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13 Best Educational Cartoons for Kids

1. Schoolhouse Rock

2. super why, 3. sesame street, 4. magic school bus, 5. numberblocks, 6. dora the explorer, 7. cyberchase, 8. blue’s clues, 9. sid the science kid, 10. octonauts.

Introducing your children to educational content doesn’t have to be a dull affair. In fact, with the right resources, learning can be as entertaining as Saturday morning cartoons. This is where educational cartoons for kids come into play, blending vibrant animation with lessons that stick. But why exactly should you consider incorporating these animated series into your child’s routine?

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A study published in the International Journal of Computer Graphics & Animation (IJCGA) provides us with some insights. Researchers found that when primary school students were exposed to interactive learning materials, including animations, they showed a significant improvement in their ability to acquire knowledge and skills. The study highlighted that students were more enthusiastic and receptive to learning when engaging content, such as animations, was part of the teaching method .

We’ve curated a list of the best cartoons for kids that promise to make learning an adventure. These cartoons are more than just entertainment; they are a bridge to knowledge, designed to  foster learning in a fun and engaging way .

Ready to transform learning into an adventure? Check out educational games and make every lesson a fun discovery- Play here!

13 Best Educational Cartoons for Kids: Smart Screens

Here are our top picks of educational cartoons for kid s that you must check out:

Schoolhouse Rock is a collection of educational cartoons to watch for a fun and musical way to learn. With its catchy tunes and memorable lyrics, this series has made topics like multiplication and American history stick in the minds of several generations. It’s a classic approach to education that has stood the test of time.

Age Group: 6-12 years

Learning Topics Covered: Math , History, Grammar, Science

Animation Style: Traditional 2D animation

Keep the math magic alive after Schoolhouse Rock with interactive math games – fun for ages 2-11!

Super Why! is a series that combines fairy tales and literacy, where children learn to read through interactive storybook adventures. The show stands out for its educational value, making reading fun by turning it into a superhero adventure. It’s a great way for kids to develop their reading skills and a love for books .

Age Group: 3-6 years

Learning Topics Covered: Reading, Spelling, Phonics

Animation Style: 2D digital animation with bright, storybook visuals

Turn reading into a superpower with online phonics games . Designed for ages 3-6 years, these games complement the literacy skills learned in Super Why! and make reading an interactive adventure.

Sesame Street has been a cornerstone in children’s television for decades, using a mix of live-action, puppetry, and animation. It’s a go-to series for parents and educators alike, making it one of the most popular cartoons for learning english. The show covers everything from numbers and letters to social skills and emotional well-being, all through its beloved cast of characters.

Age Group: 0-6 years

Learning Topics Covered: Literacy, Numeracy, Social Skills, Emotional Intelligence

Animation Style: Combination of live-action, puppetry, and animation

Love the learning on Sesame Street? Continue the fun with literacy games!-

Hop on board the Magic School Bus for an extraordinary ride with Ms. Frizzle and her eager class of students. This animated series takes children on wild adventures into space, under the sea, and even inside the human body, making it one of the best kids cartoons for exploring the wonders of science and nature. Each episode is a new journey into a scientific concept, brought to life with humor and imagination.

Age Group: 6-10 years

Learning Topics Covered: Science, Nature, Technology

Numberblocks is an engaging and imaginative animated series that brings numbers to life through colorful characters who join together to solve mathematical problems . Each episode is a vibrant adventure that encourages children to discover the joy and fundamentals of mathematics. The characters, each representing a number, combine in various ways to demonstrate how numbers work, from simple counting to more complex operations.

Age Group: 3 to 6.

Learning Topics Covered: Basic arithmetic ( addition , subtraction ), counting, number recognition , sequences , patterns , and introductory geometry .

Animation Style: 2D characters

Join Dora the Explorer, a beloved character in English cartoons for kids, as she embarks on quests filled with learning and discovery. Dora’s adventures are interactive, asking viewers to solve puzzles . It’s an engaging way for children to develop their language and problem-solving skills.

Age Group: 2-7 years

Learning Topics Covered: Language, Problem-Solving, Cultural Awareness

Animation Style: Bright and colorful 3D animation

Cyberchase is an animated series that takes children on adventures in a digital universe, teaching math and problem-solving skills along the way. As kids follow the heroes trying to thwart the villain, they encounter puzzles and challenges that require them to use their math prowess to save the day.

Age Group: 8-11 years

Learning Topics Covered: Mathematics, Problem-Solving, Logic

Animation Style: Stylized 2D animation

Blue’s Clues is a playful interactive show that stands out among academic cartoons for its unique approach to problem-solving and critical thinking. Children join the host and the animated dog, Blue, in searching for clues to solve the day’s puzzle. It’s a hands-on experience that encourages active participation and observation.

Age Group: 3-5 years

Learning Topics Covered: Problem-Solving, Logic, Observation

Animation Style: Live-action combined with 2D animation

Sid the Science Kid uses humor and curiosity to get kids excited about science. This show is perfect for cartoons for discovering the world of science. Sid and his friends teach children to ask questions and how to seek answers, fostering a scientific mindset from a young age.

Learning Topics Covered: Science, Inquiry, Exploration

Animation Style: CGI animation with a unique, vibrant look

One of the engaging kid cartoon shows that combines action with education. This team of underwater explorers introduces children to marine biology and the importance of teamwork, making it one of the more dynamic children cartoons focused on environmental science.

Age Group: 4-8 years

Learning Topics Covered: Marine Biology, Ecology, Teamwork

Animation Style: 3D animation with colorful underwater landscapes

11. Little Einsteins

Little Einsteins is a harmonious blend of classical music, famous artworks , and global culture, making it a unique choice for children cartoons that inspire creativity. Each episode is a mission that integrates artistic and musical elements into the storytelling , encouraging kids to appreciate the arts.

Learning Topics Covered: Music, Art, Culture, Geography

Animation Style: 2D animation with real images of artworks and musical scores

12. Bill Nye the Science Guy

Bill Nye the Science Guy is one of the good cartoons to watch for children eager to understand the world of science. With a mix of live-action and animation, Bill Nye uses fun experiments and clear explanations to engage children in a wide range of scientific topics. His enthusiasm turns complex science into captivating lessons.

Age Group: 7-12 years

Learning Topics Covered: General Science, Experimentation, Environmental Issues

Animation Style: Live-action with animated segments

13. Wild Kratts

Join the Kratt brothers in Wild Kratts, an adventurous show that dives into animal science and the importance of biodiversity. It’s an animated series where two brothers explore wild habitats, meet exotic animals, and learn about the unique abilities of the animal kingdom.

Learning Topics Covered: Zoology, Ecology, Conservation

Animation Style: 2D animation with live-action segments

Take the visual learning experience to the next level with engaging games- Sign Up for Free!

The Science of Learning Through Animation

1. Visual Learning Enhancement: Kid cartoons engage them with vivid imagery and motion. The IJCGA study highlighted that students who learned with the help of animations were more engaged and understood complex subjects, like the solar system, better than those who didn’t.

2. Improved Test Scores: According to the study , children exposed to educational animations performed better in assessments . For instance, a significant number of students who learned through a blend of traditional teaching and animations scored between 11-15 out of 15 on a test, a notable improvement over traditional methods alone.

3. Increased Engagement: The research found that cartoons for little kids can lead to higher enthusiasm for learning. When animations were used, students were more eager to watch and learn, indicating that kid cartoon shows can be a powerful tool for capturing and maintaining children’s attention.

4. Blended Learning Success: The study’s blended learning approach, which combined animations with teacher instruction, was particularly effective. It showed that integrating kid cartoons into the learning process could enhance the traditional educational experience , making it more interactive and beneficial.

By incorporating these points from the IJCGA study, we can see the tangible benefits of educational cartoons in a child’s learning journey. Kid cartoon shows are more than just a pastime; they’re a bridge to better understanding and retention of educational content.

To wrap it up, these educational cartoons for kids are great for learning and fun to watch. They teach important stuff like reading, science, and math in a way that feels like play. Kids can go on cool adventures and learn new things without even realizing it. So, next time your kids are watching cartoons, they could also be learning big ideas and having a blast at the same time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can educational cartoons improve my child's academic performance.

Educational cartoons for kids can positively influence academic performance by making learning fun and engaging. They often reinforce language skills, mathematical concepts, and scientific inquiry, laying a foundation for classroom learning.

What should parents look for in a quality educational cartoon?

Parents should look for cartoons that have a clear educational goal , age-appropriate content, positive messages , and interactive elements. It’s also beneficial if the cartoon encourages critical thinking and problem-solving.

How much screen time should be allotted for educational cartoons?

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no more than 1 hour of high-quality programming for children ages 2 to 5 years per day. For older children, it’s about balancing screen time with other healthy activities. Even educational content should be consumed in moderation.

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12 Best Educational Cartoons for Kids They Will Love to Watch

by mumslittleexplorers · March 23, 2023

A list of the best cartoons for kids that are educational and fun. This list of learning cartoons for kids includes the best learning cartoons for toddlers, kindergarten and pre-schoolers as well as educational cartoons for kids who are in school too.

Best Cartoons for Kids – Educational & Fun

Looking for cartoons for kids that are both fun and educational? There are so many kids cartoons these days, that it is hard to decide which are the best for your child to watch.

Many assume that cartoons are just for giving parents a break, and they are otherwise a waste of time. It is difficult to believe that cartoons can sometimes be beneficial.

However, there are educational cartoons for kids that can help kids learn about different subjects.

Whether it be learning cartoons for kids about science, maths and language, or cartoons for kids that teach them about life skills and growth mindset, there are so many great options these days compared to years ago when we were kids.

Best Educational Cartoons for Kids

Find below 15 educational cartoons for kids to learn that they will love to watch. The list starts with educational cartoons for toddlers and we also include learning cartoons for kids at school and pre-school.

1. Blues Clues

Blues Clues is a childhood favourite of many parents and is a fun learning cartoon for toddlers especially. One of the best cartoons for toddlers, Blue’s Clues follows an animated blue-spotted dog named Blue who leaves a trail of paw prints as clues so that the host and the viewers can try to guess her plans for the day. 

While this kids cartoon has been around for years, the storylines have modernised and it is still one of the best educational cartoons for kids.

2. Number blocks

Number blocks is a great learning cartoon for kids with a short attention span as the program is quite short but packed full of fun and learning.

This educational cartoon for kids focuses on maths skills with addition and subtraction as well as missing numbers. The blocks are colourful and interactive and kids won’t realise they are learning so much during the episodes.

3. Paw Patrol

Paw Patrol is one of the best educational cartoons for toddlers and a great cartoon for kindergarten or preschool kids because there is so much to learn. Paw Patrol is a popular kids cartoon that teaches kids about team work and problem solving.

The Paw Patrol are a group of rescue pups, each a different bread with a special skill. The patrol is led by a little boy Ryder, Chase is a German Shepherd who acts like a police officer, Rubble is a construction Bulldog, and Zuma is a Labrador water rescuer. They protect the community by working together to solve any problems.

4. Sesame Street

One of the oldest and most popular cartoons for kids in over 150 countries around the world is Sesame Street. Great for toddlers and young kids, this educational cartoon combines a mix of animation, live action and sketch comedy.

Featuring your favourite characters such as Big Bird and the Cookie Monster, Sesame Street’s universal message of kindness, self-esteem, and tolerance never changes. Check out the channel for lots of videos on different themes.

5. Word World

This is one of the best cartoons for kids to learn about words, letter recognition as well as letter sounds and spelling.

Words come alive in this fun learning cartoon with a narrator and animal characters. The simple storylines creatively use letters and words all throughout the episode.

It is a great learning cartoon for children in kindergarten or preschool, or in early years of primary school.

6. Dora the Explorer

Dora the Explorer is an educational cartoon series about a 7 year old Latino girl named Dora (and her monkey Boots, who love to go on adventures.

In each episode, there are different events and puzzles that need to be solved and the audience is encouraged to get involved and help solve the clues.

This is one of the best cartoon for kids with problem solving, puzzles and language skills as Dora also speaks Spanish.

7. Little Einstein’s

A fun and educational cartoon for kids of all ages about four little explorers going on world wide missions with their rocket ship.

In each episode the characters embark on a different mission somewhere in the world where children learn about geography and culture. This educational cartoon for kids features classic music and famous art which is beneficial for kids of all ages.

8. Blaze and the Monster Machines

For little ones who love Monster trucks, this learning cartoon is filled with interactive educational opportunities.

Blaze and the Monster Machine is a fun and educational kids cartoon about a group of nine friendly trucks with different abilities.

This is one of the best cartoons for kids to learn about STEM (Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) so when your child is watching Blaze, rest assure your child is watching a fun but educational cartoon.

9. Dinosaur Train

If you have a dinosaur lover then Dinosaur Train is the perfect learning cartoon for kids from toddler to primary school. This exciting and fun cartoon for kids encourages basic scientific thinking skills.

In each episode the dinosaurs climb abroad a train an embark on an adventure through prehistoric jungles and swamps.

This learning cartoon kids not only about the different types of dinosaurs and trains, but also about natural history and palaeontology.

10. Octonauts

Octonauts is an underwater educational cartoon for kids featuring Captain Barnacles and his eight-member adventure team who love to save the day when there is trouble in the ocean.

These little hero’s work together to protect habitats in the underwater world and on the shore. This learning cartoon for children teaches all about sea life and how to protect the environment.

11. Sid the Science Kid

Want your kids to learn about science? Sid the Science kid is a great learning cartoon for kids that uses children’s natural curiosity to introduce science into every day life.

This learning cartoon for kids is based on a young inquisitive kid named Sid and his group of school friends.

Each episode explores the every day questions that your kids are asking. It encourages them to think, and work like scientists do to work out the answers.

12. Super Why

Super Why is a learning cartoon for kids all about reading. Whyatt, Red Riding Hood, Princess Pea and Super Readers Pig, are the characters in this cartoon for kids who re-tell popular fairytales in each episode.

They jump into books to solve all the problems of the fairy tale characters living in Story Book village. Kids learn so many real life lessons such as being kind, telling the truth, and being yourself.

Best Educational Cartoons Kids Will Love to Watch

Hopefully this list of educational cartoons for kids has inspired you with ideas of kids learning cartoons your children can watch, love, and learn. Know any other learning cartoons for kids? Let us know!

Check out our other educational resources:

• Best travel movies for kids
• Best magazine subscriptions for kids
• Best things to do at home with kids
• Best book sets for kids
• How to start journaling with kids

Follow Mum’s Little Explorers on  Facebook  for more inspiration and join the Melbourne for Kids  Facebook Group .

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