Best Educational TV Shows for Kids Ages 6-8

Choosing the best educational TV shows for kids 6-8 can be a balancing act for parents. At this stage, children are developing stronger reading skills, expanding their vocabulary, and beginning to connect what they learn in school with the world around them. The shows they watch can either nurture that growth or simply fill time. The good news is that there are plenty of educational programs that not only entertain but also encourage curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking. The right mix of engaging storytelling, vibrant visuals, and age-appropriate complexity can transform screen time into a powerful learning tool.

Kids in this age range are ready for content that goes a little deeper—whether that’s exploring the wonders of the natural world, solving puzzles, learning about other cultures, or diving into early science and math concepts. Educational TV shows can introduce STEM topics, history, geography, environmental awareness, and even social-emotional learning in ways that feel fun and accessible. The best programs inspire children to ask questions, seek answers, and see learning as an adventure.

We’ve created this ranked list of the best educational TV shows for 6–8-year-olds, with a variety of genres to keep things fresh and engaging. You’ll find animated series that make science and math exciting, National Geographic–style documentaries scaled for younger audiences, shows that encourage problem-solving and teamwork, and programs that explore the arts and history. Some are classics that have stood the test of time; others are newer titles that tap into modern interests and storytelling styles.

To make it easier for parents, each entry includes a short description along with two quick-reference tags:
<strong>Best for:</strong> to help you match the show with your child’s interests and learning needs, and
<strong>Good to know:</strong> to share extra insights like the educational focus, tone, or any tips for watching together.

This way, you can quickly spot the programs that will not only entertain your child but also help them grow. Whether your child dreams of being a marine biologist, an inventor, an explorer, or simply enjoys discovering new facts, this list has something for them. The goal is not just to fill up screen time but to make that time count—boosting their knowledge, sparking their imagination, and encouraging a lifelong love of learning.

So, grab some popcorn, set aside a cozy spot on the couch, and explore our top picks for the best educational TV shows for kids ages 6 to 8. You might just find a new family favorite that keeps both you and your child engaged.

Wild Kratts

268

Wild Kratts blends animation with live-action segments to explore the animal kingdom. Hosted by brothers Chris and Martin Kratt, each episode introduces fascinating creatures, their habitats, and unique adaptations, making science fun and accessible. The show uses adventure-based storytelling to keep kids engaged while providing real scientific facts.

Best for: Curious kids who love animals and nature.
Good to know: Combines factual information with imaginative storylines, perfect for sparking interest in biology and wildlife conservation.

Magic School Bus Rides Again

241

A modern reboot of the classic series, Magic School Bus Rides Again follows Ms. Frizzle’s younger sister and her class as they go on wild, science-filled adventures. From exploring the human body to outer space, it encourages curiosity and critical thinking. The humor and excitement keep kids watching while learning key STEM concepts.

Best for: Kids with a love for hands-on science and fun experiments.
Good to know: Episodes often align with early school science topics, making it a great classroom companion.

Smithsonian Kids

188

Smithsonian Kids offers engaging, fact-filled content that sparks curiosity about the world’s history, cultures, animals, and science. Through vibrant visuals, real-life footage, and kid-friendly explanations, it introduces complex topics in a way that feels like an adventure rather than a lesson.

Best for: Inquisitive minds who love museums, nature, and exploring how things work.
Good to know: Programs often draw from the Smithsonian Institution’s vast collections and research, blending entertainment with genuine educational value.

National Geographic Kids

168

National Geographic Kids brings the world to young viewers through animal documentaries, nature explorations, and cultural stories from around the globe. The show uses stunning visuals and kid-friendly narration to spark curiosity about our planet and its inhabitants.

Best for: Animal lovers, budding geographers, and nature enthusiasts.
Good to know: The content aligns with National Geographic’s educational values and encourages environmental awareness.

Xploration Station

144

Xploration Station is a science-focused TV block featuring multiple STEM-oriented shows, from exploring space to understanding engineering and technology innovations. The programs are visually engaging and use real-life examples to make complex science topics accessible to younger audiences.

Best for: Curious kids who enjoy hands-on science, space, and engineering concepts.
Good to know: Content is designed to inspire future scientists and innovators, and many episodes feature interviews with experts in various fields.

Discovery Kids

139

Discovery Kids offers a variety of programs covering wildlife, science, adventure, and culture, all tailored for younger audiences. Its mix of documentary-style and animated content keeps children entertained while learning about the world around them.

Best for: Kids who enjoy variety and love mixing entertainment with learning.
Good to know: Episodes are designed to be interactive, with many encouraging kids to explore activities at home related to the topic.

Cyberchase

Cyberchase is a long-running animated math adventure series that follows three Earth kids and their cyber-bird friend Digit as they battle the villain Hacker in a virtual universe. Each episode blends exciting storytelling with practical math skills, problem-solving, and logical thinking. It’s both engaging and subtly educational, making it ideal for children who love puzzles and tech themes.

Best for: Kids interested in math, coding, and adventure stories.
Good to know: Episodes often feature real-world problem-solving segments at the end to reinforce concepts.

Wildlife Quest

Wildlife Quest introduces kids to the wonders of the natural world, showcasing animals in their habitats while highlighting conservation efforts. The show features breathtaking footage and engaging narration.

Best for: Kids who enjoy nature documentaries.
Good to know: Encourages awareness of environmental issues and appreciation for biodiversity.

Ask the StoryBots

Ask the StoryBots answers big questions from kids — like "Why is the sky blue?" — using songs, humor, and colorful animations. Celebrities often guest star to make the episodes even more entertaining. The show mixes entertainment with science and social learning in a way that resonates with children.

Best for: Kids who ask a lot of "why" questions.
Good to know: Short, lively segments make it easy to hold attention while providing memorable explanations.

Octonauts

Octonauts takes young viewers on undersea adventures with a lovable crew of animal explorers. Each mission introduces marine species, their habitats, and ocean conservation topics. The simple narratives and catchy songs help younger audiences absorb educational content without feeling overwhelmed.

Best for: Young ocean lovers and budding marine biologists.
Good to know: Great mix of action and real-world facts about sea life, appealing to both preschoolers and early elementary kids.