Article

Best TV Shows for Kids

By Mark Hudson · 07 August, 2025

Tired of the screen time guilt trip? You’re not alone. The good news is not all screen time is created equal. Here are 10 smart, educational shows your kids can watch while you take a well-earned breather - and actually learn something.

Screen Time Without the Guilt: 10 Educational Shows That Are Actually Worth It

As parents, we’ve all been there - you pop on a show so you can cook dinner, finish a Zoom call, or just breathe for five minutes, and then the guilt creeps in. But here’s the truth: screen time isn’t the enemy. In fact, when used well, it can support learning, spark curiosity, and even teach empathy.

We’ve pulled together 10 high-quality shows that tick both boxes: fun for the kids and genuinely educational. Whether you’ve got a toddler or a primary schooler, these picks will help you ditch the guilt and press play with confidence.

1. Bluey

Best for: Ages 3–8

What it teaches: Emotional intelligence, problem solving, creativity An Aussie classic that hits all the right notes. Each episode is short, heartwarming, and packed with teachable moments - for both kids and parents. Plus, it’s genuinely entertaining.

>> Watch on ABC iView or Disney+

2. Numberblocks

Best for: Ages 2–6

What it teaches: Early maths concepts These cheerful animated blocks sing, dance, and explore maths fundamentals in a way that actually makes sense to little ones. Sneaky learning at its best.

>> Watch on ABC iView or Netflix

3. Ask the StoryBots

Best for: Ages 4–8

What it teaches: Science, language, how things work Ever been stumped by a “why” question? StoryBots tackles those big kid curiosities like “Why is the sky blue?” with catchy songs and clever animation.

>> Watch on Netflix

4. Play School

Best for: Ages 2–5

What it teaches: Creativity, social skills, critical thinking It’s been around forever - and for good reason. Play School is soothing, inclusive, and packed with low-fi, high-impact lessons that never go out of style.

>> Watch on ABC iView

5. Wild Kratts

Best for: Ages 5–9

What it teaches: Biology, animals, environmental awareness The Kratt brothers combine wildlife adventures with animated superpowers. Think Steve Irwin meets Spider-Man - but educational.

>> Watch on ABC iView

6. Brainchild

Best for: Ages 7–12

What it teaches: Psychology, science, self-awareness From how peer pressure works to how memory forms, this show breaks down tricky science topics in a way that older kids actually get.

>> Watch on Netflix

7. Charlie and Lola

Best for: Ages 3–7

What it teaches: Conflict resolution, empathy, sibling dynamics Lola’s wild imagination and Charlie’s patient problem-solving make for a calm, whimsical show full of gentle lessons.

>> Watch on ABC iView

8. Octonauts

Best for: Ages 3–6

What it teaches: Marine biology, teamwork, environmental care Each episode is a mini ocean mission featuring real animals, real facts, and fictional fun. Great for curious little minds who love animals.

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>> Watch on Netflix or ABC iView

9. Ada Twist, Scientist

Best for: Ages 4–8

What it teaches: STEM, experimentation, perseverance Based on the bestselling book series, Ada explores the world through science and investigation - all while promoting girls in STEM.

>> Watch on Netflix

10. The Magic School Bus Rides Again

Best for: Ages 5–10

What it teaches: Science, nature, the human body The reboot of the 90s classic brings back Ms. Frizzle’s wacky field trips, from the digestive system to space, and it still holds up.

>> Watch on Netflix

Tips for Guilt-Free Viewing

1. Co-watch when you can Even watching just the first five minutes together can give you an idea of what your kids are absorbing.

2. Ask questions after “What was your favourite part?” or “What did you learn?” turns passive watching into active learning.

3. Keep balance in mind Screen time is one part of a whole day. It’s okay to use it as part of your toolkit - especially if it gives you space to be a better parent.

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