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With so many streaming options, it can be super intimidating to sift through all the different services — let alone all the different shows offered that you actually want to show your kids. The main streaming services are generally Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime, YouTube, or a broadcasting channel’s own proprietary streaming service. The majority of these services require a monthly subscription, but often have free trial periods and promotions. We’ve compiled some of the best streaming shows for kids in this article categorized by age.
In addition to fast internet, if you choose to stream on your TV, you will need a way to access streaming services. The most common ways to do so are:
- Streaming device (e.g., Roku, Amazon Fire, etc.) – A device you plug into your TV's HDMI port and then access different streaming services and apps
- Smart TVs – TV that connects to the internet and often has streaming apps built-in (though you cannot add new ones)
- Gaming console (e.g., Xbox, PS4, etc.) – For a monthly fee, some consoles offer bundles of the most popular streaming apps
A note of caution: Keep in mind that if your children are watching on small screens or tablets, it can affect their vision. Benjamin Na, OD, told Mom.com, “Too much near activities, including screen time, can adversely affect their vision. Taking frequent breaks can relieve long-term issues that may be associated with eye strain and blue light.”
Streaming shows for toddlers
While many people don’t believe in screen time for toddlers, we don’t judge here at Mom.com. If you choose to allow them to stream movies or shows, here are a few recommendations.
Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood | Stream on: PBS Kids
Inspired by Mister Roger’s Neighborhood, the show features 4-year-old Daniel Tiger as he goes about his day and models age-appropriate social-emotional strategies via songs and easy mantras for preschoolers and parents to remember.
Motown Magic | Stream on: Netflix
Executive produced by Motown legend Smokey Robinson, 8-year-old Ben uses a magic paintbrush to bring street art to life while introducing kids to the classic sounds of Motown.
“As a family that loves music there is so much we love about Motown Magic. Each episode is 12 to 15 minutes long so they’re perfect for my two sons’ attention spans,” enthused Tanay Michele to Mom.com. “We love the representation in the show. My 5-year-old has actually pointed out that Ben looks like him and Ella has hair like mommy. It’s a fun watch for all of us.”
Streaming shows for grade school
While the following shows are aimed at the grade-school set, they are perfect for the entire family, and people of all ages can enjoy them.
Baby-sitters Club | Stream on: Netflix
Based on the Ann M. Martin book series, the show is a modern update that follows a group of friends and their babysitting business.
Avatar: the Last Airbender | Stream on: Netflix
This cartoon is centered around 12-year-old Aang, the current Avatar and last survivor of the Airb Nomad nation, as he masters all four elements in order to end the Fire Nation’s war to colonize all the other nations of the world. In parallel, the series also follows Zuko, the exiled and dishonored prince of the Fire Nation, as he tries to capture Aang so he can return home.
The Floor Is Lava | Stream on: Netflix
Like the universal scenario every child played as a kid, in this competition show, teams have to traverse from one end of a room to the other by leaping over chairs, fallen rocks, floating beds, etc., except that the room is flooded with lava. You read that right: lava.
Brain Games | Stream on: Disney+
A popular science show that teaches cognitive science through explaining illusions, psychological experiments, and interactive games for the audience. This show, mom Gina Lincicum told Mom.com, “is a fantastic mix of education plus magic plus psychology.”
Streaming shows for middle school
While middle schoolers will enjoy these shows, family members of all ages will love them, too.
Mark Rober | Stream on: YouTube
Rober is a former NASA engineer who now makes YouTube videos explaining science in fun and mayhem-ish ways. He answers real questions like: Can you swim in jello? Or: Do you sink or float in a pool of orbees?
Dad of four Ryan McGredy is a fan. “My incoming 1st, 5th, 7th graders, and I have been watching everything by Mark Rober on YouTube,” he told Mom.com.
Marvel's Hero Project | Stream on: Disney+
This unscripted series shares stories of young, real-life heroes who are making a difference in their communities. Marvel celebrates these extraordinary kids by creating their very own comic books that immortalize their stories.
Black-ish | Stream on: Hulu
This show explores the struggles with identity and culture as an upper-middle-class Black family lives life in a predominantly white suburb. “We watch Black-ish together because they handle so many important issues in a smart way,” shared mom of three Lincicum, “which makes it easier for parents to have those conversations.”
Diary of a Future President | Stream on: Disney+
Told through the voiceover diary entries of 12-year-old Cuban American Elena and flash-forwards of her running for president in the future, the show chronicles Elena’s life in middle school as she aspires to be the future president of the United States.
