When you need a breather as a parent, I’ve found these are the best shows on Netflix to keep your kids entertained for a little while. However, I like watching shows with my kids too, so they’re also great for bonding over!
2022
5
50
Status
Ended
Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceousis all about dinosaurs, if that wasn’t already apparent. It inhabits the same universe asJurassic Park, but the show focuses on a group of teens who get to stay atJurassic Parkand learn about dinosaurs.
The characters are actually quite likable, especially Darius, who is particularly dinosaur-obsessed.Camp Cretaceousdoesn’t have blood, nor will your kids be exposed to missing limbs.
2005
3
61
Avatar: The Last Airbenderis, without a doubt, one of the best shows for kids. More importantly, it’s the kind of show that bridges the gap between generations. As a parent, you’ll fall in love with the show as well. The characters are well-written, funny, and there are many surprisingly deep emotional moments for a kids' show.
Avatar: The Last Airbenderis about the Avatar, a powerful being that can control the four elements—fire, water, earth, and air. This is significant as almost everyone, but the Avatar, can only wield a single element. And this series focuses on Aang, an Avatar who’s been missing for the past 100 years.
2023
1
8
Educational shows can be a bit of a hard sell to kids, butLife On Our Planetwill definitely have your kids engaged. I know it had a grip on both of my kids. It’s a broad sweep over the different species on our planet, from the earliest lifeforms, like dinosaurs, to today’s monkeys.
2024
30
Ongoing
If your kids end up falling in love withJurassic World: Camp Cretaceous, then they’ll also loveJurassic World: Chaos Theory. However, this is a sequel toCamp Cretaceous, so it’ll be important to finish that before moving on toChaos Theory.
Many of the characters fromCamp Cretaceousmake a return inChaos Theory, but now they’re all grown up. Darius is once again the main protagonist, only this time their goal is to reveal a conspiracy.
2018
52
She-Ra and the Princesses of Powerfocuses on She-Ra as opposed to He-Man, and its themes of friendship and love are ripped directly fromMy Little Pony’splaybook. It also has very progressive messaging and is very unashamed about it. Not to mention having a diverse cast of characters.
Of course,She-Ra and the Princesses of Poweris a full-on fantasy trip. Adora (that’s She-Ray) finds a magic sword, joins the Rebellion, and, with the help of her friends, takes on Hordak and the Horde.
2017
2 and 4 specials
Growing up,The Magic School Buswas one of my favorite shows. Not only is Ms. Frizzle an awesome teacher, but she also shared cool facts in a really engaging way.The Magic School Bus Rides Againis a direct continuation, but this time, Ms. Frizzle’s younger sister is the one taking the class on wild adventures.
The Magic School Bus Rides Againdefinitely shares the same goal—to teach children new things in a fun way. And if you ever want to show your kids the original show, that’s on Netflix, too!
2007
6
170
If you want to blow your child’s mind, show themShaun the Sheepand tell them it was made essentially with Play-Dough. They’ll look at the dough entirely differently from then on.
As a claymation, it’s incredibly impressive, but as a show, it’s also adorable. The antics the sheep get into just to spice up their lives are surprisingly funny.Shaun the Sheepis one of those cartoons that’s fun to watch with your kids.
2016
22
Do you have kids who are constantly asking questions? Have them watchAsk the Storybots. What’s particularly cute about the show is that real kids ask questions and the Storybots spend the episode answering said questions, like what condensation is.
Ask the Storybotsis really good at breaking down questions into easy-to-understand concepts for young kids. And the animation is cute, simple, and goes a long way in keeping kids engaged.
Not only will these Netflix shows keep you and your kids entertained, I intentionally chose ones that weren’t just a mindless smattering of colors and animation. Many of them teach lessons, like friendship, love, and share cool facts.
