Top 5 Alternatives to YouTube Kids

While YouTube Kids offers a variety of content for children, sometimes you need content that fits a specific situation or your child’s unique interests. For example, for car or air travel, you may want to choose audio content to prevent nausea.  Whether you’re looking for something educational, better for long car rides, or more interactive than videos, we’ve got you covered. Here are the top alternatives recommended by parents.

1. Other streaming services
2. Audio-only entertainment
3. Interactive Apps That Teach and Entertain
4. Streaming Services with Built-In Learning Experiences
5. Gaming and play-based learning

Other streaming services

Some of the best content for your child can be found on popular streaming services you already use. These platforms have shows that cater to a variety of interests—from science and problem-solving to art and storytelling. Choosing a streaming service alternative gives you the freedom to pick trusted, age-appropriate series with higher production quality and valuable lessons baked into the fun.

Here are some of the educational and entertaining favorites, available on popular streaming platforms.

Netflix Recommendations:

• Ada Twist, Scientist: Encourages curiosity and problem-solving.
• Octonauts: Adventures with a focus on marine biology and teamwork.
• StoryBots: Fun, musical lessons on everything from numbers to the solar system.

PBS KIDS Recommendations:

• Dinosaur Train: Explores science and history through dinosaurs.
• Wild Kratts: Adventures centered on animal biology and conservation.
• Odd Squad: Introduces math concepts through silly problem-solving missions.

Amazon Recommendations:

• Tumble Leaf: A gentle introduction to science and discovery.
• Creative Galaxy: Art and creativity are front and center in this imaginative series.

Disney+ Favorites:

• Bluey: Heartwarming stories about family and imaginative play.
• Magic of Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Perfect for young animal enthusiasts.

Audio-Only Entertainment

If your child gets car sick or you’re trying to minimize screen time, audio content can be a lifesaver. Podcasts, audiobooks, and music apps offer screen-free entertainment that stimulates imagination and helps kids focus on listening skills. Audio-only options are also perfect for multitasking—whether your child is crafting, building with blocks, or simply winding down after a busy day.

• Podcasts for Kids:

  • Wow in the World: A science-themed podcast for curious kids.
  • Circle Round: Folktales from around the world with immersive sound effects.
  • Brains On!: Answers to kids’ burning science questions.

• Audiobooks:

  • Classics like Charlotte’s Web or The Tale of Despereaux.
  • Popular series like Magic Tree House or Percy Jackson.

• Music and Story Apps:

  • Yoto Player: A screen-free device with cards that play music and audiobooks.
  • Spotify Kids: A curated selection of kid-friendly music and stories.
  • Toniebox: A screen-free audio player that uses small, hand-painted figurines called "Tonies" to play stories, songs, and educational content. This design is particularly appealing to younger children, as it combines tactile interaction with auditory learning.

Interactive Apps That Teach and Entertain

Interactive apps offer a balance between fun and learning, making them great for kids who enjoy hands-on experiences. And of course, once kids learn to read, and even before that too, a good book can be a wonderful alternative to videos and screen time.

The Amazon Kindle app for kids offers an interactive reading experience that children may also enjoy. You can interact with words as you read to learn their meaning. And for kids still learning to read, check out some of the following apps:

• Endless Alphabet: Builds vocabulary with fun animations.
• Toca Life World: Open-ended play that encourages creativity.
• Duolingo ABC: Introduces reading and language skills in a playful way.
• Khan Academy Kids: A free, comprehensive app with lessons across various subjects.

Streaming Services with Built-In Learning Experiences

Many streaming platforms go beyond entertainment to offer educational and engaging content:

• Netflix Kids: Has a vast library of shows like Ada Twist, Scientist and Ask the StoryBots that balance fun with learning.
• PBS KIDS Video App: Streams educational programming designed for young learners.
• Amazon Kids+: A subscription-based service offering shows, books, and games tailored to children’s interests and developmental stages.

Gaming and Play-Based Learning

For kids who love to explore, play-based apps and games can make screen time interactive and meaningful:

• Minecraft Education Edition: Introduces concepts like architecture, resource management, and creativity.
• Osmo Learning System: Combines hands-on activities with digital play.
• LEGO Builder Apps: Encourages problem-solving and spatial awareness.