I’ve compiled some Top Five lists that can hopefully help you in times of panic, like when your child says “I’m booooored,” for the umpteenth time.
Top Five Podcasts for Kids
• Wow in the World – Invites kids and adults into amazing stories about science, technology and new discoveries.
• Story Pirates – Actors and comedians adapt stories written for kids into sketch comedy.
• Tumble – My son loves this one for stories of science discovery.
• But Why – Kids ask the questions and adults find the answers to all topics large and small.
• Smash Boom Best – In this debate show, cool things are pitted against each other and the debaters use real facts to make their case, i.e. Cat vs. Dog, Pizza vs. Tacos.
Top Five TV Shows on Cable
• Get Out of My Room (Universal Kids On Demand) – Siblings help design each other’s new bedroom. Think Trading Spaces, but for kids.
• Lego Masters (Fox) – Teams compete in challenges until the last one is standing in the final episode. Think Project Runway, but with Legos.
• Seven Worlds, One Planet (AMC, BBC America) – Wildlife documentary that dedicates one episode to each of the seven continents.
• Odd Squad, Odd Beginnings (PBS) – Like the original but with new cast members, clever stories that incorporate math-based problem-solving skills.
• Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum (PBS) – Three friends discover a hidden museum where they can be transported back in time to meet important people from history when they were kids. Inspired by the Ordinary People Change the World book series.
Top Five Disney+ Shows for Kids
• Marvel’s Hero Project – Our current favorite! Marvel profiles everyday tween and teen heroes, walking among us.
• Shop Class – Teams of two students and a shop teacher compete in building contests in hopes of winning the grand prize.
• One Day at Disney – This documentary series tells the story of 50 employees of the Walt Disney Company and their day-to-day life. There is also a series of shorts.
• The Mandelorian – A small-screen extension of the Star Wars movie enterprise, this series is best for kids who are familiar with the movies.
• Forky Asks A Question – Yes, that Forky from Toy Story 4. He has so many questions about everyday things … my favorite is “What is a Friend?”
Top Five Apps for Kids
• Messenger Kids – This is monitored by me with tons of safeguards in place. But when we face extended time away from friends, this is a great way for my kids to connect safely with their buddies.
• Toca Boca games – This is a series of apps where kids can pretend to work in a hair salon, hospital, kitchen, farm, etc. These are paid apps, but highly entertaining.
• Go Noodle – I use this website at school for days we can’t get outside. There are tons of silly songs, guided dances, and ways to get out the wiggles.
• Epic – this is a digital library for kids, with access to ebooks, audiobooks, learning videos and quizzes for kids 12 and under. My daughter uses this one a lot! There is a monthly fee.
• Cosmic Kids – Fun yoga and mindfulness videos for kids aged 3 to 9, so another way to get out the wiggles, but calm their minds as well.
Let me know some of your favorites!
