that anyone can be a genius.
19. Octonauts
Suitable for: 3+ yrs.
Original network: CBeebies.
Can be watched on: Netflix.
Go on fun adventures under the sea with a group of eight cute animals who journey through oceans, rescuing and protecting aquatic beings. The show focuses on educating children about a variety of marine animals and their natural habitat.
20. Super Why!
Suitable for: 3+ yrs.
Original network: PBS Kids.
Can be watched on: PBS Kids.
This is an animated TV series with characters who use books to solve problems in their lives. The show helps children learn the alphabet, spelling, new words and phrases, and rhyming.
21. Nutri Ventures
Suitable for: 6+ yrs
Original network: Qubo (US)
Can be watched on: You Tube
Promote healthy eating habits in your children by introducing them to this TV series. The show follows the story of four friends Theo, Ben, Nina, and Lena who go on a journey to rediscover healthy food after all food has been wiped off from their city by a businessman. With its fascinating characters and a great message, the show helps children form positive associations with healthy food.
22. Little Einsteins
Suitable for: 4+yrs
Original network: Playhouse Disney, Disney Junior.
Can be watched on: Disney+
Four musically inclined friends and their companion Rocket embark on a journey around the world to undertake different missions. The representation of world cultures, nature, and renowned pieces of art with the perfect placement of classical music makes this show informative and entertaining.
23. Helpsters
Suitable for: 4+yrs
Original network: Apple TV+
Can be watched on: Apple TV+
A friendly group of monsters, Cody, Heart, Scatter, and Mr Primm are the problem-solvers for any customers who visit their store. The show teaches children important skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, planning, and strong communication. Children are also introduced to basic concepts of coding through this show.
24. Bill Nye the Science Guy
Suitable for: 7+yrs
Original network: PBS
Can be watched on: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video.
The science guy played by Bill Nye presents many scientific concepts in a fun manner, making them simple to understand for children. The show covers scientific subjects ranging from earthquakes to gravity, volcanoes, and space.
25. Mythbusters Jr.
Suitable for: 9+ yrs.
Original network: Science Channel
Can be watched on: Amazon Prime Video
Six bright young minds ranging between the ages of 12 and 15 join the host in busting some myths. To test the validity of these myths, these children use their STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) skills. Apart from learning various principles of these subjects, children also understand that lateral thinking and teamwork are crucial for success.
26. The Magic School Bus
Suitable for: 5+ yrs
Original network: PBS.
Can be watched on: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video.
Explore the wonders of science with Ms Frizzle and her students on the magical bus. The magical bus can go anywhere—it can go back in time, in space, and even under the sea! Children receive scientific information on a wide range of topics such as the human body, space, and dinosaurs through this show.
27. Peep and the Big Wide World
Suitable for: 3+ yrs
Original network: TLC, Discovery Kids, PBS Kids
Can be watched on: Amazon Prime Video
Children learn science concepts through the many escapades of the trio, a newborn chicken named Peep, a duck named Quack, and a robin named Chirp. Every episode presents two stories with science concepts. Apart from science, children can also learn problem-solving, presentation, and observatory skills.
28. Creative Galaxy
Suitable for: 4+ yrs.
Original Network: Amazon Video
Can be watched on: Amazon Prime Video
Encourage your child to explore their creative side by introducing them to this show. The lead characters Arty and Epiphany journey through the galaxy and tackle problems through art. It teaches colors and patterns, and the interactive format guarantees their complete attention and involvement.
29. Snoopy In Space
Suitable for: 4+ yrs.
Original network: Apple TV+
Can be watched on: Apple TV+
Space-loving children are sure to enjoy this cute show. Apart from the information about space travel and astronauts, the show also teaches the importance of working hard, handling challenging situations, and staying away from shortcuts. The elements of love, friendship, and loyalty make it an inspiring and riveting watch.
30. The Who Was? Show
Suitable for: 7+ yrs.
Original network: Netflix
Can be watched on: Netflix
Young actors bring the greatest historical figures to life in this sketch comedy show. Based on a book series, the show gives a satirical spin to the life of these personalities. The show makes learning history fun with its light-hearted depiction of historical events interspersed with jokes and catchy tunes.
Educational TV shows can play a huge role in the learning and development of children. Choose an age-appropriate show that suits the interests and sensibilities of your child. Enhance their learning experience by watching the show with them and discussing it subsequently. When you stream these shows together as a family it can strengthen the bonding too.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How does TV affect children’s education?
Moderate and recommended television viewing can do no harm to children, and incorporating educational shows into their scheduled screen time can aid them in learning and gaining knowledge on various topics. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics advocates that children below the age of one should not be allowed to watch screens for more than one hour to prevent adverse consequences on their reading and language development (1).
2. What are the advantages of educational television?
Choosing an age-appropriate and bonafide educational TV show for your child could benefit them in several ways, such as increasing their attention span, boosting their interest in learning a variety of things, and enhancing creative, visual, and auditory learning.
Key Pointers
- If your children are over two, introduce them to Sesame Street, an educational show with interesting characters that teach numbers and letters.
- One Strange Rock provides information about our planet Earth, while Dinosaur Train shares facts about prehistoric animals.
- Explore more entertaining shows such as Wishbone and Wild Kratts as you scroll down.
References
- Why to Avoid TV for Infants & Toddlers.
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/family-life/Media/Pages/Why-to-Avoid-TV-Before-Age-2.aspx
Read full bio of Harshita Makvana
