30 best educational shows for kids that make learning fun

Screen time can be productive when kids watch shows that educate and inspire. Whether your child is into science, math, and reading, or imagination, feelings, and friendships, these shows offer engaging content that makes learning exciting.

Best educational shows for toddlers (ages 2-4)

1. Bluey – This animated series follows a lovable Blue Heeler puppy named Bluey and her family. Bluey and her sister Bingo explore important social and emotional concepts, such as patience, empathy, and teamwork through imaginative play. The show teaches problem-solving and creativity in a way that resonates with young viewers. Discover other heartwarming shows similar to Bluey.

2. Sesame Street – A timeless classic educating kids for over 50 years, "Sesame Street" uses puppets, animation, and live-action segments to teach literacy, math, and social skills. With beloved characters like Elmo, Big Bird, and Cookie Monster, the show provides valuable life lessons and early childhood education in an engaging format.

3. Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood – Inspired by "Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood," this animated show follows Daniel Tiger as he navigates everyday challenges with songs and relatable lessons. It focuses on social-emotional learning, teaching kids how to manage emotions, handle conflicts, and develop positive relationships.

4. Super Why! – A reading adventure series where the main characters, known as the "Super Readers," enter storybooks to solve problems. By interacting with words, letters, and spelling, kids develop literacy skills through classic fairy tales and fables.

5. Blippi – This energetic host takes kids on educational adventures, exploring places like farms, museums, and construction sites. Blippi introduces children to real-world concepts such as colors, shapes, and occupations through hands-on learning and engaging explanations.

Best educational shows for preschoolers (ages 4-6)

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6. Dora the Explorer – This interactive series follows Dora, a young explorer who embarks on adventures with her talking backpack and monkey companion, Boots. Kids learn problem-solving skills, basic Spanish vocabulary, and map reading as they help Dora complete her missions.

7. Wild Kratts – Hosted by the Kratt brothers, this animated adventure series introduces kids to animal science and ecosystems. Each episode focuses on a specific animal, explaining its unique adaptations and behaviors while promoting environmental conservation.

8. Team Umizoomi – A math-focused show that follows a team of tiny superheroes who solve everyday problems using numbers, shapes, and patterns. The show strengthens early math skills through interactive problem-solving and engaging storylines.

9. Doc McStuffins – The story of a young girl who can "fix" toys in her backyard clinic. By diagnosing and treating toy ailments, the show introduces basic medical concepts, health education, and the importance of compassion and care.

10. Peg + Cat – A quirky duo embarks on adventures that require them to use math to solve problems. The show reinforces early arithmetic concepts such as counting, shapes, and patterns in funny, engaging ways.

Best educational shows for elementary-age kids (ages 6-10)

11. Odd Squad – A team of young secret agents use math to solve bizarre mysteries. The show teaches logic, critical thinking, and numerical concepts through humor and problem-solving.

12. Magic School Bus Rides Again – A reboot of the classic series, this show follows Ms. Frizzle’s sister as she takes students on magical field trips to explore science topics like space, the human body, and weather phenomena.

13. Cyberchase – In a digital universe, three kids use math and logic to stop an evil hacker. The show emphasizes problem-solving, spatial reasoning, and computational thinking in an exciting storyline.

14. Brainchild – A science-focused series that explores topics like emotions, space, and germs. Hosted by experts, the show presents complex scientific concepts in a fun and accessible way.

15. Bill Nye the Science Guy – A legendary educational show that covers science topics with demonstrations, experiments, and humor. Bill Nye makes learning about physics, chemistry, and biology fun and memorable.

16. Carmen Sandiego – A modern animated series that follows the adventures of Carmen Sandiego, a master thief who only steals from villains. Along the way, kids learn about world geography, culture, and history.

17. Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum – This show takes kids back in time to meet historical figures and learn about their contributions. It teaches history and encourages kids to embrace qualities like bravery and kindness.

18. The Who Was? Show – A humorous history-based show that introduces kids to famous figures like Albert Einstein and Amelia Earhart, making history fun and engaging.

19. SciGirls – A STEM-focused show that follows real-life girls conducting science experiments and solving engineering challenges. It promotes diversity and encourages girls to explore STEM careers.

20. Molly of Denali – A show about an indigenous Alaskan girl who solves problems using research skills. It teaches literacy, critical thinking, and an appreciation of diverse cultures.

Best educational shows for tweens and teens (ages 10+)

21. MythBusters Jr. – Young scientists take on myths and test their validity through real-world experiments. Hosted by Adam Savage, this show builds curiosity and critical thinking by exploring physics, chemistry, and engineering concepts in a fun, hands-on way.

22. Planet Earth II – A breathtaking documentary narrated by David Attenborough that explores the natural world, from remote islands to vast jungles, fostering environmental awareness and appreciation for wildlife conservation.

23. The Universe – A deep dive into astronomy that explains celestial phenomena such as black holes, planetary formation, and space travel, making complex space science accessible to young learners.

24. Explained (Netflix) – A documentary series that unpacks diverse topics such as the human brain, pandemics, and cryptocurrency, encouraging curiosity and critical analysis of the world.

25. How It’s Made – A behind-the-scenes look at the manufacturing processes of everyday objects, introducing kids to engineering, mechanics, and industrial design.

26. Street Science – Hosted by Kevin Delaney, this show brings laboratory experiments into exciting real-world settings, demonstrating how scientific principles apply to daily life.

27. Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey – Hosted by Neil deGrasse Tyson, this visually stunning series explores the mysteries of the universe, from the origins of life to the structure of galaxies.

28. Horrible Histories – A comedic yet educational series that presents historical events with humor and catchy songs, making learning history fun and memorable.

29. The Secret Life of Kids – A reality-based series that captures young children's social interactions and development, offering insights into emotional intelligence and childhood behavior.

30. TED-Ed – A collection of animated educational videos that explore a wide range of subjects, from philosophy and science to literature and ethics, fostering a love of learning.

Making the most of educational screen time

Educational shows can be a fantastic way to supplement your child's learning, but balance is key. Encourage active participation by discussing what they’ve watched, asking questions, and relating lessons to real-life experiences. Consider incorporating hands-on activities that reinforce the concepts presented in their favorite shows. For instance, if they love "Wild Kratts," plan a nature walk to observe local wildlife. By integrating these lessons beyond the screen, you can maximize the educational value of their viewing time.

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