Best Educational TV Shows for Kids That Make Learning Fun
Educational TV shows for kids are more than just screen time—they’re powerful tools that can spark curiosity, reinforce classroom learning, and teach essential life skills. With the right shows, children can explore science, math, language, history, and emotional development—all while being thoroughly entertained.
For busy parents looking to balance screen time with enrichment, high-quality educational programs offer a smart solution. These shows feature interactive storytelling, vibrant animation, catchy songs, and lovable characters that make learning enjoyable. Many are developed with input from child psychologists, educators, and curriculum experts, ensuring age-appropriate content that aligns with developmental milestones.
Whether your child is a preschooler just learning their ABCs or a tween with a growing interest in the world, there’s a show to match their interests. Educational TV shows also cater to different learning styles. Visual learners benefit from vibrant graphics and demonstrations, while auditory learners can engage with catchy songs, dialogue, and explanations. Many shows even encourage physical interaction, such as dancing along, answering questions aloud, or following along with hands-on activities. This makes them an ideal supplement to traditional learning—especially for younger kids who thrive on play-based education.
Why Educational TV Shows for Kids are Worth the Watch
Watching these shows with your child can also open the door to meaningful conversations. Ask questions, pause and discuss, or even try hands-on activities related to the episode’s theme. By turning passive viewing into interactive learning, you make screen time more impactful. From building vocabulary to explaining how the world works, educational TV shows for kids can play a powerful role in your child’s development. When chosen mindfully, they entertain, inspire, and educate—all in one sitting.
Have you seen our book lists? See parent approved recommendations for kids of all ages. Popular Kids Books
Here is a great resource for discovering digital editions of popular books for kids of all ages. Student Library
1
Super Why!
296
41
Focused on early literacy, this show features fairy tale characters who transform into superheroes to solve word-based problems. It teaches letter recognition, spelling, reading comprehension, and vocabulary in a fun, interactive way.
PBS KIDS, Amazon Prime Video
2
The Magic School Bus Rides Again
286
35
A modern reboot of The Magic School Bus, where Ms. Frizzle’s sister leads students on incredible science adventures, shrinking down to explore inside the human body, traveling to space, and more. It makes complex scientific concepts engaging for young learners.
Netflix
3
Octonauts
266
31
This ocean exploration adventure show follows a team of animal explorers who travel underwater, rescuing sea creatures and learning about marine biology. It teaches kids about different ocean animals and environmental conservation.
Netflix, Amazon Prime Video
4
Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood
260
44
Inspired by Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, this animated show helps preschoolers navigate emotions, friendships, and problem-solving through catchy songs and gentle storytelling. It introduces valuable social-emotional lessons like handling disappointment and sharing.
PBS KIDS, Amazon Prime Video
5
Bluey
182
28
This award-winning Australian show follows Bluey, a curious and imaginative Blue Heeler puppy, and her family. Through everyday adventures, the show teaches problem-solving, creativity, social skills, and emotional intelligence. It highlights positive family interactions and imaginative play.
Disney+, ABC Kids (Australia)
6
Curious George
176
34
The show follows a mischievous yet lovable monkey named George as he explores the world, asking questions and learning about science, math, and engineering concepts. It encourages curiosity and hands-on learning.
PBS KIDS, Peacock, Amazon Prime Video
7
Llama Llama
156
21
Based on the popular book series, this show teaches emotional intelligence, friendship, and family values through the everyday adventures of Llama Llama and his mother.
Netflix
8
Peg + Cat
161
27
This math-focused show introduces kids to counting, patterns, and problem-solving through the adventures of Peg and her cat. It incorporates fun songs and engaging storytelling to make math enjoyable for preschoolers.
PBS KIDS, Amazon Prime Video
9
Bubble Guppies
162
28
This music-filled show introduces preschoolers to topics like math, science, and social skills through an engaging underwater classroom setting. It uses storytelling, humor, and catchy songs to reinforce lessons.
Nickelodeon, Paramount+
10
Team Umizoomi
139
14
A math-based adventure show that teaches counting, shapes, patterns, and problem-solving through interactive games and songs. It helps kids build early math confidence.
Nickelodeon, Paramount+
11
Clifford the Big Red Dog
118
17
Based on the beloved book series, Clifford helps young children learn about kindness, empathy, and problem-solving. The show follows Clifford and his owner, Emily Elizabeth, as they navigate everyday challenges and friendships.
PBS KIDS, Amazon Prime Video
12
Wild Kratts
120
22
Hosted by real-life zoologists Chris and Martin Kratt, this show blends live-action segments with animated adventures where the Kratt brothers use "Creature Power Suits" to learn about different animals and their habitats. It fosters a love for wildlife and conservation.
PBS KIDS, Amazon Prime Video
13
Dora the Explorer
116
19
This interactive, bilingual show encourages kids to engage in problem-solving, basic Spanish vocabulary, and social-emotional learning. Dora and her friends go on exciting adventures, solving puzzles and overcoming obstacles.
Paramount+, Amazon Prime Video
14
Sid the Science Kid
102
16
Encourages young children to explore scientific concepts like friction, weather, and life cycles through hands-on experiments and everyday curiosity. It promotes inquiry-based learning in an engaging way.
PBS KIDS, Amazon Prime Video
15
WordWorld
86
11
In this literacy-focused show, characters and objects are made entirely out of the words that spell them. This creative approach helps young kids learn letter recognition, phonics, and early reading skills.
PBS KIDS, Amazon Prime Video
16
Sesame Street
85
17
One of the most iconic educational programs, Sesame Street teaches literacy, numbers, social skills, and emotional intelligence. It features beloved characters like Elmo, Cookie Monster, and Big Bird, with engaging songs and fun guest appearances.
PBS KIDS, HBO Max, YouTube
17
StoryBots Super Songs
61
11
A music-driven educational show where colorful StoryBots explore topics like numbers, letters, space, and the human body. It makes learning fun through catchy songs and animated adventures.
Netflix