Netflix is a treasure trove of excellent children’s shows that keep my four kids entertained, educated, and inspired. The streaming platform has become one of my household’s go-to platforms for original children’s programming, from action-packed adventures to heartwarming tales and educational fun.
With children aged three to 13, I’ve had the chance to experience many different series. I have been very impressed with the growing depth of Amazon’s children’s programming catalog, which includes everything from entirely new shows to original versions of successful series.
With input from my children, here are my family’s favorite original kids shows on Netflix.
Carmen Sandiego
This animated series, aimed at kids aged 6-12, follows the globe-trotting adventures of the iconic thief-turned-hero, Carmen Sandiego. The show combines mystery, geography, and action as Carmen outsmarts the villainous V.I.L.E. organization. Along the way, she uncovers secrets about her past and works to right the wrongs of her former allies.
The show is packed with educational tidbits about world cultures and landmarks, making it fun and informative.
Why My Kids Love Carmen Sandiego:
My kids are obsessed with the show’s clever puzzles. They love trying to solve mysteries alongside Carmen Sandiego.
In many ways, this Netflix kids show reminds me of the Carmen Sandiego TV show and computer game I was obsessed with as a kid. The 94% score on Rotten Tomatoes certainly highlights that viewers enjoy this cartoon version of the popular character.
The Dragon Prince
Aimed at kids aged eight and up, this fantasy series follows two princes, Callum and Ezran, and an elf named Rayla as they embark on a quest to bring peace to their warring lands.
With dragons, magic, and epic battles, it’s a thrilling ride from start to finish. The show explores themes of unity, forgiveness, and the importance of understanding others, all wrapped in a beautifully animated package.
Why My Kids Love The Dragon Prince:
The rich storytelling and lovable characters (especially the adorable dragon Zym) have my kids hooked. They love how brave the characters are, and from my viewpoint, they seem to get behind the teamwork exhibited by the show’s main characters. The show has a 100% Rotten Tomatoes score; you’ll understand why when you watch it.
Trollhunters: Tales of Arcadia
Created by Guillermo del Toro, this action-packed series is perfect for kids aged 7-12. It follows Jim, a teenager who discovers a hidden world of trolls beneath his small town and becomes their protector.
Jim battles evil trolls and other supernatural threats alongside his friends while balancing his ordinary life. The show is known for its stunning animation, heartfelt moments, and epic battles.
Why My Kids Love Trollhunters:
The mix of humor and adventure keeps my kids glued to the screen. They especially love the quirky trolls and Jim’s transformation into a hero. This series has been critically praised, scoring a 94% on Rotten Tomatoes.
It’s also one of my favorite cartoons, thanks to the kind of imaginative storytelling audiences have come to expect from the show’s creator.
The Boss Baby: Back in Business
This spin-off of the hit movie is aimed at kids aged 4-8. It follows the Boss Baby and his brother Tim as they navigate the cutthroat world of Baby Corp. Together, they work to maintain the balance between babies and adults while dealing with hilarious corporate antics.
Why My Kids Love The Boss Baby:
The slapstick humor and baby antics have my kids engaged nonstop. They also love the relationship between Tim and the Boss Baby. In general, TV continuations of popular movies, from animated favorites to Marvel spin-offs, do well in my house.
It’s not a big audience hit, with a 60% score on Rotten Tomatoes, but young viewers will likely enjoy the show.
The Epic Tales of Captain Underpants
Based on the beloved book series, this show is aimed at kids aged 6-10. It follows George and Harold as they turn their grumpy principal into the hilarious superhero Captain Underpants. The duo uses their creativity and humor to navigate school life and battle ridiculous villains. The show is filled with potty humor, imaginative storytelling, and a celebration of friendship.
Why My Kids Love Captain Underpants:
The age-appropriate potty humor and silly antics are a constant source of giggles. My kids also love the creative storytelling. My son, an avid reader, might like the TV show more than the books, which he devoured when he was younger. 82% of audience members on Rotten Tomatoes love the show, and it deserves that level of praise.
Ask the StoryBots
This educational series is perfect for kids aged 3-6. The StoryBots are tiny creatures who answer big questions about how the world works, from science to emotions. Each episode features catchy songs, celebrity cameos, and fun animations that make learning exciting.
Why My Kids Love Ask the StoryBots:
The catchy songs and fun animations make learning exciting. My kids love singing along and sharing their new knowledge with everyone after learning fun and interesting facts on the show. I also love StoryBots because it’s very upbeat, and every second is filled with a laugh or an interesting educational moment.
The Last Kids On Earth
This post-apocalyptic adventure is aimed at kids aged 8-12. It follows a group of kids battling zombies and monsters after all adults on Earth have disappeared.
Based on the popular book series, the show combines humor, action, and heartwarming moments as the kids navigate their new world.
Why My Kids Love The Last Kids on Earth:
The mix of humor and action is a big draw. My kids also love the creative ways the characters use everyday items to fight monsters. My son and I have also played through the video game, which offers multiplayer play that is super fun for the whole family.
I think the show’s 85% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes is low. It’s inventive, beautifully drawn, and features many fun characters you’ll love by the end of the series. This may even be my favorite kids show on Netflix.
Hilda
This charming series is perfect for kids aged 6-10. It follows a brave girl named Hilda as she explores a magical world filled with mythical creatures. Based on the graphic novels, the show is known for its beautiful animation, imaginative stories, and themes of curiosity and kindness.
Why My Kids Love Hilda:
The imaginative stories captivate my kids. They also love Hilda’s courage and curiosity. It’s probably not shocking that my three-year-old and seven-year-old daughters are more into this show than my 10-year-old son and 13-year-old daughter.
Hildo has a 93% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes and deserves all the praise audiences have bestowed upon it.
Green Eggs And Ham
Based on Dr. Seuss’s classic book, this series is aimed at kids aged 4-8. It follows Sam-I-Am and Guy as they embark on a wild adventure to save an endangered animal. The show expands on the original story with quirky characters, hilarious antics, and heartwarming messages about friendship and trying new things.
Why My Kids Love Green Eggs and Ham:
The quirky characters and hilarious antics keep my kids entertained. They also love the colorful animation. I love the screenwriting for this series. It’s just as great for older audiences as for younger children. It never speaks down to its audience, and it’s clever. I’ve read all of Dr. Seuss’ books to my children and they love his work so I wasn’t surprised this became an instant hit in our household.
Perhaps one of the best-drawn and best-written kids’ shows on Netflix, it deserves every bit of the 90% audience score it has received on Rotten Tomatoes.
Alexa & Katie
This live-action series is aimed at kids aged 8-12. It follows two best friends as they navigate high school while dealing with Alexa’s cancer diagnosis. The show balances humor and heartfelt moments, showcasing the strength of their friendship and the challenges they face together.
Why My Kids Love Alexa & Katie:
The relatable characters and stories resonate with my 13-year-old, who says she likes the strong friendship between Alexa and Katie. It’s a great coming-of-age comedy series that, in my opinion, ended too soon after four parts and 39 episodes. But have no fear, they managed to wrap up the show with a good amount of character resolution.
As one of the highest-rated kids shows on Netflix, Alexa & Katie deserves every bit of the 96% audience score it has received on Rotten Tomatoes.
She-Ra And The Princesses Of Power
This reboot of the ’80s classic is perfect for kids aged 8-12. It follows Adora as she transforms into the warrior She-Ra to fight against the evil Horde. The show features strong female characters, epic battles, and themes of friendship, courage, and self-discovery.
Why My Kids Love She-Ra:
The strong female characters and epic battles are a big hit with my daughters and son. My kids are big into superheroes and intricate lore, having grown up in a big Marvel family. She-Ra fits nicely into the superhero motif while offering a different feel from our typical Marvel fare.
Critics and audience members on Rotten Tomatoes have been split, with a 60% critic score and a 79% audience score. I fully agree with the audience in this case.
Spirit Riding Free
This animated series is aimed at kids aged 6-10. It follows a girl named Lucky and her wild mustang, Spirit, as they explore the frontier. Based on the movie Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron, the show is filled with adventure, friendship, and beautiful animation.
Why My Kids Love Spirit Riding Free:
My kids said they like watching Lucky and Spirit’s adventures throughout the show. My oldest said she also loves the animation. She’s older than the recommended age range, but she grew up on Spirit, which still holds a special place in her heart.
Dragons: Rescue Riders
Set in the How to Train Your Dragon world, this series is perfect for kids aged 4-8. It follows twins who can talk to dragons as they protect their village. The show is filled with adorable dragons, exciting adventures, and themes of teamwork and bravery.
I’m a huge fan of the How to Train Your Dragon movies, and the live-action version made my list of the 2025 Family and Kids Movies I’m Taking My Children To See.
Why My Kids Love Dragons: Rescue Riders:
The adorable dragons and exciting adventures are a big draw. All of my kids are fans of Toothless, and with this series, they got to expand the show’s universe, introducing new favorites and plenty of new fun adventures.
The show has a 70% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. It’s follow up Dragons Rescue Riders: Heroes Of The Sky, is also worth a watch with your little ones.
The Magic School Bus Rides Again
This reboot of the classic series is aimed at kids aged 5-10. It follows Ms. Frizzle’s sister, Fiona, as she takes her class on wild scientific adventures. Each episode explores a new scientific concept in a fun and engaging way.
Why My Kids Love The Magic School Bus Rides Again:
The fun science lessons and quirky humor keep my kids engaged. They also love the imaginative field trips, my favorite part of the TV series growing up. The reboot worried me, but it has become one of the best kids’ shows on Netflix.
Pokémon Journeys: The Series
This installment in the Pokémon franchise is perfect for kids aged 6-12. It follows Ash and Pikachu as they explore new regions and meet new Pokémon. The show is filled with exciting battles, adorable Pokémon, and themes of perseverance and friendship.
Why My Kids Love Pokémon Journeys:
The exciting battles are a favorite for my son. When he turned 10 last year, he suddenly became a Pokemon superfan and started watching the show from its origin to the modern day. I’m pretty sure this show is the fastest he has ever binged a TV series.
A quick note on this series: It’s only a Netflix series in the sense that the streamer optioned the rights; it first debuted on TV Tokyo.
The Mr. Peabody & Sherman Show
Based on the classic characters, this series is aimed at kids aged 6-10. It follows the genius dog Mr. Peabody and his boy Sherman as they host a talk show. Each episode features time-traveling adventures and clever humor.
Why My Kids Love Mr. Peabody & Sherman:
The clever humor and historical adventures are a big hit. My kids also love the quirky dynamic between Mr. Peabody and Sherman. It’s a quirky little show you have to watch to understand.
Ever After High
This fantasy series is perfect for kids aged 6-10. It follows the children of famous fairy tale characters as they navigate their destinies. The show explores individuality, self-discovery, and breaking free from expectations.
Why My Kids Love Ever After High:
The magical world and relatable characters resonate with my two youngest daughters. My children are big fans of fantasy movies, TV shows, and books, so this show quickly resonated.
Kipo And The Age Of Wonderbeasts
This vibrant series is aimed at kids aged 8-12. It follows Kipo as she explores a post-apocalyptic world filled with mutant animals. The show is known for its unique world-building, lovable characters, and themes of friendship and resilience.
Why My Kids Love Kipo:
My kids are completely captivated by the show’s creativity and world-building. They love the quirky mutant animals, like the mega-bunnies and the neon narwhals, and how each episode introduces something new and unexpected.
The show’s music is another big hit—my kids are always humming the catchy tunes and singing along to the original songs. It’s a show that feels fresh and exciting, and they can’t wait to see what Kipo and her friends will encounter next.
This show deserves the critical acclaim it received from critics who gave it a perfect 100% score on Netflix, alongside an audience score of 87% which feels low to me.
The Hollow
This mystery series is perfect for kids aged 10 and up. It follows three teens trying to escape a strange and dangerous world. The show is filled with suspense, mind-bending twists, and themes of teamwork and survival.
Why My Kids Love The Hollow:
The suspenseful plot and mind-bending twists keep my two oldest kids engaged. They also love solving mysteries alongside the characters.
The Hallow is another original kids show on Netflix with a 100% critic score on Netflix, although audiences have been generally less receptive, giving it a 74% score.
Llama Llama
Based on the beloved book series, this show is perfect for kids aged 2-6. It follows Llama Llama as he navigates childhood adventures with his family and friends. The show has gentle lessons about emotions, kindness, and problem-solving.
Why My Kids Love Llama Llama:
The relatable stories and adorable characters resonate with my kids. My two and seven year olds are big fans of the book series so they love seeing it come to life in animated form.
Audiences haven’t loved this series, rating it a low 55% on Rotten Tomatoes, but my youngest kids love it.
Puffin Rock
This charming animated series, aimed at kids aged 2-6, is set on a picturesque island filled with adorable animals. The show follows Oona, a curious and kind-hearted puffin, and her little brother Baba as they explore their island home, make friends, and learn about the natural world. With its gentle storytelling, soothing narration by Chris O’Dowd, and beautifully hand-drawn animation, Puffin Rock is a delightful mix of adventure and education and one of the most endearing kids shows on Netflix.
Why My Kids Love Puffin Rock:
The whimsical world of Puffin Rock is a big hit with my younger kids. They love Oona’s adventurous spirit and Baba’s mischievous antics, and the show’s calming tone makes it perfect for winding down later in the day. The colorful animation and lovable animal characters—like Mossy the rabbit and Otto the owl—keep them engaged, while the subtle lessons about nature and kindness resonate without feeling preachy. Plus, Chris O’Dowd’s narration adds a warm, funny touch that even I enjoy. It’s a show that feels like a cozy hug, and my kids can’t get enough of it.
Added Bonus: In 2023, a Puffin Rock movie titled Puffin Rock and the New Friends debuted on Netflix. It scored a 100% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes, and audiences gave it an 86% score.
Gabby’s Dollhouse
This interactive animated-live action hybrid series, aimed at kids aged 3-7, follows Gabby, a curious and creative girl who transforms her dollhouse into a magical world filled with talking cats, fantastical adventures, and DIY crafts.
Each episode combines animation, live-action segments, and hands-on activities, encouraging kids to use their imagination and problem-solving skills. With its vibrant visuals, catchy songs, and lovable characters like CatRat and Pandy Paws, Gabby’s Dollhouse is a playful and engaging series that feels like a playdate come to life.
Why My Kids Love Gabby’s Dollhouse:
My younger kids are entirely enchanted by Gabby’s magical dollhouse and its quirky cat characters. They love the mix of animation and live-action, especially the parts where Gabby does fun crafts or solves puzzles.
The show’s upbeat energy and catchy songs—like the “Gabby Cat Song”—have them singing and dancing along every time. My kids also enjoy the interactive elements, like guessing what’s inside the surprise box or helping Gabby figure out how to fix a problem. It’s a show that sparks their creativity and keeps them entertained from start to finish.
Jurassic World Camp Cretaceous
This action-packed animated series, aimed at kids aged 8-12, follows a group of six teenagers who win a spot at an exclusive adventure camp on Isla Nublar, the same island as the Jurassic World theme park. When the dinosaurs break loose, the campers must band together to survive in a world where danger lurks around every corner.
With thrilling dinosaur encounters, high-stakes adventures, and themes of teamwork and resilience, Jurassic World Camp Cretaceous is a must-watch for fans of the Jurassic Park franchise.
Why My Kids Love Jurassic World Camp Cretaceous:
My son is obsessed with the show’s non-stop action and suspense. He loves the show’s characters, their close calls with the dinosaurs, and the numerous daring escapes. It’s like a rollercoaster ride in every episode, and he’s always eager to see what happens next. As a Jurassic Park fan, I love how the show ties into the larger franchise while still being accessible and fun for younger viewers.
Sonic Prime
This high-speed animated series, aimed at kids aged 6-12, follows everyone’s favorite blue hedgehog, Sonic, as he races through the multiverse after a mysterious event shatters the world into different dimensions. With his trademark speed and attitude, Sonic must navigate strange new worlds, team up with alternate versions of his friends, and take on Dr. Eggman in a battle to save the universe.
Packed with fast-paced action, vibrant animation, and plenty of humor, Sonic Prime is a thrilling ride for fans of the iconic video game character.
Why My Kids Love Sonic Prime:
My kids are huge fans of Sonic’s high-energy adventures and the show’s colorful, multiverse-hopping storyline. As a gaming household, they also love that the show heavily features characters that include Tails, Knuckles, and Amy.
The action sequences are a big hit—Sonic’s speed and acrobatics make every chase and battle feel exhilarating. It’s a perfect blend of nostalgia for longtime Sonic fans and fresh excitement for new viewers, and my kids can’t get enough of it.
Audiences on Rotten Tomatoes have given this series an 82% score and it’s well deserved. It’s undoubtedly one of the best kids shows on Netflix in the gaming category.
Sharkdog
This quirky animated series, aimed at kids aged 4-8, follows the adventures of Max, a young boy, and his best friend, Shark Dog—a unique hybrid of, you guessed it, a shark and a dog. Together, they embark on wild escapades, from exploring mysterious islands to uncovering ancient treasures while navigating everyday life’s challenges. With its mix of humor, adventure, and heartwarming moments, Shark Dog is a fun and imaginative show that celebrates friendship and curiosity.
Why My Kids Love Sharkdog:
My three, seven, and ten-year-olds have all loved this show. Shark Dog’s silly antics and unique blend of shark and dog traits make for a unique and adorable story. They love how he can sniff out treasure like a dog but also swim like a shark, and his unpredictable behavior always keeps them laughing.
The friendship between Max and Shark Dog is a big highlight for them, and they often pretend to have their own Shark Dog adventures in the backyard. It’s a lighthearted, fun show perfect for younger viewers who love animals and adventure. It’s one of the strangest kids’ shows on Netflix and one of the most fun to watch with my little ones.
If you want to find shows you’ll enjoy viewing with your children, check out my list of The Best Kids Shows That Parents Also Love Watching.