Dinosaurs have long fascinated kids, and an entire cottage industry of dino-based TV shows and movies has followed that interest with great success.
With four children in my household, I’ve watched almost every dinosaur cartoon available. A few are available on streaming platforms, and I’ve highlighted the TV shows and movies that have resonated with my three daughters and son.
While you can purchase some of these TV shows and movies on other platforms, I’ve only listed the streaming services where you can watch them at no additional cost. I’ve also highlighted why my kids, and kids in general, love each TV series or movie.
Dinosaur Train (TV Series)
Streaming Service: Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, PBS Kids
Synopsis: Dinosaur Train is an education-based animated series that follows Buddy, a young Tyrannosaurus Rex, who is adopted by a Pteranodon family. Together, they embark on exciting journeys aboard the Dinosaur Train, traveling through time to explore different dinosaur species and eras. Each episode combines fun storytelling with fascinating dinosaur facts, making it entertaining and informative.
Why Kids Love Dinosaur Train: Kids adore this show because it has adventure, colorful characters, and cool dinosaur facts. It’s a perfect blend of fun and learning, making it a hit for kids and parents. Dino Train debuted in 2009 and has been a hit with all four of my children over the years.
Dino Ranch (TV Series)
Streaming Service: Disney+, Amazon Prime Video
Synopsis: Set in a fantastical “pre-westoric” world, Dino Ranch follows the Cassidy family as they work together to tame and train dinosaurs on their ranch. With action-packed episodes, the show focuses on teamwork, problem-solving, and the bond between humans and dinosaurs.
Why Kids Love Dino Ranch: The mix of cowboys and dinosaurs is a winning combination! Kids love the action, the adorable dinosaurs, and the exciting challenges the Cassidy family faces on their ranch. This show is great for your toddler or preschooler, but your older children may outgrow it quickly.
Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous (TV Series)
Streaming Service: Netflix
Synopsis: This thrilling animated series is set in the Jurassic World universe and follows a group of teenagers who win a chance to visit the dinosaur theme park. However, when the park’s security systems fail, they must band together to survive the island’s dangers. Filled with suspense, friendship, and dinosaurs, this series is a must-watch for older kids. As a dino-loving dad, it’s also one of my favorite dinosaur cartoons on streaming.
Why Kids Love Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous: The show is action-packed, suspenseful, and full of dinosaur encounters. It’s perfect for kids who love adventure and the Jurassic World franchise.
Dinotrux (TV Series)
Streaming Service: Netflix
Synopsis: Dinotrux is a unique blend of dinosaurs and trucks, set in a prehistoric world where half-dinosaur, half-construction vehicle hybrids roam. The series follows Ty Rux, a Dinotrux, and his friends as they work together to build a better world while fending off threats from the villainous D-Structs.
Why Kids Love Dinotrux: For many kids, the combination of dinosaurs and trucks is a dream come true, including my son, who loved this show when it first debuted. The show is funny, fast-paced, and has creative characters that will keep your children entertained.
Bad Dinosaurs (TV Series)
Streaming Service: Netflix
Synopsis: Bad Dinosaurs is a hilarious and chaotic series about a clumsy T-Rex dad and his three mischievous dinosaur kids. Set in a prehistoric jungle, the show follows the characters’ misadventures as they cause trouble and try to survive in a dangerous world.
Why Kids Love Bad Dinosaurs: The slapstick humor and silly antics of the dinosaur family make this show a laugh-out-loud experience for kids. It’s lighthearted, fun, and perfect for younger audiences.
Harry and His Bucket Full of Dinosaurs (TV Series)
Streaming Service: Peacock, Amazon Prime Video
Synopsis: Based on the popular book series, this show follows Harry, a young boy who discovers a bucket full of toy dinosaurs that magically come to life. Together, they embark on imaginative adventures to solve problems and learn valuable life lessons.
Why Kids Love Harry and His Bucket Full of Dinosaurs: The show sparks creativity and imagination as Harry and his dinosaur friends explore magical worlds. Kids love the fun stories and the bond between Harry and his dinos.
Gigantosaurus (TV Series)
Streaming Service: Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video
Synopsis: Set in the Cretaceous period, Gigantosaurus follows four young dinosaurs—Rocky, Bill, Tiny, and Mazu—as they explore their world and encounter the legendary Gigantosaurus. Each episode is filled with adventure, humor, and important lessons about friendship and bravery.
Why Kids Love Gigantosaurus: The show is action-packed and funny and features a cast of lovable dinosaur characters. Kids enjoy the thrilling adventures and the larger-than-life Gigantosaurus.
The Good Dinosaur (Movie)
Streaming Service: Disney+
Synopsis: This heartwarming Pixar film imagines a world where dinosaurs never went extinct. The story follows Arlo, a young Apatosaurus, who forms an unlikely friendship with a human boy named Spot. Together, they journey through a dangerous and beautiful landscape to find their way home.
Why Kids Love The Good Dinosaur: The movie is full of adventure and my kids love the bond between Arlo and Spot, as well as the film’s humor and heartfelt moments. There were some great laugh out loud moments when my kids watched this dinosaur cartoon for the first time.
Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur (TV Series)
Streaming Service: Disney+, Amazon Prime Video
Synopsis: Based on the Marvel comic, this animated series follows Lunella Lafayette, a super-smart 13-year-old girl, and her giant red T. rex companion, Devil Dinosaur. Together, they protect their neighborhood from villains and supernatural threats while navigating the challenges of middle school.
Why Kids Love Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur: The show is action-packed and funny and features a strong, relatable heroine. Kids love the dynamic duo and the exciting mix of superhero action and dinosaur fun. I should note that I live in a Marvel household; we have seen every movie in theaters, and we watch Marvel TV shows as a family. But even without a love for Marvel, this unique cartoon is still a fun adventure for kids and their parents.
Jurassic World: Chaos Theory (TV Series)
Streaming Service: Netflix
Synopsis: A follow-up to Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous, this series continues the adventures of the Camp Cretaceous kids as they face new dangers in a world where dinosaurs now roam free. The stakes are higher, and the action is more intense as they uncover a conspiracy threatening humans and dinosaurs.
Why Kids Love Jurassic World: Chaos Theory: The show is thrilling, suspenseful, and full of dinosaur action. Fans of Camp Cretaceous will love seeing their favorite characters return for more adventures. I’m super excited that new episodes are right around the corner, as this is another of my favorites and a perfect follow-up to Camp Cretaceous.
Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs (Movie)
Streaming Service: Hulu, Disney+
Synopsis: In this Ice Age sequel, Manny, Sid, Diego, and the rest of the gang discover a hidden world of dinosaurs beneath the ice. When Sid is kidnapped by a mama T-Rex, the group must venture into the dinosaur world to rescue him, leading to hilarious and action-packed adventures.
Why Kids Love Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs: The movie is funny, fast-paced, and features beloved characters meeting dinosaurs for the first time. My kids love the mix of humor, adventure, and prehistoric creatures.
LEGO Jurassic World: Legend of Isla Nublar (TV Series)
Streaming Service: Peacock TV, Paramount+, Amazon Prime Video
Synopsis: This LEGO animated series is a prequel to the Jurassic World movies, showing the construction of the park and the challenges faced by the team. With LEGO’s signature humor and creativity, the series combines action, comedy, and dinosaurs in a way that’s perfect for kids.
Why Kids Love LEGO Jurassic World: Legend of Isla Nublar: The LEGO humor and the exciting dinosaur action make this show a hit. Kids love the playful take on the Jurassic World universe and the fun LEGO characters.
I wrote an article about the best LEGO video games to paly with children so it’s no surprise that my children love a LEGO-based dinosaur cartoon.
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