Just because a TV show is made for kids doesn't mean it has to lack substance. The best TV shows for children can help teach them valuable lessons, spark their imaginations or keep them actively engaged with their stories and characters. We believe the best kids' shows can keep your mini ones entertained for as long as you need, and it doesn't feel like watching it will fry any brain cells—both theirs and yours.
These are our picks for the best kids' TV shows to stream on Netflix.
SpongeBob SquarePants
A cartoon that needs no introduction, SpongeBob SquarePants has remained an absolute classic for the better part of the last 25 years. With great character designs, clever gags and an overall vibe of silly fun, your kid is bound to have a good time with this cartoon.
SpongeBob SquarePants has been running since 1999, so there's a good chance that some parents who are reading this recommendation remember watching it when they were kids. If you are one of those parents, sorry for making you feel so old.
Hilda
Based on a popular graphic novel series, Hilda follows the titular blue-haired girl as she explores the mysteries in and beyond the city of Trolberg. Visually stunning with some tip-top creature designs (like Hilda's trusty deerfox companion), this show is a charming watch and perfect for kids with big imaginations. It's the kind of kids' show that does everything right and makes you feel jealous that it wasn't around when you were younger.
Avatar: The Last Airbender
One of the most popular kids' cartoons of the past two decades, Avatar: The Last Airbender is an absolute blast of an adventure series. Set in a fantasy realm where certain people can control one of the four elements—water, fire, air and earth— it follows Aang, the current incarnation of the Avatar, a mystical figure who can 'bend' every element.
After being frozen in an iceberg for 100 years, Aang must learn to master his powers to help bring peace between the four warring nations. Joined by Katara and Sokka of the Southern Water Tribe, the trio set off on Aang's flying bison while pursued by Zuko, the disgraced prince of the Fire Nation.
Batman: The Animated Series
A show for the older kids and widely regarded as one of the best animated series ever, and possibly the best Batman adaptation (sorry, The Dark Knight). With each episode featuring a rotating cast of the Caped Crusader's colourful rogues' gallery, a unique art style and smart writing that doesn't talk down to kids. Combine that with Kevin Conroy's pitch-perfect performance as Batman and Mark Hamill's cheerfully terrifying Joker, and you get a TV show that still appeals to the young and old to this day.
Also, that opening theme song might be the best for any TV show, for kids or adults.
Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous
Yes, the youngins’ will never quite understand the thrill of watching Laura Dern and Sam O’Neil on screen with the original motion picture soundtrack thanks to John Williams, so they may as well settle with Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous, a Netflix original series which, we hate to say…is actually pretty good. No one will have nightmares, but we do recommend this one for ages five and up.
Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight
If you were raised right, you’d know Jack Black is absolute royalty in the grand scheme of children’s shows and movies. From voicing the sabre-tooth tiger Zeke in the first Ice Age film to starring in Gulliver’s Travels and the GOAT movie of all time, School Of Rock. Basically, the next generation’s entertainment is in good hands whenever he’s around. Black reprises his role as Po in this spin-off series, and you will regain some free time for more important things thanks to the show’s 11 episodes.
Oni Thunder God’s Tale
While you’ll only find four episodes of Oni Thunder God’s Tale, this is a great Netflix show for kids. In a world filled with the oddball gods and monsters of Japanese mythology, one of the creature's free-spirited daughters, Onari, is determined to follow in the footsteps of the mighty heroes of lore, but her unique powers are yet to be revealed.
Spirit Rangers
Inspired by stories from Native American tribes and the majestic landscapes of national parks of America, Spirit Rangers explores the adventure and beauty of nature through the eyes of Kodi, Summer and Eddy Skycedar, Chumash/Cowlitz siblings who share a secret. The kids are a trio of kids are “Spirit Rangers” who help protect the land and spirits of the national park tha—and who are we kidding? The plot doesn’t matter. All you need to know is Spirit Rangers has seriously changed the game for Indigenous representation in animation, and the little ones are going to love it.
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Blippi’s Adventure
If you think children’s shows don’t have as much drama as, say, TRHOB, think again. In its heyday, Blippi was a live-action YouTube channel, starring Stevin John, for little people up to the age of five. It skyrocketed to virality (and still slaps today) thanks to its interactive and educational field trips. Unsurprisingly, it was so massive it was turned into a Netflix show however, the OG Blippi was seemingly replaced by Clayton Grimm. Global outrage ensued. Regardless, this is a prime time morning show to flick on to keep junior's energy levels low. There are several spin-off Netflix shows too, including Blippi’s Spooky Halloween, Blippi Wonders (animated), Blippi’s School Supply Scavenger Hunt and Blippi The Musical.
Spirit Riding Free
Spoiler alert, the Dreamworks movie that introduced you to real, hardcore tears as a kid has a number of shows on Netflix and whether you watch them or the kids watch them, everyone’s happy. Yes, Spirit the almighty stallion has copped eight seasons of Western adventures, but if that’s not enough and you seemingly have a bona fide series-binger on your hands, you can also hit play on Spirit Riding Academy and Spirit Pony Tales. Excellent school holiday watching, if you ask us.
Pup Academy
If you think we’ve slipped in Pup Academy for our own selfish reasons…you’d be right. This one’s giving new-age Milo And Otis, which obviously means all the cute animals. Will your kid want a puppy after watching? Likely. But that’s not our problem.
Image credit: Netflix
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