25 Educational TV Shows Kids Will Actually Love to Watch
Make screen time a positive thing with some value-added programing!
Expert consulted: Tiffany Grace-Chung Munzer, MDClinical Assistant Professor
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There's a lot of sub-par children's programing out there, but that doesn't mean that everything on television is a waste of time. In fact, there are plenty of educational TV shows for kids that not only help them to learn—everything from reading and math to culture, history, and science—but do it in a way that is so entertaining, they'll ask for more!
"There is much evidence that high-quality digital media really can be impactful and beneficial for children’s minds," says Tiffany Munzer, MD, a Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics and Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics at University of Michigan. "Shows like Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood can teach emotion regulation and social skills, while Sesame Street can help teach curiosity and academic concepts."
While it doesn't replace reading, creative activities, outside time, or (of course) school, educational television can be a learning benefit to all ages—from toddlers to elementary-aged children and beyond.
When trying to decide if a program is age-appropriate for your kid, Munzer recommends using Common Sense Media. It's valuable for all media, not just educational stuff! You simply plug in content and search for reviews specific to age.
Looking for More Great Ways to Educate and Entertain Your Kids?
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 (pictured), 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+
Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood
Running from 1968 all the way to 2001, Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood taught millions upon millions of kids everything from how crayons were made to how to manage strong emotions. Rogers was an ordained minister, and he pioneered a clear, direct, even-paced and loving form of communication that cut against the trend of fast-paced energetic kids shows. The show's archive is still available, and still full of fantastic viewing.
Ages: 2+
Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood
After Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood went off the air, his most famous puppet friend, Daniel Tiger, got his very own show in cartoon form. It follows a very similar format with updated graphics and subjects for more contemporary times.
There is much to learn from Daniel and his friends. Prepare to get hooked.
Ages: 2+
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 which earned numerous awards, including 28 Emmys. (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 to 10
Reading Rainbow
For over 30 years, between 1983 and 2006, LeVar Burton hosted a 30-minute television show that promoted the joys of reading. For those of us of a certain generation, the theme's lyrics, "Take a look / it's in a book / a reading rainbow." bring us right back to childhood.
The show's relaxed pace, and Burton's incredibly engaging reading give this storytime show a timeless quality. But possibly the best way to watch it is to plan a few episodes in advance and go pick up the books from the library first, so you and your child can read along with Burton.
Ages: 3 to 8
The Magic School Bus
The Magic School Bus aired from 1994 to 1997 and is a classic from the ’90s. 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 a virtual bus ride where they learn all about science. It’s good clean fun that teaches children how to problem-solve while respecting other people’s point of view.
Ages: 6 to 12
The Magic School Bus Rides Again
For three seasons, from 2017 to 2021, Ms. Frizzle’s little sister, Fiona, took over in The Magic School Bus Rides Again.
The updated version brings in a variety of guest stars to promote imagination and innovation as the students go on more magical adventures in each 25 minute episode.
Ages: 6 to 12
Secret World Of Sound
Discover what’s behind the mesmerizing and melodic sounds of nature in this three-part docuseries featuring Sir David Attenborough.
Using advanced audio technology, each episode explores how animals use sounds to help them survive and thrive in their natural habitats—filmed in exotic locations from the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico to the reefs of Indonesia.
Ages: 6+
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Numberblocks
Want to raise a math genius! Introduce your child to Numberland!
This British educational show introduces a variety of characters, all made of blocks, who represent different numbers. They all live in Numberland.
In each 5 minute episode, the characters go on adventures beginning with addition, subtraction and then multiplication and division. It gives preschoolers an easy way to visualize even very complicated math ideas, like factoring and binary counting.
Ages 3 to 6
Together We Can
PBS Kids and Sesame Workshop joined forces to launch a music-focused series of live action videos that focus on civic engagement.
The catchy tunes are sung by young cast members with a few surprise celebrity guests. Its lively and fun approach will inspire youngsters to become more actively involved in their community.
Ages: 4+
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Odd Squad
Using their sharp math skills, the agents of the Odd Squad tackle what end up being really odd cases. No incident or mystery is too strange for this crew to solve, which makes each episode a real nail-biter.
Ages: 5 to 8
Wishbone
If you have an animal lover who also likes books of the classical kind, this popular show from the ’90s will capture their hearts. Each of the 30-minute episodes follows an adventurous Jack Russell terrier named Wishbone who reimagines himself as characters in classic literature from Charles Dickens to Sherlock Holmes.
Though it may feel dated, this show with all its charm and wit is likely to instill an appreciation for all the literary treasures your child will encounter along their educational journey.
Ages: Elementary ages
Milo
This popular British animated series premiered in 2021 and made its U.S. debut in 2024. The show follows Milo and his fellow animal friends Lark and Lofty as they embark on fun filled adventures exploring a variety of jobs such as a plumber, a doctor, or a teacher.
Ages: 3+
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The Inbestigators
Another import that has become a fan favorite is the Aussie whodunnit series, aka The Inbestigators. It follows four quirky kids who take on the role of community watch dogs or detectives who solve whatever crimes they encounter. It’s innocent, clever, and fun all wrapped up into one series. Two seasons aired between 2019 and 2020.
Ages: 8+
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Disney Junior Ariel
In this gentle version of the beloved mermaid tale, Ursula is anything but a villain. Instead, she uses her magical powers to help other sea creatures in need. The series highlights and celebrates Caribbean cultures with positive messaging throughout each episode.
Ages: 2+
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Next Baking Master: Paris
Who wouldn’t love watching 10 seriously talented American bakers test out their dough-making skills? It’s entertainment at its best, both inspiring and educational for the entire family.
Ages: 6+
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 to 8
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 to 12
Sid the Science Kid
We’re guessing your kiddos are curious, right? Well, meet their new BFF, Sid.
From the creators of Sesame Street, this fun loving character and his friends start 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.
Although it wrapped up in 2013, old fans and newcomers alike will still enjoy the catchy tunes and humorous nature of Sid and his friends as they explore the many facets of science.
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, Wooster and Red Riding Hood) and children makes for a sweet interactive experience.
The series has expanded to include an app and a reading camp aimed at supporting literacy skills amongst young readers.
Age: Preschool
Christopher Michel is the former Senior Food and Gardens Editor at Country Living Magazine. Chris has well over a decade of experience writing and editing for national magazines and websites, mostly in the food space, such as Cooking Light, The Kitchn, Rodale’s Organic Life, and Bon Appetit. Prior to that, Chris worked in a variety of food spaces in New York City. In 2022, Chris completed the Alabama Master Gardener’s Program hosted by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. Chris lives in Birmingham, AL, where he enjoys running, reading, and cooking for his wife and two girls.
Tiffany Grace-Chung Munzer, MD, is a clinical assistant professor at the Pediatric Behavioral Clinic at the University of Michigan’s C.S. Mott Children's Hospital, where she specializes in developmental/behavioral pediatrics and pediatrics. Dr. Munzer graduated from University of Arizona College of Medicine in 2013 before going on to complete her residency in pediatrics and her fellowship in developmental/behavioral pediatrics at the University of Michigan in 2016 and 2019, respectively. She is board-certified in developmental/behavioral pediatrics.
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