15 TV Shows And 10 Shorts To Watch With Your Young Kids
During the pandemic and with the recent birth of baby number two, my almost three-year-old needed some new shows for her short TV breaks between playtime, nap time, snacks etc, (gosh what a hard life). I deep dove into Reddit forums, asked other parents in the MiLOWE community and watched many of the shows and shorts myself to bring you 15 TV Shows and 10 Shorts (as well as a bonus resource!) for you and your kiddos. Enjoy!
TV Shows for Toddlers and Young Kids:
Elinor Wonders Why (PBS): Meet Elinor. The curious bunny rabbit that goes on wonderful adventures of discovery with her friends.
Into the Night Garden (tubi and youtube): This series also features sharing, caring costumed characters with silly names babbling baby talk and having adventures in a colorful outdoor setting.
Hilda (Netflix): Fearless, free-spirited Hilda finds new friends, adventure and magical creatures when she leaves her enchanted forest home and journeys to the city.
Guess How Much I Love You (Youtube): Based on the bestselling picture book, this gentle animated series is about the love and friendship between father and son.
Snowy Day (Amazon): Based on the award-winning book by Ezra Jack Keats. Peter goes on a magical, snowy walk to his Nana’s house to bring home their Christmas Eve dinner.
The Little Farmer Rabby (Apple TV/Amazon for purchase): Along with his friends, Rabby explores the wonders of nature’s creation, unfolding mysteries behind much of the world’s vegetation; later planting his own to learn even more!
Return from Puffin Rock (Netflix): Based on Puffin Island which is situated off the Irish coast, the series follows a young puffin named Oona and her little brother Baba as they explore their world.
If You Give a Mouse a Cookie (Amazon): When Mouse discovers that his favourite human, Oliver, is out of applesauce, the pair sets out on a shopping trip which soon becomes an unexpected adventure filled with a lengthy shopping list, runaway carts and one very confused marching band.
Bluey (Disney+ / Hulu): Follows the adventures of a Blue Heeler puppy, Bluey, who lives with her mum, dad, and sister. Her energy and lovable spirit gets her into all kinds of funny and unpredictable situations.
Nature Cat (PBS): This animated series centers on house cat Fred, a dreamer of the great outdoors. Once his family leaves for the day, Fred becomes Nature Cat and with the help of his animal friends, he embarks on action-packed adventures that allow him to explore the natural world.
Llama Llama (Netflix): Llama, his family and friends have heartwarming adventures in a safe, friendly town; based on the books by Anna Dewdney.
Tumble Leaf (Amazon): Tumble Leaf is a series aimed at preschoolers, set in a whimsical land where a small blue fox named Fig plays each day and discovers adventure, friendship and love around every bend in the path.
Miffy and Friends (Youtube): Animation for preschool children starring Dick Bruna's classic white bunny.
Dinosaur Train (PBS): Learn all kinds of dinosaur facts, play games and watch video from Dinosaur Train! All Aboooooard!
Creative Galaxy (Amazon): The adventures of Arty and his sidekick Epiphany, as they search the galaxy to solve problems with art.
Short Films:
Here We Are (Apple+): This short film follows a precocious seven-year-old who, over the course of a day, learns about the wonders of the planet from his parents and a mysterious exhibit at the aptly named, Museum of Everything.
Bao (Disney+): An empty-nester raises a sentient dumpling as her son.
La Luna (Disney+): A little boy from a family of star-sweepers finds his own way within their old traditions.
Lava (Disney+): A lonely volcano dreams of meeting his perfect match.
The Blue Umbrella (Disney+): Boy (umbrella) meets girl (umbrella).
Piper (Disney+): A baby bird learns to face its fears.
Sanjay’s Super Team (Disney+): A little boy imagines a superheroic battle between Hindu deities and a demon.
Stick Man (Amazon)
The Gruffalo (Amazon)
Room on the Broom (Amazon)
Kids Love Short Films: A kid-friendly site full of short films and short animation.
