Educational shows designed for kids play a crucial role in enhancing their cognitive skills and overall intellectual growth. These shows incorporate vibrant visuals and engaging characters to capture children’s attention, making learning an enjoyable experience.
However, many parents may be concerned about the impact of excessive screen exposure. While prolonged screen time can have negative effects, controlled and supervised viewing in moderation can contribute positively to a child’s development.
20 Best Educational Shows for Kids to Encourage Learning
Educational TV programs can be a fun and engaging way to enhance children’s learning abilities. From early literacy and math skills to science exploration and history, these shows provide valuable knowledge in an entertaining format. Here are some of the best educational shows for kids that offer both learning and entertainment.
1. Sesame Street
Age Recommendation: 2+ years
Original Network: PBS, HBO, HBO Max
Where to Watch: PBS Kids, Netflix
A timeless educational shows classic for kids, Sesame Street has been a favorite among young learners for decades. Designed to prepare kids for school, the show teaches fundamental concepts such as numbers, letters, and social skills through lovable characters like Elmo, Big Bird, Bert, and Ernie. Its blend of fun storytelling, music, and engaging lessons makes learning exciting for little ones.
2. Sid the Science Kid
Age Recommendation: 4+ years
Original Network: PBS Kids
Where to Watch: PBS Kids, Amazon Prime Video
Curious kids will love Sid the Science Kid, a show that explores everyday scientific questions like “Why do bananas develop brown spots?” The series encourages children to think critically and introduces them to basic science concepts through hands-on experiments and fun storytelling.
3. Bubble Guppies
Age Recommendation: 3+ years
Original Network: Nickelodeon, Nick Jr.
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
Join Molly, Gil, and their underwater friends in Bubble Guppies, an exciting show that combines music, storytelling, and humor to teach young viewers about math, science, reading, and social skills. With catchy songs and engaging characters, this animated series makes learning a delightful experience.
4. Numberblocks
Age Recommendation: 2+ years
Original Network: CBeebies, S4C
Where to Watch: CBeebies, Netflix
If you’re looking for a fun way to introduce your child to math, Numberblocks is the perfect pick. Each five-minute episode focuses on a preschool math concept, using animated unit blocks to visually demonstrate numbers and calculations in an engaging, easy-to-understand manner.
5. If I Were an Animal
Age Recommendation: 5+ years
Original Network: Netflix
Where to Watch: Netflix
Narrated by Emma and Tim, If I Were an Animal offers an educational journey into the animal kingdom. Each episode follows different species from birth to adulthood, helping kids learn about wildlife and the natural world through real-life footage and storytelling.
6. One Strange Rock
Age Recommendation: 8+ years
Original Network: National Geographic Channel
Where to Watch: Disney+
Hosted by Will Smith, One Strange Rock tells the fascinating story of Earth’s evolution, exploring its transformation into a thriving planet full of life. With insights from real astronauts and breathtaking visuals, this documentary-style series is perfect for young science enthusiasts who want to learn more about space and Earth’s history.
7. Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum
Age Recommendation: 5-8 years
Original Network: PBS Kids
Where to Watch: PBS Kids
Travel through time with Xavier Riddle and his friends as they meet historical figures and learn valuable life lessons in Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum. Each episode introduces children to key moments in history while teaching essential problem-solving skills and resilience.
8. The Electric Company (2009 TV Series)
Age Recommendation: 5+ years
Original Network: PBS Kids Go
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video, PBS LearningMedia
With an exciting mix of music, humor, and animation, The Electric Company makes learning language arts fun. The show helps kids develop phonics, grammar, and vocabulary skills through engaging stories and interactive segments, ensuring a dynamic learning experience.
9. Odd Squad
Age Recommendation: 5+ years
Original Network: PBS Kids (U.S.)
Where to Watch: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, PBS LearningMedia
In Odd Squad, young agents use their math skills to solve mysterious cases and odd occurrences. This action-packed series makes learning math concepts enjoyable while also improving children’s logical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
10. Ready Jet Go!
Age Recommendation: 4+ years
Original Network: PBS Kids
Where to Watch: PBS Kids, Amazon Prime Video
For kids who love space, Ready Jet Go! offers an exciting way to learn about astronomy, earth science, and space exploration. The show follows Jet Propulsion, an alien from another planet, as he teaches children about outer space, technology, and Earth’s unique environment.
11. Dinosaur Train
Age Recommendation: 3+ years
Original Network: PBS Kids
Where to Watch: PBS Kids, Amazon Prime Video
Hop aboard the Dinosaur Train with Buddy, a curious young Tyrannosaurus rex, as he embarks on exciting prehistoric adventures. This show teaches kids fascinating facts about different dinosaur species and other ancient creatures, making it a great introduction to paleontology.
12. Wishbone
Age Recommendation: 5+ years
Original Network: PBS
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
Wishbone is the perfect show for young book lovers! This classic series follows an imaginative Jack Russell Terrier who brings literary masterpieces to life, portraying characters from Shakespeare, Jane Austen, and Sherlock Holmes. It’s a great way to introduce kids to timeless stories in an entertaining format.
13. Wild Kratts
Age Recommendation: 6+ years
Original Network: PBS Kids Go, PBS Kids, TVOParents, TVOKids, Teletoon
Where to Watch: PBS Kids, Amazon Prime Video
Join brothers Chris and Martin Kratt as they explore the animal kingdom in Wild Kratts! This action-packed series introduces kids to fascinating wildlife facts while following thrilling adventures, including animal rescues and environmental conservation.
14. Ask the StoryBots
Age Recommendation: 3+ years
Original Network: Netflix
Where to Watch: Netflix
Curious little minds will love Ask the StoryBots! In each episode, tiny robots set out on an adventurous quest to answer big questions like “Why is the sky blue?” and “Why do people look different?” This show presents complex topics in a fun, easy-to-understand way.
15. Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood
Age Recommendation: 3+ years
Original Network: PBS Kids (U.S.)
Where to Watch: PBS Kids, Netflix
Inspired by Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood follows Daniel and his friends as they navigate daily challenges, friendships, and emotions. Through relatable stories and catchy songs, the show teaches social skills, kindness, and emotional intelligence.
16. Brainchild
Age Recommendation: 7+ years
Original Network: Netflix
Where to Watch: Netflix
Brainchild explores science in a way that’s both fun and thought-provoking. Covering topics like gravity, emotions, and even dreams, the show uses engaging experiments and real-life applications to spark children’s curiosity about the world around them.
17. Word Party
Age Recommendation: 3+ years
Original Network: Netflix
Where to Watch: Netflix
Join adorable animal friends Franny, Lulu, Tilly, Bailey, and Kip as they learn new words through songs, dancing, and play! Word Party helps toddlers expand their vocabulary and develop early language skills in an engaging and interactive way.
18. Genius by Stephen Hawking
Age Recommendation: 8+ years
Original Network: PBS
Where to Watch: PBS, Amazon Prime Video, National Geographic Channel
This fascinating show, led by renowned physicist Stephen Hawking, takes children on a scientific journey through mind-blowing experiments and thought-provoking questions. Genius by Stephen Hawking proves that anyone can be a scientist, inspiring young minds to think critically and explore the wonders of science.
19. Octonauts
Age Recommendation: 3+ years
Original Network: CBeebies
Where to Watch: Netflix
Dive into the deep sea with the Octonauts, a team of eight adorable animals who explore and protect marine life. Each episode introduces children to different ocean creatures and ecosystems while promoting teamwork and problem-solving skills.
20. Super Why!
Age Recommendation: 3+ years
Original Network: PBS Kids
Where to Watch: PBS Kids
Encouraging early literacy, Super Why! follows a group of storybook heroes who solve real-world problems by diving into books. The show helps children learn letters, spelling, vocabulary, and rhyming in an exciting, interactive way.
Educational TV shows are an excellent tool for sparking curiosity and helping kids develop essential skills in a fun and engaging way. Whether your child is fascinated by dinosaurs, science, animals, or books, these programs offer a mix of learning and entertainment that will keep them inspired!