25 of the Best Kids’ Shows You Can Stream on Netflix
When it comes to kid-friendly entertainment, we are in a golden age thanks to the glut of content available on various streaming platforms. But all those choices can make it hard to figure out the best thing to watch — especially when catering to different ages and interests. Lucky for you, I genuinely love watching TV with my two kids, ages 13 and 7, and I’ve spent countless hours watching Netflix (tough job, but someone’s got to do it) to find the smartest, funniest, warmest family-friendly shows on the platform. These are the 25 best kids’ shows on Netflix, by age, for all kinds of viewers.
Top Netflix Shows for Preschoolers and Toddlers
Ask the Storybots
A family favorite beloved by both of my kids, Storybots features silly robots and catchy songs that help preschoolers learn about the world around them, from answering questions like, “Why can’t we eat dessert all the time?” to learning about how our ears and eyes work.
Watch on Netflix: Ask the Storybots
Trash Truck
Full of sweetness, Trash Truck follows 6-year-old Hank and his best friends — a sentient trash truck, a raccoon named Donny, and a bear named Walter — on their adventures. It’s the perfect combo for capturing the attention and imagination of a toddler.
Watch on Netflix: Trash Truck
Super Monsters
With a preschool class composed of the children of famous monsters like Dracula and the Werewolf, Super Monsters presents a group of kids who are learning the same skills (plus a few monster-specific skills) that preschooler viewers will instantly relate to, things like taking turns, working in groups, and managing big emotions in preparation for kindergarten.
Watch on Netflix: Super Monsters
Karma’s World
Perfect for kids who love to sing, dance, and strut their stuff, Karma’s World follows 10-year-old Karma (inspired by rapper and show creator Ludacris’ daughter of the same name), an aspiring rapper who believes in the power of music to change the world.
Watch on Netflix: Karma’s World
Numberblocks
A fantastic introduction to numbers, BAFTA award-winning Numberblocks makes math visual for early learners and uses catchy songs and simple plots to keep kids interested and entertained in each five-minute episode.
Watch on Netflix: Numberblocks
Not Quite Narwhal
Kelp has always believed he was a narwhal like the rest of his undersea family, but when he finds out that he’s actually a unicorn, it sends him on a tender and touching journey of discovery packed with social-emotional learning in this series based on the book by Jessie Sima.
Watch on Netflix: Not Quite Narwhal
Team Zenko Go
Based on the Dojo Daycare books by Chris Tougas, Team Zenko Go revolves around a team of stealthy do-gooders who help others without seeking rewards or “likes,” prioritizing teamwork and problem-solving among a diverse and lovable cast of characters.
Watch on Netflix: Team Zenko Go
Gabby’s Dollhouse
Budding crafters and cat-lovers will adore Gabby’s Dollhouse, which has interactive elements that make viewers feel like they’re part of the action. After watching Gabby’s Dollhouse, my now 7-year-old retreats to her room (and her own imagination) to make her own creations, just like Gabby.
Watch on Netflix: Gabby’s Dollhouse
Peppa Pig
You know her, you love her (maybe) — she’s a confident preschool pig who is, like your kiddo, learning how to make sense of personal relationships and the world around her, making Peppa Pig a great show for social-emotional learning.
Watch on Netflix: Peppa Pig
Go! Go! Cory Carson
I never thought I would cry during a preschool show about anthropomorphic vehicles, but Cory Carson’s eight-minute episodes were just that touching. The feel-good show helps kids understand their emotions and learn valuable lessons about friendship and kindness.
Watch on Netflix: Go! Go! Cory Carson
Green Eggs and Ham
This star-studded Netflix version of the classic Dr. Seuss book features the vocal talents of actors like Tracy Morgan, Michael Douglas, and Ilana Glazer, among others, and while it’s intended for kids 4 and up, it’s charming enough to be enjoyed by the whole family.
Watch on Netflix: Green Eggs and Ham
Best Netflix Shows for Elementary Age Kids
Brainchild
My now 13-year-old absolutely devoured every episode of this 2018 Netflix series when it first came out; he watched some episodes so many times, he practically memorized them. The show does a wonderful job of breaking down questions about subjects like social media, dreams, and emotions in a fun, engaging way that kids can easily grasp.
Watch on Netflix: Brainchild
Centaurworld
With its well-developed characters and thoughtful dialogue, Centaurworld is a thinking kid’s dream show, packed with humor, wonder, and silly songs. However, there are some references to heavier subjects, so consider pre-screening before letting kids watch, or watch it with them.
Watch on Netflix: Centaurworld
The Magic Schoolbus Rides Again
There is something so satisfying about sharing an updated version of one of the best TV shows of my youth with my kids, and the Magic Schoolbus reboot absolutely delivers. Featuring Kate McKinnon (of SNL fame) as The Frizz, the schoolbus is back on the road for wacky adventures that help kids learn about a wide range of topics around science and nature.
Watch on Netflix: The Magic Schoolbus Rides Again
Hilda
Based on the graphic novel series of the same name by Luke Pearson, Hilda is a tender story that celebrates friendship, perseverance, and kindness in a surreal and beautiful way. Hilda is a fun protagonist to watch with kids because she doesn’t always get it right, but she does always try her best — a great model for kids to emulate.
Watch on Netflix: Hilda
Ada Twist, Scientist
This uplifting series, based on the popular books, helps make science feel fun and approachable for kids, with a team of friends who solve problems together, celebrating their failures and wins along the way.
Watch on Netflix: Ada Twist, Scientist
She-Ra and the Princess of Power
In the new She-Ra, you’ve got humor, intrigue, and excellent character development, with a gender-inclusive, queer-positive narrative — a big upleveling from the She-Ra I grew up with. My family watched the entire five-season series together, and we all loved it equally, so I can vouch for it as a great choice for family screen time.
Watch on Netflix: She-Ra and the Princess of Power
Izzy’s Koala World
A soothing, gentle, feel-good show, Izzy’s Koala World follows an 11-year-old girl whose family rescues koalas in Australia. The series depicts Izzy solving problems, caring for animals, and being resourceful — all good lessons to model to young viewers.
Watch on Netflix: Izzy’s Koala World
Emily’s Wonder Lab
Scientist Emily Calandrelli leads kids through hands-on experiments that teach science lessons and spark curiosity, helping kids get pumped about their STEM skills. If you love the single season on Netflix, check out Calandrelli’s YouTube series, “Emily’s Science Lab” for more.
Watch on Netflix: Emily’s Wonder Lab
Best Netflix Shows for Tweens
Is it Cake?
If your tweens love zany reality shows, they’ll get a kick out of Is It Cake?, one of the weirdest competition shows out there, with professional bakers competing to trick celebrity contestants with their life-like bakes. It’s hosted by Mikey Day, of SNL fame.
Watch on Netflix: Is it Cake?
The Who Was Show
Based on the popular book series, this was another one-season wonder for Netflix that lasted far beyond its actual running time in our house, where episodes got played on repeat. The zany series teaches kids about popular historical figures like Gandhi and Sacagawea with plenty of jokes to keep it entertaining.
Watch on Netflix: The Who Was Show
Avatar: The Last Airbender
Packed with adventure, complex storytelling, character development, and plenty of humor, Avatar: The Last Airbender is the kind of show that’s made for family viewing. My kids, 13 and 7, couldn’t get enough of Aang and the gang. We loved it so much that we celebrated the last episode with a big Avatar-inspired meal with dishes from the Avatar cookbook, and we continue to celebrate “Avatar Day” once a year.
Watch on Netflix: Avatar: The Last Airbender
Legend of Korra
If its season finale leaves an Avatar: The Last Airbender-sized hole in your heart, fill it with the follow-up, which takes place 70 years after the conclusion of the first series, featuring some original characters and adding new heroes to love and new stories to enjoy.
Watch on Netflix: Legend of Korra
American Ninja Warrior
Can screen time inspire kids to get up and start moving? If it’s American Ninja Warrior, the intense obstacle-course competition show, the answer might be a surprising yes! Watching these elite athletes run obstacle courses and climb the Warped Wall inspired my own kiddo to check out rock climbing, a sport she now loves. (But be warned: Your kids might ask you to build an obstacle course in the backyard so they can “train” at home.)
Watch on Netflix: American Ninja Warrior
The Dragon Prince
Fantasy-lovers will get lost in Xadia, the mystical land in which The Dragon Prince is set. The series features thoughtful characters, adventure, intrigue, a little romance, and plenty of magic, as our team of heroes fight against dark magic to unite the kingdoms of dragons, elves, and humans.
Watch on Netflix: The Dragon Prince