Inspiration comes from many places. Even though lots of families are looking to reduce screen time, there is value to be gained from watching a little TV. Some of our favorite family moments happen while snuggling on the couch watching a favorite show. What’s even better is when that show continues to inspire long after the credits roll.
With the rise of streaming, there are a crazy number of children’s shows to choose from. Some cover classic educational concepts, others focus on social-emotional learning. And some are just as entertaining for the parents as the kids. Here are a few of our favorite children’s TV shows that inspire and encourage creativity.
Gabby’s Dollhouse
Where you can watch it — Netflix
Recommended for ages 3 to 11
Gabby’s Dollhouse is a rainbow and glitter-filled show full of creative magic. This series features a fun mix of live-action and animation to keep kids engaged and learning. In every episode, Gabby, an 11-year-old girl fueled by positive thinking, shrinks down to join her kitty cat friends on fun adventures in her kitty dollhouse.
Sometimes Gabby and her friends bake while they problem-solve. Other times they craft or sing songs. But they are always working towards a solution with a growth mindset. Gabby’s Dollhouse is creative, social-emotional learning at its best.
If your child loves Gabby, check out a few of our favorite crafts that share her sparkly vibe! Your child can create a water bottle that captures their unique style. Or design a picture frame to display their favorite moments. They would certainly be Gabby and kitty approved!
Pinkalicious & Peterrific
Where you can watch it — your local PBS station or at PBSkids.org
Recommended for ages 2 to 8
Pinkalicious loves singing, dancing, creating, and the color pink! With her brother Peterrific, Pinkalicious goes on amazing, imaginary adventures. It’s a unique show that demonstrates the importance of art in our world, and it’s a fabulous way to help your kids see creative moments in everyday life.
Bluey
Where you can watch it — Disney+
Recommended for ages 2 and up
If you haven’t watched Bluey yet, do it! This amazing show is often cited as one of the best shows on TV. Yes, best shows all-around (not just for kids), because parents love it just as much as their kiddos.
Bluey features an Australian cartoon family of blue heeler dogs that somehow manage to mirror your own life. The kids are always playing fun games, often with the help of their mom and dad. And these make great inspiration for games you can play with your own family. Granted, some episodes may make your life harder (we’re looking at you “Featherwand”), but others, like “Queens”, can be lovely when you need a moment to relax.
We could write an entire blog on just Bluey, but for now, turn on a couple of these quick, 7-minute episodes and enjoy!
Numberblocks
Where you can watch it — Netflix
Recommended for ages 2 and up
Looking to get your kiddos excited about math? Bet you didn’t even know that was possible, but it can totally happen with the help of Numberblocks!
This show is excellent at demonstrating complicated math ideas with adorable characters and songs. Pair the show with your own pack of MathLink Cubes and watch your kids create with math. You’ll be stunned by how easily they begin to grasp complex concepts with the help of a catchy tune and some linking cubes.
Ada Twist, Scientist
Where you can watch it — Netflix
Recommended for ages 3 to 10
Add a little science to your day with this popular show based on the books by Andrea Beaty. Ada Twist is an 8-year-old girl full of curiosity. With the help of her friends, she solves mysteries and problems with creativity and science.
This is a great mix of academic and social-emotional learning with a focus on diversity. This series helps to encourage kids of all backgrounds and genders to explore the world of STEM. Give it a look — it’s bound to check all of your screen time boxes.
Want to help your child find their inner Ada? Try some fun STEM activities at home! Check out these make your own lip balm kits, or help them create their own colorful crystals. Both of these STEM kits come with everything your child needs to create and experiment. They’re a fun and easy way to bring science home!
Wild Kratts
Where you can watch it — your local PBS station or at PBSkids.org
Recommended for ages 3 to 12
If you have an animal-loving child, you have to watch Wild Kratts. This animated show by real-life brothers and biologists Martin and Chris Kratt will delight your kids. The characters build creature power suits to harness the unique characteristics of animals, then use them to solve problems, saving the natural world in the process.
You kids can create their own creature power discs with just some cardboard circles and colored pencils. They’ll have fun creating their animal drawings. Then they can suit up, power up, and run wild!
Dragons: Rescue Riders
Where you can watch it — the first two seasons are on Netflix, and the newest season can be found on Peacock
Recommended for ages 3 to 12
Introduce your younger child to the world of fantasy with Dragons: Rescue Riders. This animated series takes place in the same world as the How To Train Your Dragon books and movies, but with action better suited for your pre-K and young elementary-aged child.
This fun show features tons of social-emotional learning, kids doing amazing things, great laughs, and of course, dragons. Your kids will happily watch before running off to take part in their own daring adventures. Keep their imaginations alive and adventurous with this entertaining show.
Spidey and His Amazing Friends
Where you can watch it — Disney+
Recommended for ages 2 to 10
Need some playtime inspiration for your superhero-loving younger child? Disney has you covered with the more age-appropriate Spidey and His Amazing Friends!
This show follows three of the most famous spiders (Peter Parker, Miles Morales, and Gwen Stacy) while they web up and save the day in their small town. It features great diversity, fun and recognizable comic book characters, and a pretty amazing theme song that you’ll be humming all day long. Give it a watch for some superhero inspiration!
All of the Lego Shows
Where you can watch them — Disney+ and Netflix both have great options
Recommended for ages 4 and up
If you have kids, chances are you have Legos. These plastic building blocks can ignite creativity and open-ended play for people from age 1 (thanks Lego Duplo!) to 99 and beyond. And the hilarious Lego shows, from Jurassic World to Batman to Lego City, are just the thing to inspire your kids to break out the bricks.
If you’ve never watched a Lego show or movie, they are a riot! The humor is top-notch and just as entertaining for parents as kids. If you’re looking for a show to watch together, find your favorite Lego characters and enjoy!
Motown Magic
Where you can watch it — Netflix
Recommended for ages 3 to 11
Enjoy the classic sounds of Motown in this music-infused animated series. Ben is a creative kid finding his way in the world with a little help from his family, friends, and a magic paintbrush.
This series puts creativity front and center with an amazing soundtrack. You and your child will both feel inspired to create after just one episode. Coupled with strong social-emotional learning and diversity, this is bound to be a favorite for your family.
The Right Screen Time Choices Can Boost Your Child’s Creativity
With the right TV choices, your kids can find ample inspiration to create. Whether they love science, rainbows, music, or superheroes, there’s something on our list for every child. Check them out and let us know your favorites!
If your child is looking to craft like Gabby or experiment like Ada, check out our online store for a huge selection of craft and STEM activities your little one is bound to love. Keep your kids’ creativity flowing and bring their favorite shows to life with a little help from Purple Ladybug!
