Cartoons remain a beloved cornerstone of childhood, offering vibrant worlds, memorable characters, and countless hours of entertainment. However, the best-animated shows go beyond just keeping children occupied; they serve as powerful tools for learning, fostering creativity, teaching valuable life lessons, and sparking imagination.
With an ever-expanding array of content available on streaming platforms and traditional television, discerning which cartoons offer genuine educational and developmental benefits alongside pure fun can be a challenge for parents, who can indulge in some online casino games away from the kids.
From preschool favourites that build foundational skills to animated adventures that inspire critical thinking in older children, here are six popular and highly-regarded cartoons that consistently deliver engaging content for kids:
- Bluey
Bluey, an Australian animated series about a Blue Heeler puppy and her family, has garnered international acclaim for its realistic portrayal of childhood play, family dynamics, and emotional development.
Bluey is lauded for its witty writing, imaginative games, and its gentle yet profound exploration of emotional intelligence. It teaches children about empathy, resilience, conflict resolution, and the importance of imaginative play, all within a warm and humorous family setting. Parents often appreciate the show’s clever humour and positive messages about parenting, making it a beloved choice for both children and adults.
- Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood
A spiritual successor to Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood focuses on the social-emotional development of preschoolers through catchy songs and relatable scenarios.
Each episode features Daniel, a young tiger, navigating common childhood challenges like sharing, trying new foods, dealing with disappointment, or managing strong feelings. The show uses simple, memorable jingles and repetitive phrases to help children learn coping mechanisms and positive behaviours. Its gentle pace and focus on empathy and kindness make it an excellent resource for young children learning about their emotions and interacting with others.
- Wild Kratts
Wild Kratts combines animated adventure with real-life wildlife footage, following brothers Chris and Martin Kratt as they explore animal habitats around the world.
The show educates children about zoology, biology, and ecology in an exciting and accessible way. Kids learn about different animal species, their unique “creature powers,” and their roles in ecosystems. The Kratt brothers’ genuine enthusiasm for wildlife is infectious, inspiring curiosity about the natural world and fostering an appreciation for conservation. It’s a fantastic blend of entertainment and STEM learning.
- Arthur
Based on the book series by Marc Brown, Arthur has been a beloved staple for decades, focusing on the everyday lives of an aardvark named Arthur Read and his friends and family.
Arthur tackles relatable childhood challenges with humour and sensitivity, including bullying, homework struggles, sibling rivalry, and making friends. Each episode explores a moral or social lesson, encouraging critical thinking and empathy. The show’s consistent quality, diverse characters, and focus on realistic social situations make it a timeless and valuable cartoon for elementary-aged children.
- Trash Truck
Trash Truck (on Netflix) is a charming and whimsical series about a 6-year-old boy named Hank and his best friend, a giant, lovable trash truck who can talk.
This show is a celebration of imaginative play and the magic of friendship. Hank and Trash Truck embark on fantastical adventures (often involving talking animals and everyday objects coming to life), fueled by their boundless curiosity and creativity. It’s gentle and heartwarming and promotes positive messages about teamwork, problem-solving, and accepting differences, making it a delightful and often surprising hit for younger viewers.
- Hey Duggee
Hey Duggee, a British animated series from Studio AKA, follows a friendly dog, Duggee, who runs “The Squirrel Club,” an after-school activity group for a group of curious animal friends.
Each episode focuses on the Squirrels earning a “badge” by learning a new skill or concept or overcoming a challenge. The show encourages active learning, problem-solving, and teamwork. It’s known for its distinctive animation style, quirky humour, and direct addresses to the audience. Hey Duggee is highly engaging for preschoolers, subtly teaching them about everything from drawing and making music to being resourceful and understanding emotions, all while having fun.
