Kids' Entertainment

'Green Eggs & Ham' is one of many kids' shows to stream on Netflix.
Netflix
40 Of The Best Kids' Shows On Netflix Right Now

So many options to choose from, so little time.

by Jen McGuire and Casey Suglia
Updated: 
Originally Published: 

Television has truly never been better — or more accessible, thanks to all of our glorious streaming options. And, yes, that includes plenty of options for kids entertainment on Netflix that you can access any time you like. And best of all, some of them are even going to be fun for you to watch, too.

Netflix has really hit it out of the park with its children’s programming lately. Between a new animated series based on the beloved children's book Go, Dog, Go! and Waffles + Mochi, a kid-friendly cooking show featuring the one and only Michelle Obama, the options are plentiful.

Not only is Netflix's library of family-friendly content robust, the streaming service also has some pretty amazing parental controls to help ensure your kids are watching all of the carefully curated programming. Instead of say, Bridgerton, a show that would be educational, but perhaps for very different reasons. That's the kind of show to watch after the kids go to bed, if you know what I mean. But below you can find at least 40 shows for the whole family to watch. Or just for the kids to watch while their parents covertly read or entertain themselves elsewhere, no judgment, I promise.

Go, Dog, Go!

The premise for Go, Dog, Go! on Netflix is simple: Dogs are always trying to get to some fantastic dog party via different vehicles. In other words, every dog-loving kids' dream. When the inventive pup, Tag, and her best pal, Scooch, aren’t on the way to do that, they’re busy solving problems and helping citizens along the way. If your kid is obsessed with furry friends, then they will love the dog adventures that happen in Go, Dog, Go and all of the laughs that spurn from their epic adventures. Trust me, it’s a very funny show, I promise.

Rated TV-Y

The Magic School Bus Rides Again

A classic from the '90s revisited, The Magic School Bus Rides Again sees Ms. Frizzle’s sister, Fiona, as she takes the wheel of the Magic School bus and heads out for more whacky adventures that manage to teach kids a little bit about science along the way. Each episode focuses on a different scientific concept, allowing kids to be curious about science in a way that makes it super easy for kids to understand.

If your little one likes mixing things and coming up with super fun concoctions, then they will definitely enjoy learning from this small series that has a whole lot of heart.

Rated TV-Y

Archibald's Next Big Thing

Arrested Development actor Tony Hale is the main voice for Archibald's Next Big Thing, a show about a very happy chicken, that's all about positivity and perseverance, and it's so sweetly funny that you'll probably sit right on down with the kids to watch this one. While Archibald may never remember to get his chores done, he always remembers to have fun and go on an adventure in this super quirky series. His child like enthusiasm is so contagious and will teach your kid how to embrace all of the fun things in life, like making new friends and going on adventures.

Rated TV-Y7

Project Mc2

Want your kids to watch something that breaks down old-fashioned gender stereotypes and features four super-smart young girls hired by the government to be spies on account of their STEM skills? Project Mc2 on Netflix is the show for you.

All four of the whiz kids in the series do their best to break down gender stereotypes by solving problems and focusing on their own unique differences, which makes them work better as a team. Not only do they admire each other’s skills, but they also know how to work well together, which makes them rather unstoppable at the end of the day.

Rated TV-G

Kid Cosmic

Kid Cosmic is a Netflix series, which debuted in February 2021 that tells the story of a boy whose superhero dreams come true when he finds five powerful cosmic stones inside of a crashed alien spaceship. The boy, along with his neighbors and a stray cat form a group of superheroes that fight aliens who want the power of the stones. The show has all of the makings of a classic superhero caper, without the intensity of a Marvel film. And while the fighting of aliens can be a little much at times, the show isn’t too violent, which makes it pretty great for kids ages eight and older.

Definitely a crowd pleaser for those little dreamers.

Rated TV-Y7

Word Party

Word Party is a great show for helping toddlers build their vocabulary along with adorable animated baby animals named Bailey, Franny, Kip, and Lulu. Kids get to teach the animals how to create a word party, making them the boss in this Jim Henson series. And there is nothing more that kids love than to be the boss. That sense of power and accomplishment feels awesome of them.

This Common Sense Media selection for families is important because it teaches kids how be the teacher, therefore allowing them to become better role models and leaders — two skills that will stay with them for the rest of their lives.

Rated TV-Y

Spy Kids: Mission Critical

Animated Juni and Carmen Cortez fighting the bad guys in Spy Kids: Mission Critical? Just when you thought the film series couldn't get any better, this animated series blows it out of the water. Watch as Juni and Carmen battle the evil organization, S.W.A.M.P., without the help of their super spy parents. Instead, they must use their skills learned at their spy academy to help save the day, even if it’s a lot harder than their parents made it look. While there is some mild kicking and punching, everyone on the show bounces back quickly from their injuries and teamwork is really the star of the show in this series.

Rated TV-Y7

Hilda

Hilda is the story of a little girl with blue hair and a free spirit who leaves her magical forest to go off to the city of Trolberg, where she has adventures and sometimes gets in trouble. At just two seasons, it’s a light, easy watch that will resonate with your kids and their unique sense of humor and expanding imaginations.

This Common Sense Selection for Families finds its strength in its super strong characters, who are kind, adventurous, outgoing, and are undeterred by their differences. Kids can learn a lot from Hilda, whose sense of curiosity inspires many adventures in the magical forest.

Rated TV-Y7

The Baby-Sitters Club

Kailey Schwerman/Netflix

Have your kids fall in love with The Baby-Sitter’s Club, Netflix’s original series based on based on the best-selling young reader series from the 1980’s. The series follows along with a group of middle school girls who start their own baby sitting business, teaching kids about the power of friendship and entrepreneurship, while still paying attention to the hardships that kids that age go through.

The series touches on a number of issues that are relevant in kids’ lives today, like divorce, race, and blended families. Not to mention, the heroes of this story are teenage girls, who take on responsibility, and take pride in their work. If you’re looking for a show with good role models, this has it.

Rated TV-G

Sam And Cat

Kids need to watch Sam And Cat on Netflix if only to see Ariana Grande get her to start on the Nickelodeon hit show. The show stars Sam and Cat, who are roommates that start their own baby sitting business. But as it turns out, their baby sitting venture leads them on wacky adventures throughout their apartment building. Although they sound similar, this show is not The Baby-Sitters Club. Sam and Cat’s off beat, opposite personalities make this show light hearted and hilarious, focusing more on the humor between the two characters, rather than the issues they face.

Rated TV-PG

Green Eggs & Ham

Green Eggs & Ham has some serious star power with people like Michael Douglas, Adam Devine, and Diane Keaton offering their voices, but it's really all about the story. Basically a road trip movie of two friends Sam-I-Am and Guy-I-Am, who have to transport a weird chicken/giraffe hybrid and find themselves making amazing discoveries along the way, like finding out that green eggs and ham are delicious, in this series inspired by the children’s book by Dr. Seuss.

The personality differences between Sam and Guy make them two unlikely friends, but teaches kids about bridging the gap between differences as the series moves along. And since the show was renewed for a second season, there are a lot more exciting discoveries to come.

Rated TV-Y7

Kipo And The Age Of Wonderbeasts

Another empowering story for budding feminists, Kipo And The Age Of Wonderbeasts tells the story of a girl who is swept away her underground city to head out into a post-apocalyptic world to find her family. Beautiful animation, though maybe slightly heavy for the youngest of kids.

Still, the older crowd will take note of Kipo’s positive attitude and undying belief that everything will end up working out well. She, along with her friends, are each other’s best hope for surviving in this post-apocalyptic world, which makes their dependence on each other even more captivating and valuable for the audience members.

Rated TV-Y

Goosebumps

R.L. Stine's Goosebumps is a throwback series from the '90s full of scary tales for kids, so parents should be warned. But there is something deeply satisfying about dipping your collective toes in the horror genre as a family, particularly with a nostalgic pick like this one. Each episode tells a different, harrowing tale that will definitely scare the viewer, especially since each story line is so unpredictable.

Try it out with older kids, you might be surprised by the bonding experience that comes with watching some classic scary tales that you remember from childhood. The show is definitely a little too scary for those under the age of 10, but it’s the perfect kind of introduction to the spooky genre for younger kids.

Rated TV-G

A Series Of Unfortunate Events

Lemony Snickett's A Series Of Unfortunate Events follows the three Baudelaire children who are frequently caught up in tough times, thanks in large part to their villainous relative Count Olaf (played by Neil Patrick Harris in the Netflix series). All three seasons take you through each chapter in the Baudelaire children’s lives as they attempt to sabotage Count Olaf’s advances to get his hands on their family fortune and learn more about their parents, who tragically passed at the beginning of the show.

Another dark series, but sometimes dark is fun for older kids who want to really dive deep into their creativity and who love the original book series by Lemony Snicket.

Rated TV-PG

Anne With An 'E'

Missing out on a little Canadian charm now that you've finished Schitt's Creek? Anne With An 'E' is a wholesome show about young Anne Shirley based on Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery. Set on the east coast of Canada at the turn of the century, it's a beautifully shot show full of gentle humor that is perfect for the older kids, who will have a better understanding of the bullying that Anne faces at school for being an orphan.

This Common Sense Selection for Families is a little dark, since it deals with issues like hunger, verbal abuse, and financial strain. But the things that Anne deals with can resonate with kids who have ever been in her shoes. And Anne’s ability to overcome adversity and the bullying makes her a great role model.

Rated TV-PG

The Epic Tales Of Captain Underpants

Do you know what kids love? Superheroes and a bit of toilet humor. That's reason enough to watch The Epic Tales Of Captain Underpants, also it's genuinely funny as it follows around friends, George and Harold, who have a shared love of comic books, pranks, and potty humor. This sounds like any group of fourth grade friends. But in spite of the relentless potty humor in the show, George and Harold are creative thinkers, and the show has the power to inspire your kids to use their imagination.

Although George and Harold rarely suffer consequences for their pranks, they do have a lot of fun. So if your kid is looking to laugh, this show is for them.

Rated TV-Y7

The Octonauts

Eight little stylized animals going on adventures under the sea. With British accents. I mean, what isn’t to love? The Octonauts seriously have it all. If your kids are fans of shows like PAW Patrol, then they will like The Octonauts, which focuses on underwater explorers who help aquatic creatures who are in need of assistance. This show is a great introduction to teaching the younger crowd about marine life while having them learn about the importance of having responsibilities and using teamwork to save the day.

If your little one is eager to learn, then they will love learning with the Octonauts.

Rated TV-Y

Carmen Sandiego

A mischievous orphan, a spy academy, and a really great red trench coat. Come for the interesting adventures of Carmen Sandiego, stay for the fashion and Carmen’s ability to use her evil skills for good. If you ever loved playing the Carmen Sandiego computer game in the 1990’s, then you will love watching this Netflix original series with your kids, which focuses on the mysterious woman’s origin story.

In this series, Carmen is a thief on the run, but she steals items of historical value before they’re stolen by evil operatives. This makes her a great role model to learn from. While she may always be running, she is always willing to go out of her way to do the right thing, even when it seems wrong. There is seriously so much to love.

Rated TV-Y7

Gabby's Dollhouse

Netflix/ DreamWorks

Of course your kids are going to want to watch a sweet show about a bunch of cats and cute crafts. So do I, so let's all watch Gabby's Dollhouse together.

In case your kid isn’t obsessed already, Gabby’s Dollhouse focuses on a cat enthusiast, named Gabby, who teams up with her sidekick Pandy Paws, for a number of animated adventures where they create some super fun crafts and engage in some colorful magic. This show will inspire your kid to use their imagination to use their hands to create fun and simple things. And with new episodes on the way, there will be more ways for them to use their imagination.

Rated TV-Y

iCarly

All 90s kids remember iCarly, the teen sitcom featuring a girl living in a cool loft with her big brother and getting into mischief with her best friends. But Carly is more than just your average teen girl — she’s the star of her own web show, which she hosts from her own quirky and fun home. In the age of TikTok, a lot of the technological references might feel a little outdated, especially since it premiered more than 10 years ago, in 2008, but it’s still fun and imaginative all the same.

Revisit the first two seasons with your own kids.

Rated TV-G

PJ Masks

Three 6-year-olds — Catboy, Owlette, and Gekko — dress up in colorful costumes to fight crime at night in PJ Masks, kind of like a precursor to more adult superhero movies. But PJ Masks is more than just an introduction to Marvel movies — each episode is full with examples of positive behaviors, that can teach kids how to accept apologies and think before they act. Not to mention, the villains’ plans often fall due to their own selfishness, which can stick with kids.

Although it might make your kid keen on fighting crime, and doesn’t necessarily blur the lines of what is real and whats pretend, the show is filled with enough good messages to make any parent happy with letting their kids watch the series.

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We Bare Bears

We Bare Bears tells the story of three bear siblings trying to make their way in the human world in San Francisco, and it's surprisingly funny. This show, which originally aired on the Cartoon Network in 2018, is filled with lots of fun, random moments that all kids will find especially hilarious.

But it also has some pretty positive messages, too. We Bare Bears isn’t afraid to poke fun at today’s culture while showing audience members that the important thing is being yourself and appreciating the people around you for who they are and not the technology that is in their hands.

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Booba

The Russian kids show Booba, about a little creature who is fascinated with the world around him, has become a cult classic. There is a lot to love about little Booba, who uncovers the mysteries of the world each and every day and discovers that there is adventure in your every day surroundings. It is important to note that Booba doesn’t speak, he just reacts to the things around him, so it’s up to viewers to interpret his facial expressions in order to understand Booba’s emotions.

Still, if your young kid is always on the move and exploring, then they will find a friend in Booba and his adventures.

Rated TV-Y7

My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic

Your kids can dive into eight seasons of My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic on Netflix, and you can join them for a trip down memory lane. If you’re nostalgic for the cartoons of your childhood, then you will love My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, a modern series based on the beloved My Little Pony franchise which has been entertaining parents for decades.

In this partcular series, unicorn Twilight Sparkle and her friends in Equestria have adventures and learn that friendship is magic, because it is. Let your kids be very entertained by the colorful creatures and dazzling sights in this series.

Rated TV-Y

Thomas & Friends

If you have a little one in your house who is really into all sorts of vehicles talking, obviously the two seasons of Thomas & Friends on Netflix is for them. Thomas and Friends focuses on the beloved talking train engine, Thomas, who lives on the island of Sodor. The show originally aired in the early 1980’s, so the animation might seem pretty outdated to a lot of people. But, your little ones that are obsessed with trains and all moving vehicles will love how simple the show is. I mean, what isn’t there to love about it?

Rated TV-Y

Chip & Potato

Chip & Potato has won kids over for so many reasons, not the least of which because the little kindergartener with the big heart is also a pug with a tiny snuggly best pal that's a mouse. There are so many things to love about this super cute series — the colors, the characters, and the fact that it is too adorable for words. If your little one is a fan of shows like Bluey or Peppa Pig, then they will fall for Chip and Potato, which is super similar to both of those shows. In the two seasons on Netflix, Chip starts kindergarten and tries new things.

Rated TV-Y

Spirit Riding Free

A kids western featuring the beloved stallion from the Oscar-nominated movie, Spirit Riding Free is a great choice for adventurous little ones, especially since there are eight seasons filled with plenty of super fun episodes. Kids can learn from Lucky, the ex-city girl who forms a tight bond with a wild horse named Spirit while living in a small western town.

As far as animated TV role models go, Lucky is an “exceptional heroine,” according to Common Sense Media, who shows courage, selflessness, and a sense of adventure throughout the series. If you’re looking to teach your children about bravery, it sounds like Spirit Riding Free is the way to do it.

Rated TV-Y7

CoComelon

CoComelon started out as a YouTube channel where kids could connect with nursery rhymes as well as some original kids' songs, and now its a favorite among families. Watch all three seasons of this top-rated show, which is constantly ranked on Netflix’s most watched programs, on the streaming service right now. If you’re looking for a plot, CoComelon isn’t too heavy on story lines, but it is filled with super catchy songs and entertaining animation that will keep your kid occupied for hours. But be warned — you might not be able to get the songs from the show out of your head once they’re in there.

Rated TV-Y

What's New Scooby-Doo

Every kid needs to meet the Mystery Gang at some point, so introduce Fred, Velma, Daphne, Shaggy, and of course Scoob with What's New Scooby Doo on Netflix. Watch as the Mystery Gang encounters new surprises and puzzles to solve in this animated series, which first aired in 2005, that delivers an updated version of the Scooby-Doo series that people know and love.

Although some of the ghosts may seem to be a little scary for the littlest kids, they’re harmless. Kids looking for something entertaining will love watching the Mystery Gang solve even the smallest of crimes while practicing teamwork.

Rated TV-Y7

Little Baby Bum

Kids love singing, and they love cuteness, so they will love the sing-a-long show, Little Baby Bum on Netflix. If your kid is obsessed with CoComelon, and you’re looking for something a little different, than look no further than Little Baby Bum. Each episode is still filled with nursery rhymes and fun songs, accompanied with some kid friendly animation. Your little ones will learn songs like “Wheels on the Bus” and “Humpty Dumpty” and understand them better, thanks to the helpful animation to accompany them.

But be warned, you won’t be able to get “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” out of your head after watching one episode.

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Barbie Life in the Dreamhouse

Mattel has really evolved with Barbie, and Barbie Life In The Dreamhouse is proof of that. An objectively entertaining show following Barbie and her pals making their way through the world, that makes for a solid choice on Netflix. In just one season from this show from 2012, you can follow along with Barbie and her friends as they go on some epic adventures in this series based on the beloved doll.

The show is filmed as a fake reality show, so it might be hard for some of the younger ones to really understand it, but parents will take joy in the fake reality show which is super fun for Barbie fans.

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H2O: Just Add Water

What middle school kid hasn't dreamed of discovering a magical cavern where they might be turned into sea creatures? Especially a mermaid? This delightful Australian series H20: Just Add Water fulfills that fantasy. When three teenage girls, stranded on a remote island, wander into a magical cavern, they all turn into mermaids with magical powers. The teens must wrestle with their emotions of being a teenage girl while having to live with their new powers, which isn’t easy.

While some of the younger kids might not get it, the tweens will be able to appreciate the story lines, ust as long as they can understand their accents.

Rated TV-PG

Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir

Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug and Cat Noir is an animated French series set in Paris, following two young female superheroes fighting villains across the ancient city. Follow along with all five seasons, as the young school girl, Marinette, turns into the super hero, Ladybug at night time. But little does she know, her crush turns into the crime fighting Cat Noir at night, too.

The action sequences aren’t as heavy as most Marvel films and the superheroes are often seen using their brains, rather than their superheroes, to help fight crime. Most notably, the show is set in Paris, France, so kids get to be transported to the streets where french bread and fashionable people rule all.

Rated TV-Y7

Boss Baby: Back In Business

It's a tough life for Boss Baby trying to juggle home life and running his business Baby Corp., but he pulls it off with his big brother and accomplice Tim in Boss Baby: Back In Business. This series, based on the hilarious Boss Baby film series focuses on the Boss Baby, as he has to teach his older brother everything he knows over the course of the show’s five seasons. Although the show can be a bit immature at times, it has strong portrayals of family relationships, and puts an emphasis on having a positive relationship with your siblings, which is good for those siblings in your household who can’t stop fighting over every single little thing.

Rated TV-Y7

Trolls: The Beat Goes On!

Trust the animated musical series Trolls: The Beat Goes On! to get your kids up and dancing around while watching television. Sometimes that's truly the best exercise regimen around, and it’s super cute to watch them bounce around to the music playing on screen.

There are eight seasons of this bright and delightful animated series which focuses on Trolls and Bergens coexisting in the same world. In the middle of all of the super amazing music, there are also some super important messages mixed in. If your kid is a fan of the movie, you can’t go wrong with turning this series on. Educational and entertaining? Sign me up!

Rated TV-Y7

Bookmarks: Celebrating Black Voices

Story time gets taken to a whole new level in this Netflix original series, where celebrities read children’s books written by Black authors to inspire family-friendly conversations about empathy and self love.

Here’s what you need to know — in each episode of Bookmarks: Celebrating Black Voices, some of your favorite celebrities, like Tiffany Haddish and Misty Copeland, read special stories with positive messages that can further spark conversations inside of the home. While there is only one season of this show out so far, rest assured that you and your kid will love this version of story time.

Rated TV-Y

Waffles + Mochi

ADAM ROSE/NETFLIX

A pair of puppet pals named Waffles and Mochi travel the world and explore the wonders of food while learning how to cook with fresh ingredients with the help of some famous friends, like Michelle Obama and other celebrity chefs. If your kid is curious about cooking, food, or what goes on in the kitchen while they’re watching cartoons, then Waffles + Mochi is the show for them.

Each family friendly episode focuses on an ingredient — whether it be a tomato, salt, or pickles — where Waffles and Mochi both discover where the ingredient comes from, what makes it so popular, and how to use it in the kitchen. The chefs in your family will be huge fans of this show.

Rated TV-Y

Go! Go! Cory Carson

Netflix

Kids obsessed with cars and trucks will love Go! Go! Cory Carson, a delightful series about a kid car named Cory Carson as he navigates the roads of his hometown, Bumperton Hills. In the five seasons of this Netflix original show, aimed towards young kids, Cory learns valuable lessons, like how to conquer his fears. And the best thing? Each episode is eight minutes long, meaning they go by faster than a car race.

Your transportation obsessed kids will love Go! Go! Cory Carson while you will love the messages about honesty and safety that are embedded in the show.

Rated TV-Y

Mighty Express

Netflix

Kids can learn about teamwork in Mighty Express, a Netflix original series from the makers of PAW Patrol, about a team of trains and their kid friends. In each episode of the show, which comes in at less than 30 minutes long, the kid friends work on solving problems with the assistance of the trains. While some circumstances, like a runaway train, can be scary, Mighty Express is filled with feel-good moments that kids will love and parents can appreciate. If your kid is always on the move an has a sense of adventure, they will fall in love with Mighty Express.

Rated TV-Y

Llama Llama

Netflix

Based on the best selling children’s book, Llama Llama Red Pajama, this heartwarming series is all about family and learning new things. It’s the kind of show that is relatable to kids. The things that Llama Llama experiences at school is all too similar to the things that happen in the classroom. But one of the best parts about the show is that it teaches super valuable things like kindness and empathy to young kids in a way that feels more entertaining than educational.

Llama Llama is one of those rare shows that kids will love but parents will love even more.

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