Streaming services have revolutionized entertainment, offering endless options for viewers of all ages. For families, finding platforms that prioritize child-friendly content is a top priority. The best streaming services for kids combine engaging, educational, and age-appropriate programming that parents can trust. These platforms offer everything from animated movies and cartoons to educational shows and live-action series, ensuring children remain entertained while learning valuable lessons. In addition to content variety, features like parental controls, offline viewing, and kid-specific profiles make these platforms more appealing to families. This article highlights the streaming services that stand out for providing the most child-friendly content.
Netflix
Netflix remains one of the most popular streaming platforms worldwide, with an extensive library of content for all age groups, including kids. The platform’s dedicated “Netflix Kids” section ensures a safe and enjoyable experience for younger audiences. Content in this section is tailored to children under 12, including animated movies, educational programs, and beloved series. Netflix offers classics like Paw Patrol, Peppa Pig, and Magic School Bus Rides Again, alongside newer shows like Cocomelon and Gabby’s Dollhouse.
Parents appreciate Netflix's customizable profiles, allowing families to set up a “Kids Profile” where only age-appropriate programming is visible. Additionally, the platform offers content in a variety of languages, making it suitable for multilingual families. Netflix’s ability to download content for offline viewing is another advantage, enabling families to keep children entertained on trips without relying on an internet connection. Educational programs such as Ask the StoryBots and Octonauts blend learning with fun, ensuring children engage with content stimulating their curiosity.
Disney+
Disney+ is a clear favorite among families, offering a massive catalog of content centered around beloved Disney characters and stories. As the home for Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic, Disney+ delivers various options for kids of all ages. Classic Disney animated films like The Lion King, Aladdin, and Beauty and the Beast are readily available alongside modern hits such as Frozen and Moana. Pixar favorites like Toy Story, Finding Nemo, and Inside Out provide wholesome, engaging entertainment.
For younger children, Disney+ features series like Bluey, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, and Spidey and His Amazing Friends. Educational content from National Geographic introduces children to topics like wildlife, science, and exploration in a fun and accessible format. Disney+ also offers exclusive original programming such as Monsters at Work and Baymax!, which expand on classic movie franchises. With robust parental controls and the option to create kid-friendly profiles, Disney+ ensures a safe streaming experience for young viewers.
Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video has steadily built an impressive collection of child-friendly content, making it a strong option for families. The platform includes a dedicated “Kids” section that features a variety of animated movies, educational shows, and family-friendly series. Popular titles such as SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora the Explorer, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are accessible to young viewers, along with exclusive content like Pete the Cat and If You Give a Mouse a Cookie.
Amazon Prime Video’s parental controls allow families to restrict viewing based on age ratings, ensuring kids can only access appropriate programming. Additionally, the platform provides the option to purchase or rent specific movies, giving families access to an even wider range of child-friendly content not included in the standard subscription. For families looking for educational programming, shows like Wild Kratts and Blues Clues & You! combine learning with entertainment, keeping children engaged while helping them develop critical thinking skills.
Apple TV+
Apple TV+ stands out for its commitment to delivering high-quality, family-friendly programming. Although its content library is smaller compared to other platforms, Apple TV+ focuses on original programming that is both engaging and wholesome. Shows like Helpsters and Ghostwriter emphasize creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork, entertaining with an educational focus. Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock brings back nostalgia for parents while introducing young viewers to imaginative storytelling and fun characters.
Apple TV+ also features beautifully animated content like Snoopy in Space and The Snoopy Show, which capture the charm of the classic Peanuts series. Its user-friendly interface makes it easy for families to find age-appropriate content, while Apple’s robust parental controls allow parents to create a safe streaming environment for children. Apple TV+ may not offer the vast selection found on Netflix or Disney+, but its emphasis on thoughtful, child-centric storytelling makes it a worthwhile option for families.
Max
Max, fromerly known as HBO Max in some regions, offers an impressive selection of family-friendly programming that appeals to children of all ages. The platform is home to a variety of beloved animated series and movies, including Looney Tunes Cartoons, Tom and Jerry, and The Amazing World of Gumball. Max also features classic children’s shows like Sesame Street, making it a great choice for preschool-aged viewers.
The platform’s partnership with Cartoon Network further expands its child-friendly offerings, with series like Adventure Time, We Bare Bears, and Teen Titans Go! providing endless entertainment for older kids. Parents can utilize Max’s parental controls to filter content based on age ratings and create kid-friendly profiles. In addition to its entertainment options, Max occasionally features documentaries and educational programming that teach children about topics such as nature, science, and culture in an engaging way.
Paramount+
Paramount+ is a streaming platform that delivers a strong mix of live-action and animated programming for children. Its partnership with Nickelodeon gives families access to an extensive catalog of kid-friendly favorites, including Paw Patrol, Rugrats, and SpongeBob SquarePants. Paramount+ also offers a variety of movies like Clifford the Big Red Dog and The Adventures of Paddington, providing wholesome entertainment for younger viewers.
The platform features exclusive original programming, such as Kamp Koral: SpongeBob’s Under Years and Star Trek: Prodigy, which appeal to both kids and families. Paramount+ makes it easy to set up kid-specific profiles with parental controls, ensuring young viewers remain in a safe streaming environment. Families also benefit from access to live TV options, including Nick Jr. programming, making Paramount+ a well-rounded choice for child-friendly content.
Peacock
Peacock, NBCUniversal’s streaming platform, offers a variety of family-friendly programming, including classic children’s shows, animated movies, and original series. Titles like Curious George, Trolls: TrollsTopia, and Madagascar: A Little Wild appeal to younger viewers, while older kids can enjoy series like Dragons: The Nine Realms and Kung Fu Panda: The Paws of Destiny.
Peacock provides a mix of free and premium content, making it an affordable option for families. Parents can use parental controls to ensure a safe viewing experience for their children. While Peacock’s library may not be as extensive as Disney+ or Netflix, its focus on popular franchises and educational content makes it a reliable choice for families.
YouTube Kids
YouTube Kids is a specialized version of the main YouTube platform designed specifically for children. It offers a vast library of child-friendly videos, including educational programs, music, cartoons, and DIY tutorials. Parents can customize the experience by setting content filters and screen time limits to ensure children watch only appropriate material.
While YouTube Kids is free, it includes ads unless families subscribe to YouTube Premium. The platform’s endless variety of content makes it perfect for young viewers looking to explore topics like science experiments, storytelling, or creative arts.
