There are a lot of shows designed to keep kids entertained on TV right now, and these shows are a key tool in any parent’s arsenal for keeping their kids engaged during summer vacation.

But most parents are really looking for programming that goes beyond just entertaining their kids. They want shows that will continue the education they received in the school year through the summer months. Make that screen time really count!

That’s where we come in. Here’s our list of the 15 best shows to help your kids stay entertained and keep learning valuable skills and life lessons all summer long.

You can cue up all of your kids’ favorite shows right on DIRECTV. Sign up today and let the learning begin!

The 15 Most Educational Children’s Shows to Watch in 2025

Without further ado, here’s how to keep your kiddos occupied this summer while continuing to help them learn, each and every day.

1. ‘Sesame Street’

What It Teaches: Foundational academic skills (literacy, numeracy), emotional intelligence, cooperation, diversity, inclusion

One of the most beloved and enduring educational shows, Sesame Street uses lovable puppets to teach foundational academic and social-emotional skills. Its curriculum-based approach nurtures literacy, numeracy, curiosity, sharing and respect for diversity.

Children easily engage with the show’s Muppet characters, learning concepts in an environment where humor, modeling and interactive storytelling are seamlessly blended. The show has long displayed a commitment to diversity, featuring a diverse cast drawn from many cultures and directly addressing topics like empathy, self-control and inclusion.

2. ‘Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood’

What It Teaches: Social-emotional skills, empathy, self-regulation, communication, routines, problem-solving

This gentle animated spin-off of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood features a 4-year-old tiger named Daniel, who is the son of Daniel Striped Tiger from the original show.

In each episode, Daniel navigates social and emotional challenges common to preschoolers, such as sharing, handling disappointment and controlling anger and frustration. Each episode introduces positive behaviors and simple coping strategies through catchy ‘strategy songs’ The show is well-regarded by parents for offering kids practical tools for self-regulation and kindness.

3. ‘Blue’s Clues’

What It Teaches: Critical thinking, problem-solving, pattern recognition, early literacy

Nickelodeon’s Blue’s Clues was one of the earliest pioneers of the now-omnipresent interactive children’s show format, following Steve (or Joe) and his puppy Blue as they invite the audience to help some solve mysteries by tracking down the eponymous Blue’s clues.

Blue’s Clues stands out for making the viewer an essential participant, rather than a passive observer. This dynamic fosters critical thinking, pattern recognition and problem-solving. The pacing—pauses after questions—allows toddlers and preschoolers the time to think and answer, building their confidence and attention span.

Recently, the show has been rebooted as Blue’s Clues & You.

4. ‘Dora the Explorer’

What It Teaches: Bilingualism (English & Spanish), problem-solving, persistence, teamwork

Another early interactive kids’ show from Nickelodeon, Dora the Explorer follows a young girl named Dora’s adventures through vibrant landscapes, aided by her talking monkey Boots.

Dora, like Blue’s Clues, actively engages toddlers and young children in solving problems and overcoming obstacles. The recurring interactive format encourages kids to repeat phrases, learn basic Spanish and understand maps and sequences. This builds language, memory, listening and cultural awareness. Dora’s constant questions and encouragement nurture independence and resilience in her audience.

5. ‘Wild Kratts’

What It Teaches: Zoology, ecology, animal behavior, environmental stewardship and critical thinking

Brothers Chris and Martin Kratt of Zooboomafoo fame animate themselves to embark on creature-powered missions, introducing kids to concepts about animal biology, habitats, conservation and more.

The show’s blend of adventure storytelling and education around real scientific concepts fosters curiosity about wildlife and the environment. It instills respect for nature, encourages STEM learning and introduces vocabulary and ecological principles, all delivered in engaging, action-packed ways.

6. ‘Curious George’

What It Teaches: Scientific inquiry, cause and effect, curiosity, basic math and science concepts, perseverance

George –a clever but mischievous monkey — explores a world full of new experiences, sometimes causing chaos but always finding creative solutions. Each episode focuses on early problem-solving skills, scientific reasoning and perseverance. The gentle, humorous approach encourages curiosity and experimentation, supporting early STEM learning and resilience through trial and error.

7. ‘Little Bear’

What It Teaches: Imagination, family and friendship, empathy, storytelling, gentle social/emotional lessons

Little Bear follows the lovable, curious and adventurous Little Bear and his woodland friends as they play, imagine and gently resolve conflicts.

The stories showcase family bonds, kindness and simple adventures in nature. Its slower pacing and focus on emotional intelligence make this a low-stimulation, soothing watch for kids of any age.

You can watch it on Amazon Prime and Paramount+ through your DIRECTV subscription.

8. ‘Barney & Friends’

What It Teaches: Friendship, sharing, cooperation, basic academic and safety concepts, self-esteem

Perhaps no children’s show mascot is more recognizable than Barney, a bright purple dinosaur who welcomes children into his imaginative, song-filled world.

Barney & Friends has long been a beloved vessel for teaching kids about sharing and cooperation. The show’s musical format makes academic and social concepts stick, while routines and predictable segments help young kids feel comfortable and included. Its enthusiastic emphasis on friendship and positive behaviors makes it a fundamental show for teaching social-emotional basics.

9. ‘Bluey’

What It Teaches: Creativity, imaginative play, family relationships, emotional literacy, teamwork

Bluey follows an Australian Blue Heeler pup and her playful family as they re-enact familiar moments from everyday life through imaginative play and humor. The series models creativity, communication, problem-solving and empathy, while gently highlighting life lessons for both kids and adults. Bluey’s relatable scenarios, strong family focus and high emotional intelligence provide invaluable lessons for the whole family to enjoy.

10. ‘Ask The StoryBots’

What It Teaches: Scientific concepts, inquiry-based learning, basic problem-solving, curiosity, teamwork

This inventive animated show features the brightly colored and curious StoryBots as they answer real kids’ questions using catchy songs, visual explanations and humor.

Each episode breaks down complex topics, like how flying works or why night and day happen, into accessible, bite-sized lessons. The show’s multidisciplinary, STEM-centric approach inspires young learners to question, explore and understand the world around them.

You can watch this show on Netflix through your DIRECTV subscription.

11. ‘Thomas the Tank Engine’

What It Teaches: Friendship, responsibility, problem-solving, teamwork, social awareness

Based on the classic books by Wilbert Awdry, Thomas the Tank Engine and the other talking trains in his train yard teach valuable lessons about friendship, effort and perseverance. With simple stories and clear moral messages, the series helps preschoolers grasp cause and effect, consequences and the importance of teamwork.

Each of the trains has their own unique personality, with their own individual strengths and shortcomings, for children to learn from. More recently, the original show has led to multiple spinoffs, chief among them being Thomas & Friends: All Engines Go, an animated version of the original.

12. ‘Mickey Mouse Clubhouse’

What It Teaches: Early math skills, problem-solving, cooperation, shape/color recognition

Get ready to do the Hot Dog Dance! This lively animated series from Disney stars Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, Goofy and Pluto as they use problem-solving skills and special ‘Mouseketools’ to overcome obstacles and complete tasks.

Interactive questions engage viewers directly, asking them to determine which Mouseketool is best suited for a particular task, while simple puzzles teach counting, colors, shapes and critical thinking. Its energetic songs and world-famous cast of characters make foundational skills fun and memorable for preschool-aged children.

13. ‘Mister Roger’s Neighborhood’

What It Teaches: Emotional intelligence, empathy, community, creativity, kindness

It’s always a beautiful day in Fred Rogers’ neighborhood.

This iconic show — one of the earliest and most well-known examples of educational programming on television — offers a calm, respectful and nurturing space for children to learn and grow.

Rogers uses gentle explanations, stories and puppetry to model empathy, emotional awareness and curiosity about everyday experiences. The series thoughtfully handles difficult emotions and complex life topics at a developmentally appropriate level, making it a timeless staple for fostering self-esteem and kindness.

14. ‘Franklin & Friends’

What It Teaches: Friendship, honesty, problem-solving, cooperation, social skills

Franklin & Friends follows Franklin the young turtle and his group of animal friends as they navigate common childhood experiences — like starting school for the first time or having to apologizing for something — head-on.

The series models healthy friendships and problem-solving, emphasizing empathy and constructive resolution of conflicts. Franklin’s relatable dilemmas and gentle tone are well-suited for young children learning social skills.

15. ‘The Magic School Bus’

What It Teaches: Science concepts, exploration, inquiry, hypothesis testing, curiosity about the natural world

A fixture in elementary schools for decades, The Magic School Bus follows the eccentric Ms. Frizzle and her students as she takes them on imaginative field trips — into space, underwater or even inside the human body — to explain scientific concepts.

The show excels at making STEM concepts accessible and exciting, encouraging curiosity, discovery and a ‘learn by doing’ approach that sticks with viewers for years.

You can stream The Magic School Bus on Peacock through your DIRECTV subscription.

Honorable Mention:

Those are our top picks for educational kids shows, but here are a few more good ones:

• Bill Nye the Science Guy
• Gabby’s Dollhouse
• Dinosaur Train
• Puffin Rock

Watch Educational Kids’ Shows on DIRECTV

Screen time doesn’t have to be all that bad when your kids are learning the whole time! You and your kiddos can watch all of these shows and more on DIRECTV.

Looking for just the best kids content for the whole family? Get only the channels you want with MyKids! The kids friendly Genre pack from DIRECTV.

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