One of my favorite moments each day is unwinding with a captivating show that keeps my interest piqued. It’s even better when I can share that experience with my family, finding something entertaining that won’t traumatize the little ones. Trust me, you don’t want to deal with sleepless nights. (Take heed of my warning about Stranger Things.) Below are 10 series that I’ve enjoyed with my kids—many of them we’ve watched from start to finish. Yes, we indulge in shows during the week, and I stand by it. Currently, we are racing through Gortimer Gibbons because things are just plain weird on Normal Street. My family is drawn to magical tales, creepy adventures, and animal antics, so if a show includes one of these elements while remaining gentle on the kid-traumatization scale, it’s a win!
Here are our top 10 selections:
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Gortimer Gibbons: Life on Normal Street
We’re rapidly working our way through this enchanting series. Normal Street is anything but ordinary, filled with whimsical and magical occurrences that keep me entertained without feeling the need to hide under a blanket (though I do that more often than my kids). From time capsules to mysterious ghost vehicles, it has everything! -
Just Add Magic
In this delightful series, three girls stumble upon a magic cookbook and start experimenting in the kitchen. There’s an intriguing twist involving one of their grandmothers—are they part of the magic, too? You’ll have to tune in to uncover the mystery, but be cautious with that Last Ditch Layer Cake! -
Anne with an “E”
I must admit, I might be the biggest fan of this adaptation in my family. While my kids often vote for Gortimer Gibbons, I adore the nostalgic feel of this show reminiscent of Little House on the Prairie. The kids are fascinated by the contrast of life in the late 19th century without modern technology. -
Dragons: Race to the Edge
As a fan of How to Train Your Dragon, I can’t complain when the kids want to watch this series. The storylines are compelling enough that even when I try to multitask, I find myself engrossed in finding out who stole the baby dragons. With five seasons and episodes around 20 minutes long, it’s ideal for maintaining attention. -
The Worst Witch
Imagine a magical school where one young witch feels out of place. Based on a beloved children’s book series, The Worst Witch follows Mildred as she navigates her magical education, facing challenges that keep viewers guessing how she’ll overcome them. -
Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events
I’ve developed an unwavering love for Neil Patrick Harris over the years. In this fun adaptation, three orphans face the devious Count Olaf, portrayed brilliantly by Harris. Each episode is packed with intrigue, and the catchy theme song will likely stick in your head! -
Treehouse Masters
My kids are captivated by this show about building extravagant treehouses. The enthusiasm of Pete Nelson and the creative designs keep them engaged, making it a hit for family viewing. Inspired by the show, we even decided to construct our own backyard treehouse! -
Project Runway Junior
If you have a child interested in fashion or crafts, Project Runway Junior is a must-watch. The young contestants showcase incredible talent under pressure, demonstrating teamwork and creativity that leave my kids cheering for each runway show. -
Planet Earth
Planet Earth offers breathtaking cinematography and fascinating facts about wildlife. However, be cautious, as some scenes can be intense for younger viewers. I often find myself rooting for the vulnerable creatures in the harsh realities of nature. -
Stranger Things
A word of caution: Stranger Things can be quite frightening. While my younger child has not watched it, my older one enjoyed it with his Nana. My husband and I found it nerve-wracking, so I recommend screening it first to determine if your older child can handle the suspense.
Happy watching! We’d love to hear about your favorite family shows too. For more insights on home insemination, check out this post on intracervical insemination. And if you’re looking for an authority on home insemination kits, visit Make A Mom. For additional resources related to pregnancy, refer to WHO.
Summary
Family viewing can be enjoyable with the right shows that entertain both kids and parents. This list features ten series that are engaging and suitable for children, ranging from magical adventures to captivating educational content.