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Best educational shows for kids: science and nature
These science and nature shows were made with scientists and tested with children. Each gets something right about how a child learns.
Chosen from PBS KIDS, BBC and Common Sense Media, with show information checked on Wikipedia, Oct 2026. Checked 2026-10-25. Nobody paid to be here. The buy links are plain search links, not affiliate links, so Peabody earns nothing from them.
Wild Kratts
Chris and Martin Kratt · Ages 4-9
Two brothers shrink down into animal powers; each episode teaches one species.
Buy: Amazon
The Magic School Bus Rides Again
Netflix · Ages 5-9
A new run with Ms. Frizzle's sister; real science explained simply.
Buy: Amazon
Octonauts
Meomi · Ages 3-7
Underwater rescue crew teaches ocean animals.
Buy: Amazon
Planet Earth II
BBC Natural History Unit · Ages 7-14
Nature photography at a very high level; narrated by David Attenborough.
Watch for: Some predator-and-prey scenes.
Buy: Amazon
Our Planet
Netflix and WWF · Ages 8-14
Climate and wildlife with David Attenborough.
Watch for: Includes scenes of animals in distress due to habitat loss.
Buy: Amazon
Nature Cat
PBS KIDS · Ages 3-6
A house cat goes into the outdoors.
Buy: Amazon
Ready Jet Go!
PBS KIDS · Ages 4-8
Alien kids teach space and science.
Buy: Amazon
Dinosaur Train
Jim Henson Company · Ages 3-6
A trip on a time-travelling train teaches dinosaur facts.
Buy: Amazon
Elinor Wonders Why
PBS KIDS · Ages 3-6
A rabbit asks science questions and finds the answers outdoors.
Buy: Amazon
Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey
Neil deGrasse Tyson, Fox / National Geographic · Ages 10-16
Astronomy for older children, rated TV-PG.
Buy: Amazon
Bill Nye the Science Guy
Bill Nye, 1993 · Ages 7-12
Fast, funny experiments with a clear explanation.
Buy: Amazon
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