Choose the best shows for kids This is a task that is becoming increasingly important, especially in an era where screens are a regular part of children's routines. Parents and educators are wondering how to transform screen time—whether on television, the internet, or mobile devices—into an opportunity for learning, creativity, and healthy fun. Fortunately, there are many quality alternatives, from classic programs to new educational offerings that can be enjoyed on various platforms.
This article delves into All options recommended by experts, associations and familiesIntegrating traditional television platforms, digital content, apps, YouTube channels, and programs for all ages, the goal is to help you discover which ones are effective, how to recognize their educational value, and what advantages they offer based on children's age and interests, providing you with clear information to make the most of every moment in front of the screen.
How to choose an educational program for children?
Before embarking on a search for the best audiovisual content, it is essential to understand What characteristics make a program educational? and why it influences child development beyond simple entertainment.
Un educational program It is one that not only transmits knowledge, but also It fosters critical thinking, creativity, empathy, self-esteem, and teamwork.Experts advise asking yourself some key questions:
- The program values and makes visible diversity (whether racial, cultural, ability-related, or physical appearance)?
- Does it promote the Self esteem and social and emotional development?
- Does it offer situations or proposals that invite... solve problems and think critically?
- Does it inspire children to be creative and seek alternative solutions?
- Is it geared towards learn playingfacilitating curiosity and independent discovery?
If, in addition, the program allows the family participationIt generates conversation and helps integrate positive values while entertaining, so it's an option to seriously consider.
Finally, it is important to emphasize the role of adults in set limits on screen time and to promote responsible consumption, prioritizing active leisure and contact with the environment and family.
The best educational TV programs and must-see classics
Television continues to be an inexhaustible source of quality programming that has influenced several generations and remains relevant due to its educational value and ability to entertain.
Sesame Street It is probably the most iconic series in children's educational television. Characters like Bert, Ernie, Cookie Monster, Elmo, and the Cookie Monster have taught several generations fundamental concepts about math, language, social interaction, emotions, and diversity. Although it is no longer broadcast on public television, it is easy to find full episodes online and also under the name of Sesame Street, both in Spanish and English.
Another series that continues to spark the interest of parents and children is Once upon a time…, in its different versions: from Once upon a time there was life (focused on the biology and functioning of the human body), up to Once upon a time the man (history), going through Once upon a time, space (astronomy and exploration) or Once upon a time there were explorersThey all combine Cartoons with clear explanations, adventures and lots of humor, facilitating the memorization of complex concepts in a simple and fun way.
We mustn't forget gems like art Attack, a space focused on crafts and creativity, where children learn to create objects with recycled materials and simple techniques, fostering both fine motor skills and imagination.
The educational programming offering also stands out The blue station for childrenA radio program broadcast on Radio 5 that explores literature, solidarity, films, and current affairs through the voices of children. It's ideal for sharing family moments away from screens.
Current offerings on streaming platforms
The arrival of video-on-demand (VOD) platforms such as Netflix, HBO Max, and Prime Video has broadened the range of educational children's series, offering controlled options and age-appropriate adaptation.
Netflix It stands out for its children's profile system and for including innovative and highly recommended titles, such as Ask the StorybotsA series that blends animation and live action to answer scientific and everyday questions in an engaging way. Each episode tackles topics as varied as how viruses work, the inside of a computer, and food groups, always with humor and music, and promoting learning. teamwork and curiosity.
For slightly older children (7 years and older), Small Great Minds (Brainchild) is a discovery. Each chapter revolves around a big theme (space, the oceans, why we dream, germs…), explaining scientific and social concepts through experiments, simple activities and lots of humor.
La documentary series The Light of Stories (Tales by Light) is an example of content not specifically designed for children, but perfect for family viewing. It follows photographers and filmmakers around the world in search of the best images, introducing children to nature, culture, and visual art in a striking and beautiful way.
For lovers of theater and the performing arts, Julie Behind the Scenes It introduces children to the magic of musicals and performance, guided by the legendary Julie AndrewsThe series is notable for its inclusiveness, diversity and an integrated approach to the art world.
Other Netflix offerings worth mentioning are Who wasA series based on the biographies of historical figures like Marie Curie, Einstein, and Frida Kahlo, which blends humor, music, and facts to make learning pure entertainment. For more advanced science documentaries, Dream Big: Engineering our world (in English) may delight pre-teens and teenagers interested in engineering and great technological achievements.
En Prime Video from Amazon, Creative galaxy It promotes creativity by solving problems through art, a show that alternates animation with real craft activities. tumble leafAimed at preschoolers, it introduces science and nature concepts using stop-motion animation with endearing characters and imaginative settings. For budding paleontologists, Dino Dana It stimulates curiosity about dinosaurs in a format that is half documentary, half fiction, starring a very restless girl.
En HBO Max, Sesame Street continues to demonstrate values and skills essential for life; and Team Umizoomi It introduces children to the world of mathematics through the adventures of two children and a robot.
National networks have also joined in, with options such as Legendary Lunnis (Clan), Naturgato y The Kratt Brothers (Panda Channel), which explore history, nature and the animal world from a playful and educational perspective.
Educational YouTube channels for children aged 3 to 6
The YouTube platform, with its vast array of content, can be a valuable resource as long as you choose your channels carefully and monitor your viewing habits. Here are some recommendations especially valued for their educational quality and diverse topics:
- Toycantando: simple educational songs to learn and memorize from age 3, ideal for sharing musical moments as a family.
- Nene León: aimed at helping young children gain autonomy in daily routines such as eating, bathing or dressing, through stories and very visual examples.
- Crescent moonIt teaches syllables, geometric shapes, and basic concepts through songs and games, perfect for the early school years.
- Luna's world: animated series that encourages curiosity and dialogue with parents, exposing children to simple questions and reasoning about the environment.
- Smile and learnIt offers content for all stages (from 3 to 12 years old), divided into different subjects and in several languages, with videos on geography, history, science, emotions and even yoga.
- GreenLight: a channel specializing in road safety rules and traffic signs, teaching with characters like Lucio about traffic lights.
- Former landlordsFor older children, it promotes scientific interest through experiments and challenges that they can do at home.
- The Eduteca: explains content from different primary school subjects with the help of a teacher, facilitating the understanding of complex topics.
- Super Single Songs: ideal for getting started in English through lively and catchy songs, facilitating the acquisition of a second language in a natural way.
- Telmo and TulaIt teaches simple recipes, crafts, and activities that develop creativity and help children try new skills.
These channels allow you to reinforce, complement or introduce concepts that will later be seen in school, and help make learning much more functional and entertaining.
Educational applications: learning while playing
The use of mobile devices is now a reality in most homes. Far from being just a source of distraction, educational applications They can be used to enhance learning, practice new skills, and adapt the content to each child's pace and level. But what should a good educational app have?
- Age-appropriate content, with levels and exercises that adapt to the child's development.
- Active participationthrough games, interactive challenges and decision-making, moving away from passive video consumption.
- Positive reinforcementrewarding progress and perseverance with virtual rewards and medals.
- Pedagogical basisThat is, a design based on learning theories and evolutionary stages.
- Privacy & Security guaranteed, without aggressive advertising or the need to provide personal data.
Among the most comprehensive and recommended apps are:
Smile and learnIt offers over 14.000 activities, developed by educators for children aged 3 to 12. It includes games, interactive stories, and videos in areas such as math, science, emotions, art, and languages. It's a subscription-based app but offers a one-month free trial.
BrainPOPThrough animated videos and quizzes, it explores all the major subjects from science to technology and music, adapting to children aged 9 to 12. It's free and available in all major app stores.
iNotebooks by RubioThe familiar exercise books have made the leap to the digital world, allowing children to solve math, calligraphy or logic exercises in an interactive and personalized way.
academonsIt features educational challenges and games for elementary school students, where children must complete tests to care for and develop their virtual pets. It includes over 20.000 review activities across all major subjects.
Gioseppo CommandAimed at children over 3 years old, this free app challenges them to save the planet by solving environmental crises through games and ecological tests.
BBC iPlayer Kids: a free and very secure application to learn English through programs, adapted to each child's level and accessible offline.
Smartick: system for learning mathematics through daily 15-minute sessions, with adaptive exercises and progress tracking.
Alphabet for children: helps young children learn and review the letters of the alphabet through games, sounds and motor activities.
Anatomy: The human body: Facilitates the learning of anatomy through 3D representations and augmented reality, available in English and Spanish.
Planet GeoIt teaches geography, countries, capitals and flags of the world in a visual and fun way, incorporating parental control and the possibility of offline play.
Radio programs and other alternative formats
Although television and digital media dominate the offerings, the value of radio programs and less conventional formats should not be underestimated. The blue station for children It's a weekly program on Radio 5 where children discover literature, film, science, social responsibility, and news from their perspective and in accessible language. These family listening sessions are ideal for to encourage conversation, critical analysis, and the development of imagination without the need for a screen.
Tips for responsible consumption of children's content
Beyond having an up-to-date list of programs, apps, and channels, it's essential that adults actively guide children's access to digital and audiovisual media. Here are some recommendations to help you get the most out of it and avoid unnecessary risks:
- Always choose age-appropriate and developmental stage appropriate content of the child.
- Prioriza programs and apps with positive valuesthat respect diversity and promote active learning.
- Organize screen time by mutual agreement and establish routines that include activities outside the digital world.
- Participate in the viewing or use with the child, asking questions, expanding the information and discussing what they see.
- It teaches how to detect and avoid inappropriate content, explaining Why is supervision important?.
- Combine audiovisual consumption with time for free play, reading, physical activity and contact with nature.
Select the educational styles suitable for promoting balanced and positive learning, it helps children to make the most of digital programs and content.
Selecting the best programs for children is not just about entertainment, but a true investment in their intellectual, social, and emotional development. The variety of options available today, both on television and online through apps, makes it easy to find the most suitable content for each stage, interest, or family situation. By following expert advice, prioritizing play-based learning, and spending quality time together as a family, enjoying technology becomes an enriching and safe experience for young children.