The Best Kids’ Cartoon Shows to Watch

Children hold a special place in their hearts for cartoons in today’s world of visual stimulation. Join us as we dive headfirst into the overwhelming world of kids’ cartoons and handpick the perfect show for your little one! Our expertly curated guide makes your job easy, transforming screen time into a joy-filled, enriching experience.

Enriching, Entertaining, and Educational

Through captivating stories and vivid colors, kids’ cartoons teach valuable lessons on friendship, courage, empathy, and more. Introducing children to diverse cultures, careers, and ideas can greatly contribute to their cognitive and emotional growth.  Our list brings together the cream of the crop of kids’ cartoon shows, each episode cleverly designed to charm young minds while imparting invaluable life lessons.

The Wingfeather Saga

The Wingfeather Saga is a fantastical animated series that chronicles the adventures of the Igiby family as they dive into the mysteries within their own family history. Inspired by a beloved series of novels by the same name, this riveting tale features dragons, sea monsters, and even an ex-pirate grandfather. The Wingfeather Saga features a talented cast of beloved voice actors, such as Jodi Benson (The Little Mermaid) and Billy Boyd (The Lord of the Rings) to name just a few. Season One is available now on the streaming service Angel Studios, and Season Two is now accessible for Angel Studios Guild Members.

Hilda

This vibrant and inventive Netflix fantasy series traces the journey of an unflaggingly friendly little girl who transitions from the elf-populated forests of Scandinavia to bustling city life. Her deep love for nature becomes a bridge between the human realm and the enchanting kingdom. Drenched in Nordic mythology and possessing an authentic warmth, our heroine, Hilda, frequently encounters daunting situations. Yet, her dedication to comprehension and inherent courage is so contagious that children, much like Hilda herself, will navigate the risks while gaining insights into understanding conflicting perspectives.

Steven Universe

Steven Universe is a shining beacon of inclusivity and emotional depth in children’s animated series. Journey into the riveting world of Steven Universe, ingeniously crafted by the talented Rebecca Sugar. The show invites you to live the extraordinary life of Steven, a captivating blend of human and Gem—a magical race committed to defending Earth against cosmic dangers. But Steven Universe is more than just an entertaining thrill ride. The show unabashedly celebrates diversity, championing the ideals of acceptance and understanding. Bursting with a thrilling blend of action, comedy, and deeply moving moments, Steven Universe effortlessly draws in viewers of all ages.

Avatar: The Last Airbender

It would be incomplete to compile a list of animated shows for children without including Avatar: The Last Airbender. The narrative orbits around Aang, a young boy with an unparalleled distinction. As the Avatar, Aang wields the astonishing power to harness all four elements. Avatar masterfully blends Eastern philosophies, compelling storytelling, and breathtaking animation.

Strawberry Shortcake

Strawberry Shortcake character have been charming young audiences since the 1980s! Brimming with delightful characters and inventive narratives, this beloved show continues to captivate children’s hearts and imaginations. It’s been delightfully reimagined several times, with each revival paying homage to the classic allure of the original while seamlessly infusing contemporary tastes and values. Step aboard the Strawberry Shortcake express and watch as it transcends time, all while keeping its original charm intact!

The Amazing World of Gumball

The Amazing World of Gumball, where every moment is a delicious banquet of boundless creativity, infectious humor, and unbridled imagination! This Cartoon Network series follows the lives of Gumball Watterson, a blue cat, his adopted brother Darwin, a goldfish, and their daily shenanigans in the bizarre town of Elmore. Gumball’s charm lies in its unique visual style, blending 2D and 3D animation with live-action backgrounds and its utterly hilarious, often absurd humor. Gumball is a must-watch for kids and adults for its inventiveness and laughter-inducing plots.

The Care Bears

My Little Pony

My Little Pony transports viewers to the enchanting world of Equestria, where various ponies with distinct abilities and characteristics reside. The narrative thrusts Twilight Sparkle, a dedicated unicorn, into the limelight. It portrays various relationships that highlight the significance of empathy, understanding, and compromise. My Little Pony is an ideal medium to discuss the importance of feelings and friendships with kids, and the colorful animation and magical environment keep them engaged.

Rocket & Groot

Marvel’s Rocket & Groot is a real gem in the galaxy of animated superheroes! Within the expansive Marvel Animated Film Universe, this animated series propels two beloved Guardians of the Galaxy characters into the limelight. The interplay between the two main characters makes Rocket & Groot an excellent choice for kids. Despite their stark differences – Rocket with his tactical genius and sharp wit, and Groot with his limited vocabulary and gentleness – their bond is undeniable. This teaches kids the importance of friendship, acceptance, and understanding differences.

Bluey

For families seeking a cartoon filled with warmth, humor, and lessons about everyday life, Bluey, an Australian animated series, is a perfect choice. Bluey, an inexhaustible Blue Heeler dog, is known for her wild imagination, propelling her and her family into epic, daily adventures. What sets Bluey apart is its relatable storytelling. It manages to weave in life lessons within seemingly ordinary family routines. Every episode is filled with fun, laughter, and emotional nuance, from trips to the supermarket to imaginative backyard games. The show teaches children about empathy, creativity, and the beauty of mundane life, all while keeping them thoroughly entertained.

Doc McStuffins

Doc McStuffins is an animated series that creatively combines fantasy with medical knowledge. The show centers around a young girl, Doc, who can “fix” toys with her magical stethoscope, effectively playing the role of a doctor. Each episode involves Doc diagnosing and fixing a toy’s problem, using the process to teach children about empathy, problem-solving, and basic medical knowledge. The series encourages imaginative play while breaking gender and racial stereotypes as Doc, an African-American girl, takes on a traditionally male-dominated role. It’s an empowering and educational series that children will love.

Paw Patrol

Regarding animation that engages the imagination, a few shows, like Paw Patrol, capture the essence of adventure and teamwork. Each dog is uniquely skilled in recycling, firefighting, and aviation. They use these skills to save their town, Adventure Bay, from various predicaments. Paw Patrol not only teaches children the significance of teamwork and problem-solving, but also encourages a sense of community responsibility. Kids can learn about different professions and public services while enjoying exciting, vibrant episodes. The anthropomorphic dogs with unique personalities add to the fun learning experience.

Peppa Pig

Peppa Pig is an animated series from Britain that offers a delightful glimpse into the daily experiences of a playful little pig named Peppa and her family. Each episode showcases their unique adventures, filled with humor, fun, and simplicity, in a self-contained story. The charm of Peppa Pig lies in its straightforward storytelling, bright, simple animation, and relatable portrayal of family life. It deals with everyday events like visiting the park, visiting grandparents, and playing with friends.

Centaurworld

A recent entrant to Netflix’s repertoire of children’s content, Centaurworld is an eccentric delight that catapults an ordinary horse into a melodically charged universe teeming with mythical hybrid creatures. These creatures stretch the idea of a centaur to unexpected extremes (indeed, one ‘centaur’ is a potted plant with limbs). The musical numbers are stellar, the visual comedy evokes a child-friendly version of Bojack, and the protagonist’s quest is a masterful blend of whimsy and authentic emotion.

Gravity Falls

Gravity Falls, a Disney series. It follows the adventures of Dipper and Mabel Pines, who spend their summer at their Great Uncle Stan’s tourist trap in the enigmatic town of Gravity Falls. Every episode dives headfirst into a fresh supernatural or mysterious occurrence, igniting a spark of interest and curiosity. The compelling storyline peppered with humor enthralls older kids, while the younger ones get mesmerized by the eye-catching animation and unforgettable characters. Above all, the series champions the significance of family values, the courage to face the unknown, and fosters a lifelong love for curiosity and learning.

Beat Bugs/Motown Magic

Beat Bugs and Motown Magic leverage the marvels of contemporary animation to introduce young audiences to some of the finest music ever composed. Both shows, masterfully created for Netflix by the same music-inspired creator, use classic tunes to enhance their narratives. Beat Bugs orchestrates the escapades of characters reminiscent of Richard Scarry’s creations with the harmonious tunes of The Beatles. At the same time, Motown Magic employs the distinct sound of Detroit to underscore stories about urban life. Undoubtedly, the soundtracks of both series will make Raffi a thing of the past.

Shimmer and Shine

Leah harbors a secret she dares not disclose to her BFF Zac. She maintains silence about her friendship with Shimmer and Shine, twin sister genies who grant wishes. Yet, the two are novices and frequently need to rectify their errors, with Leah assisting them. This is uncomplicated, affirmative content held together by one of contemporary animation’s most captivating theme songs.