30 Fun and Educational Animal Shows for Kids They’ll Love
Looking for the best animal shows for kids that are fun and educational? Whether your child loves wild creatures, underwater adventures, or cuddly pets, there’s a perfect show out there to spark their curiosity.
🐾 Quick Summary: Best Animal Shows for Kids by Age
| Age Group | Top Picks |
|---|---|
| Toddlers | Timothy Goes to School, Octonauts, Zoboomafoo |
| Preschool | Wild Kratts, Dino Dana, The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That |
| Elementary | Secrets of the Zoo, Deadly 60, Animal Atlas |
| All Ages | Magic of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Our Planet, Planet Earth |
These animal shows for kids are age-appropriate, engaging, and offer real educational value—many are available on Amazon Prime, PBS Kids, or Netflix.
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Why Animal Shows Are Awesome for Kids
Animal shows aren’t just entertaining—they teach empathy, science, geography, and conservation. For screen time that actually benefits your child’s development, educational animal shows are a parent win.
Want to keep screen time under control? Don’t miss this helpful guide on how to cap kids’ screen time to 45 minutes.
30 Amazing Animal Shows for Kids (By Age + Learning Style)
1. Wild Kratts (PBS Kids, Amazon Prime)
Perfect for ages 4–8, this show combines animation and live-action segments to teach biology, animal behavior, and habitats.
➡️ Watch Wild Kratts
2. Zoboomafoo (PBS Kids)
This throwback favorite features lemur antics, animal guests, and the Kratt brothers. Great for younger viewers who enjoy repetition and silly fun.
3. Octonauts (Netflix, Amazon)
Underwater adventure meets animal science in this preschool hit. Learn about sea creatures and teamwork.
➡️ Shop Octonauts DVDs
4. Dino Dana (Amazon Prime)
Dinosaurs + science + girl power = a winning combination. Great for ages 5–10.
➡️ Stream Dino Dana
5. The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That (PBS Kids)
Teaches about insects, animals, and ecosystems through rhymes and catchy songs. Excellent for curious preschoolers.
6. Secrets of the Zoo (National Geographic)
Older kids will love the behind-the-scenes look at zoo animal care. Educational, heartwarming, and full of fun facts.
➡️ Watch on Prime
7. Magic of Disney’s Animal Kingdom (Disney+)
A beautifully filmed docuseries narrated by Josh Gad. A great intro to real-life animal behavior and conservation.
8. Deadly 60 (BBC)
Host Steve Backshall tracks the world’s most dangerous animals. Fast-paced and perfect for adventure-loving tweens.
9. Animal Atlas (Tubi)
Explores animals from every continent with a focus on geography, adaptations, and habitats.
10. Planet Earth I & II (BBC)
A stunning documentary series that teaches kids about animals in their natural environments. Good for older kids and families.
➡️ Planet Earth DVD Set
11. Wildlife SOS (Animal Planet)
Follows real wildlife rescue stories. Teaches compassion, animal safety, and real-world conservation efforts.
12. Blue Planet II (BBC)
A mesmerizing deep-sea journey that showcases ocean animals in cinematic detail. Narrated by Sir David Attenborough.
13. The Zoo (Animal Planet)
Animal caretakers at the Bronx Zoo share stories of veterinary care, enrichment, and day-to-day zoo life.
14. Penguins: Spy in the Huddle (BBC)
Documentary with hidden “spy cameras” inside a penguin colony. Full of humor and discovery.
15. Nature Cat (PBS Kids)
Blends nature learning with comedy. It’s silly but educational—a great show for ages 3–6.
16. Elinor Wonders Why (PBS Kids)
This animated show encourages kids to ask questions about nature, animals, and the world around them. Ideal for curious preschoolers.
➡️ Watch Elinor Wonders Why
17. National Geographic Kids: Weird But True! (Disney+)
Packed with fun facts and bizarre truths about animals, this show is perfect for kids who love trivia and surprises.
18. Animals with Cameras (PBS)
Real animals wear cameras to give a firsthand view of wildlife behavior. Educational and unique—great for older kids and tweens.
➡️ Available through PBS
19. Critter Fixers: Country Vets (Disney+)
Follows two veterinarians in rural Georgia as they help pets, farm animals, and wildlife. Inspires compassion and curiosity about animal health.
20. Nature’s Weirdest Events (BBC)
For older kids and preteens, this show explores the bizarre side of animal behavior and strange natural phenomena.
21. Andy’s Safari Adventures (BBC, YouTube)
Preschoolers can travel the world with Andy to meet wild animals and learn about conservation.
22. Kratts’ Creatures (PBS)
The original Kratt Brothers show, full of real-life animal encounters and educational fun.
➡️ Watch Kratts’ Creatures
23. Life Story (BBC Earth)
Narrated by David Attenborough, this beautifully shot series explores how animals survive, grow, and adapt. Ideal for family viewing.
24. Jane (Apple TV+)
Inspired by Jane Goodall’s work, this newer series features a young girl using her imagination and passion for animals to protect wildlife. Excellent for tweens.
25. All Creatures Great and Small (PBS)
A gentle drama about a British countryside veterinarian. Good for older kids, especially animal lovers interested in careers in veterinary medicine.
26. The Zoo: San Diego (Animal Planet)
Real stories from the San Diego Zoo, showing animal births, training, and medical care.
➡️ Stream on Prime
27. Maddie’s Do You Know? (Netflix)
While not solely focused on animals, this show explains how animal-related items like fish tanks, hay bales, and vet tools work.
28. If I Were an Animal (Netflix)
Gentle, slow-paced documentary for preschoolers showing young animals growing up—narrated by kids, for kids.
29. Earth to Luna! (PBS Kids)
A Brazilian show about a girl named Luna and her fascination with science and animals. Great for early elementary learners.
30. Walking with Dinosaurs (BBC)
Dramatic, documentary-style series that makes extinct animals feel real. Fascinates kids with dinosaur love.
➡️ Walking with Dinosaurs DVD
🌿 For Toddlers & Low-Stimulation Needs
If you’re looking for gentler animal shows for toddlers, these are perfect:
- Timothy Goes to School
- Franklin and Friends
- Puffin Rock
- Tumble Leaf
- Wonder Pets
Need more ideas? Check out our list of 24 best low-stimulation shows for toddlers.
🐾 Fun Extras for Animal-Loving Kids
- Planning an animal-themed birthday party? These 25 active animal-themed games for kids will be a hit!
- Choosing a name for a new stuffed animal? Explore our list of 50 adorable names for kids’ stuffed animals.
- Try a virtual safari tour for kids and go on an animal adventure from home!
🧸 Bonus Tip: Combine Animal Shows with Comfort Tools
Some children may benefit from a cozy companion during TV time. Check out the best weighted cuddle buddies for added calm and self-regulation.
🧠 Frequently Asked Questions About Animal Shows for Kids
What are the best animal shows for preschoolers?
Great options include Octonauts, Wild Kratts, Zoboomafoo, and The Cat in the Hat. These shows mix fun and learning while being age-appropriate and visually engaging.
Are there any animal shows that are good for toddlers?
Yes! Puffin Rock, Wonder Pets, and Franklin and Friends are gentle, slower-paced, and perfect for little ones who prefer low-stimulation content.
Can animal shows actually be educational?
Absolutely. Many animal shows for kids incorporate lessons on science, geography, empathy, and conservation. Wild Kratts and Secrets of the Zoo are excellent examples.
Where can I stream these shows?
Most are available on Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, Disney+, PBS Kids, or Tubi. Many are also available on DVD through Amazon.
How many animal shows should I let my child watch?
Balance is key. One or two episodes a day is a good screen time limit, especially when paired with active play or educational follow-up. Try this screen time strategy: Cap kids’ screen time to 45 minutes.
❤️ Final Thoughts
Animal shows for kids are a win-win for parents—they’re educational, entertaining, and can help nurture curiosity and empathy. With options for every age and learning style, your child is sure to find a favorite.
📌 Pin this post to keep these animal show ideas handy for rainy days, lazy afternoons, or screen time you can feel good about!
