All right, first things first—the experts are clear on the rules of screen time for toddlers: no screens before the age of two, per the American Academy of Pediatrics.
And while we strongly urge you to follow guidelines set out by the experts and avoid screens for your under-two tot, we also know that sometimes, screens = survival. So, if your toddler’s favorite toys just aren’t cutting it and you’re tuning into a television break for your little one, you can at least make sure it’s one of these educational shows for toddlers.
We’ve rounded up a list of the best educational TV shows for toddlers that are highly-rated by both young viewers and their parents. You can expect plenty of engaging characters, quality content, and ample opportunities for learning. Whether your baby is on the brink of toddlerhood or your almost preschooler is begging for a snack and a movie snuggle, rest assured that these educational shows will provide top notch viewing.
Who knows, you might even find yourself smiling at a character’s cute antics, bopping along to a catchy tune, or singing a little jingle reminding you to “stop and go right away” when you have to go potty.
“Sometimes, screens = survival.”
What are the Best Educational TV Shows for Toddlers?
So what are the best educational shows that you can turn on for your toddler? Let’s take a look with some of our favorite recommendations.
Beat Bugs
Available on Netflix
What do you get when Australian and Canadian creators merge minds? A fabulous kids show inspired by darling bugs and the songs that make them groove, namely The Beatles. In Beat Bugs, five cute bugs—a ladybug, cricket, beetle, fruit fly, and a slug—teach little ones valuable life lessons from the safety of the bug’s backyard home.
Peg + Cat
Available on PBS Kids
Created by The Fred Rogers Company (so you know it’s good!) and inspired by the children’s storybook, The Chicken Problem, Peg + Cat follows a little girl, Peg, and her meowy-sweet kitty friend, Cat. These two tackle problems that require them to put their math and problem-solving skills to the test.
The Magic School Bus
Available on Netflix
If I do say so myself this is the single best education TV show for toddlers, because it’s straight outta my own childhood.
Climb on the old-school classic Magic School Bus, where adventure and science are waiting! Teacher Ms. Frizzle and her class are ready to explore science and your family gets to tag along. Touted for school-age kids, our family has found that it is engaging enough for toddlers too, so don’t leave them out of the learning opportunity.
Sid the Science Kid
Available on PBS Kids
Sid is a creative kid with a lot of questions. (That’s not just me saying it—it’s his tagline!) Every episode starts with one such query and then he sets off to find the answer. Developed by The Jim Henson Co., Sid the Science Kid melds the wonders of animation and puppetry for a fun and fabulous educational show.
Baby Signing Time
Available on DVD, for purchase on Amazon Prime, and smart TV subscription streaming
Emmy-nominated sign language expert Rachel Coleman launched Signing Time and Baby Signing Time after giving birth to her daughter, Leah, who is deaf. Coleman and her sister have gone on to produce many amazing episodes introducing sign language to parents, babies, toddlers, and older children as well.
Although this show used to be available on public television and streaming services, it is now only available for purchase. But, we couldn’t leave it out—it’s too valuable of a resource for little ones and definitely worth the investment.
Wild Kratts
Available on PBS Kids
You may remember the Kratt brothers from your own childhood—Chris and Martin Kratt have been teaching a young audience about animals for a long time. Their current show, Wild Kratts, animates the brothers as they adventure, fight nature’s villains, and teach amazing facts about wild animals and their unique habitats.
And honestly? This show is darn interesting–you’ll probably find yourself enjoying it right alongside of your kids!
Ask the StoryBots
Available on Netflix
Five curious little creatures lead little ones as they explore the world and answer questions kids commonly have. Follow along as Beep, Boop, Bing, Bang, and Bo explain big things in a tangible, kid-friendly way. And, be sure to enjoy the spin off series, “Storybots Super Songs” and during the holidays, “A Storybots Christmas.”
Mickey Mouse Clubhouse
Available on Disney+
Join Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Pluto, and Goofy at their Clubhouse! With engaging music, fun stories, and introductory lessons in shapes, colors, numbers, and patterns, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse will help your toddlers master basics while falling in love with classic Disney characters. Plus, I can guarantee your toddler will love dancing along to that infamous opening theme song. (And yes, it will be stuck in your head all day, sorry.)
Hello Ninja
Available on Netflix
Based on the book by the same name, Hello Ninja chronicles Wesley and Georgie’s best friend adventures as they put their ninja skills to work and save the day. As a team, with their silly sidekick cat Pretzel, the trio problem solve and put their imagination to work.
Cocomelon
Available on Netflix
Note: Netflix doesn’t have an official trailer for Cocomelon on YouTube, so this is a third-party video.
Before joining Netflix, Cocomelon was a YouTube series for little learners (and it is still available there). Now, they have brought their darling nursery rhymes and original songs to Netflix, so more toddlers can enjoy J.J.’s adventures as he learns letters, numbers, animal sounds, and more.
As a mom who introduced Cocomelon to her toddler, I have to say: do this with caution, because your toddler will get hooked. It’s all my daughter wants to watch 24/7!
Word Party
Available on Netflix
Word Party invites viewers to help a friend group of walking and talking baby animals discover the answer to their questions. The little wallaby, panda, elephant, cheetah, and tortoise embark on familiar, daily activities with laughter and song with a focus on building vocabulary, exploring foreign language, and better understanding emotions.
Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood
Available on PBS Kids
Inspired by Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, four-year-old Daniel Tiger and friends O the Owl, Katerina Kittycat, Prince Wednesday, and Miss Elaina learn throughout the day at home, school, and everywhere in between. Thanks to its Mister Rogers’ roots, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood teaches little ones social and emotional awareness through imagination and creativity as they grow and develop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my toddler actually going to retain anything from educational TV?
Yes and no. Toddlers will always retain more from hands-on activities, but educational TV does provide a reasonable launching pad for both introducing and reviewing age-appropriate topics. This relates back to the importance of co-viewing. When you watch with your child, you are then equipped to complete the lesson full circle with a tangible experience. For example, “We saw Tilly trying peas for her lunch, let’s have peas together today when we eat next!” or “Daniel is practicing riding his bike, let’s turn off the show and practice yours together.”
Are cartoons better for toddlers than live action shows?
The comparison between cartoons and live action shows truly come down to personal preference. Some little ones will be absolutely transfixed by National Geographic animal shows, while others are only drawn to bright colors and cartoon characters. Across the board, almost all television shows geared towards toddlers are animated, but, as the parent, you definitely have the prerogative to screen and introduce appropriate live action shows too.
