13 best educational shows for kids—goodbye screen time guilt

Screen time guilt is all too real. But, when you’ve got the best educational shows for kids on your watch list then guilt is a thing of the past. Between making your personal space their personal space and chucking spaghetti at the walls instead of putting it in their mouths, sometimes letting your little one have a little screen time is the only way you get a few minutes of peace.

Educational shows for kids teach children about everything from wildlife to counting and kindness to problem solving. Team Motherly’s picks for the best educational shows for kids are below. Check them out and add them to your rotation.

Add these 13 educational shows for kids to your watch list

1. ItsCircleTime

If your child loves seeing, listening and learning from Ms. Rachel then this alternative will be just as popular with your kiddo. These short educational videos will be a hit in your house.

Streaming on YouTube

2. Baby Einstein

Keep your toddler engaged and enthralled with the baby Einsteins. Each episode introduces early learning in fun sing-alongs and activities that little ones will love.

Streaming on Peacock

Related: 15 TV shows about kindness for kids

3. Ada Twist Scientist

Not only do children get to see a lead female scientist but, she’s a woman of color and she teaches kids all kinds of interesting scientific facts. Fueled by her avid curiosity, Ada Twist uses the scientific method to understand the world around her.

Streaming on Netflix

4. Daniel Tiger

Daniel Tiger teaches kids about kindness and empathy. Every episode reinforces a different life lesson. From building confidence in social situations to recognizing and dealing with big emotions, Daniel Tiger, and his friends, teach kids so many things.

Watch it on PBS

5. Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood (OG)

You can still catch episodes of everyone’s favorite neighbor online. Mister Rogers changed children’s TV with his gentle approach to teaching children all about the world around them. Different episodes focused on different lessons, all while treating children like intelligent little beings.

Streaming on Prime Video

Related: 20 of the best upcoming 2023 kids movies for your next family movie night

6. Super Why

This animated series focuses on building literacy skills. The energetic characters teach kids about friendship, the alphabet, teamwork and much more.

Watch it on PBS

7. Ask the StoryBots

Five little adorable creatures find the answers to some of kids’ most burning questions about the universe. Each episode features famous guest stars that makes this educational show for kids a delight for parents as well.

Streaming on Netflix

8. Team Umizoomi

These pint-sized heroes use math to solve everyday problems. Kids have the opportunity to learn so much including shapes, spotting patterns and taking measurements.

Streaming on ParamountPlus

9. Wild Kratts

The Kratts brothers go on epic adventures and teach kids all about wildlife and nature. Their educational show also features lessons on natural history, zoology, ecology, biology and so much more.

Watch it on PBS

Related: Daniel Tiger is the perfect antidote to screen time guilt

10. Earth to Luna

This educational series is another great kid’s show about the curiosities of science. The show encourages kids to think critically about the natural world and introduces a variety of concepts, including astronomy.

Streaming on AppleTV

11. Numberblocks

For little ones who are just starting their numbers and counting journey, this is the show for them. The short and simple videos make learning about math concepts fun.

Streaming on Netflix

Related: The 15 best ‘Bluey’ episodes (not for kids, but for the adults)

12. The Octonauts

These little underwater explorers embark on all kinds of adventures. Kids can learn about the ocean and all of the creatures who call it home.

Streaming on Netflix

13. Miss Linky

Another great YouTube option, this husband and wife duo create fun, educational videos for kids. Miss Linky’s short videos feature original songs, alphabet lessons and even exercise videos.

Streaming on YouTube