Best Educational Shows for Toddlers

We’ve all heard the guidelines about screen time for toddlers, and we’ve all felt the mom-guilt when we ignore them. But it doesn’t have to be all bad – there are plenty of educational shows for toddlers and preschoolers available!

And if we’re going to be jumping ship on listening to the AAP on this one (because there are only so many independent play activities we can muster up for one day, amiright?!), we might as well justify it by making sure the content is educational, or at least teaching some sort of life skills, right?

In the age of streaming services galore, the options for kid-friendly content are endless. But let’s face it, some of that content is… awful. Some of the shows my 4-year-old stumbles upon when left to his own devices are straight-up cringeworthy.

But thankfully, he’s also managed to find a few that I don’t completely despise. That perfect combination of entertaining and educational is rare for a kids show, but lucky for you, I’ve compiled our family’s favorites, so you can skip all the duds.

We’ve officially cut the cord in our house, so we rely on Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime for toddler shows.

Educational Shows for Toddlers on Netflix

Netflix, of course, has the largest roster of educational shows to choose from. However, it also has the most content overall to sift through, so it can be even harder to find the good stuff!

Story Bots

Story Bots is, by far, my favorite kids show right now. It’s got everything: humor, educational value, music, celebrity cameos… what more could you ask for in a kids’ show?!

I also love the way the show is structured. Each episode tells a cohesive story, and answers a specific question, but it’s broken up into smaller chunks and songs, so it keeps kids engaged.

The Magic School Bus

The ULTIMATE educational show for kids, as far as millennials are concerned – the Magic School Bus! Netflix has original classic episodes, and a new revamp of the series that’s just as fun.

You might even love watching it with them, for nostalgia’s sake.

Beat Bugs

Oh, how I LOVE Beat Bugs! All the music in the show is from The Beatles, so you definitely won’t mind hearing them on repeat or singing them endlessly at your child’s request.

(Unless you’re some kind of monster who doesn’t like The Beatles, in which case… let’s move on.)

Word Party

This show is great for younger toddlers. It features little baby animals in a daycare setting, who learn a new word and life skill each day. It’s all kinds of adorable!

Splash and Bubbles

Pretty much anything from PBS Kids is a safe bet for a good, educational show. This sweet show teaches preschoolers about life under the sea and some social-emotional skills along the way.

{And pro-tip: PBS Kids shows can also be found for free on their website or app, if you don’t have Netflix or other streaming services!}

Mother Goose Club

I don’t know what it is about this show, but it is irresistible for young toddlers. If you need your 2-year-old to just sit for 20 minutes and stop getting into ALL THE THINGS… just put this show on, and enjoy your peace.

Each episode features short segments that simply act out and sing your favorite nursery rhymes (and some new earworms that you’ll regret ever hearing, but your toddler will love).

Educational Shows for Toddlers on Disney+

Thank the good Lord above for Disney+, am I right? I genuinely don’t know what we’d be doing with our days right now without it. It’s basically a co-parent at this point.

I’ve already shared some of my favorite shows and movies for toddlers on Disney+, but these are the best shows that offer some kind of educational value as well.

Mickey Mouse Clubhouse

Good ol’ Mickey is a given, right? Mickey Mouse Clubhouse has a hypnotic effect on toddlers, somehow. It may be intended for younger toddlers, but even my 4-year-old gets drawn in and addicted to the mouse when it’s on for his sister.

Each episode has little quizzes and asks questions about shapes, numbers, and problem-solving throughout, all while Mickey and his friends get into hijinks galore.

Little Einsteins

With a name like Little Einsteins, how could this not be a great educational show for kids?! This sweet little show blends nature, culture, and classical music with problem-solving.

Muppet Babies

Muppet Babies is possibly the most adorable show on the list. There’s just nothing cuter than a little baby Fozzie Bear learning how to play nicely with his friends. This show teaches your kids life lessons and social skills, in quick 11-minute episodes.

Doc McStuffins

Doc McStuffins is just living every child’s dream: she brings stuffed animals to life and fixes their injuries and ailments! This show teaches problem solving and interpersonal skills, with a lot of cuteness mixed in.

Educational Shows for Toddlers on Amazon Prime

If you’re an Amazon Prime member, you get a whole slew of TV shows and movies included in your membership – it’s so worth it! It’s another great place to find some new shows to entertain and educate your kiddos.

Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood

Okay, let me just be honest here, and say that Daniel Tiger’s parents have done a better job parenting my children than I have. Heck, they’ve taught me some good life lessons.

Not only does Daniel educate his friends on different cultures, activities, and places, but he gives us some catchy sing-songy mantras to make sure we never forget them.

{*wanders out of the room singing, “if you have to go potty, STOP, and go right away…*}

Sesame Street

No list of educational toddler shows would be complete without a mention of Sesame Street! There’s a reason it’s been on the air for 50 years.

Everyone loves Elmo, and the celebrity cameos make it worth it for parents to tune in, too.

From counting, to letters, to social-emotional lessons, nothing beats Sesame Street when it comes to educational kids TV!

Dinosaur Train

My dinosaur-loving kiddos love this show! This is basically a 30-minute science class lesson for your toddlers and preschoolers, as it teaches them about natural science and paleontology.

Blippi

Ah, Blippi. As parents, we love him, we hate him, we love to hate him. He keeps our kids entranced and teaches them about colors, animals, professions, science… in possibly the most obnoxious way possible.

But if it buys us 20 minutes to unload and reload the dishwasher, while providing a little educational value? Worth it.

What educational shows are your toddlers and preschoolers watching during their extended time at home? Let me know in the comments!