Your options are countless, and Netflix and Amazon appear to be the clear option to keep the kids busy. However, there are plenty of options for kids of all ages. Now with Netflix not offering a free trial you cannot test it without paying from day 1.
My Top 3 Streaming services for Kids
1
Amazon Freetime Unlimited
Although not strictly a streaming platform the point of a streaming platform for kids is to keep them busy and out of the way. So with games, videos, apps, audiobooks, ebooks and more it is just great value. Includes shows from Cartoon Network, Disney, PBS, Nickelodeon and more. Works best with an optional Kids Fire Tablet which comes highly recommended.
2
Disney +
It had to make the top 3. It has almost every Disney Movie, not just for young kids but everything under Disney. You get all the classics along with countless Disney channel series. Other contents includes Star Wars, Marvel, National Geographic and much more.
3
Boomerang
This is a personal choice for me as it relates to my own childhood. So if you want to introduce your kids to all the great 80s to 90s classics then this is a great option. Content includes the entire collection of Scooby Doo, Looney Tunes, Tom & Jerry and The Flinstones. It doesn't get much better than that!
All Kids only streaming platforms – in a list
Firstly some services are only for kids with no other content. These are useful as you can allow them to search and stream endlessly without worrying about what they have discovered. Although Netflix may have a feature for kids what is to stop then changing the account whilst you are making dinner?
In no Particular Order...
Platform
Trial Period
Content
Price
More Info
Pros
- Cheap and also available on Amazon channels
- Easy to use, plenty of cartoons
Cons
- Limited content once they start to out grow content
- No movies to enjoy
Pros
- Has all the whole Pokemon series
- Available on Amazon Channels
Cons
- No point if you are not a pokemon fan
Pros
- Spanish language for all Spanish speaking American
- Available on Amazon Channels
Cons
- Only Spanish language
Pros
- Great for toddlers
- Available on Amazon Channels
Cons
- No selection of movies
- Not as good value as major streaming platforms
Pros
- Great for most ages
- Available on Amazon Channels
- Sponge bobs square pants
Cons
- Limited selection of movies
- Not as good value as major streaming platforms
Pros
- Not much at all
Cons
- Little content
- Limited audience target
Pros
- Some popular series
- Available on Amazon channels
- Content for various ages
Cons
- Not as good value as other streaming platforms
Pros
- Some popular series
- Available on Amazon Channels
- Content for various ages
Cons
- Not as good value as other streaming platforms
- No selection of movies
Pros
- Has books, games, audiobooks, and more interactive apps
- Great value
- Optional tablet (sold separately)
Cons
- Not much at the price
- Needs tablet for best use
Pros
- Lots of series
- Available on Amazon channels
Cons
- No content for younger kids
- Not as good value as major streaming platforms
Pros
- Lots of series, Scooby Doo, Looney Tunes and Tom & Jerry
- Available on Amazon channels
Cons
- No content for toddlers and learning
More streaming platforms with good Children's library
There are lots of streaming services and most have some sort of collection for the kids, here are a few I have selected which are worth looking at with a reasonable selection and option for your children to enjoy
Platform
Trial Period
Content
Price
More Info
Pros
- Hundreds of great movies
- Lots of kids shows
- Great value
Cons
- Not much
Pros
- Always has hit movies on selection
- Lots of family movies for kids
Cons
- Not as much choice for toddlers and younger children
Pros
- Lots of great family movies
Cons
- Pricey if you are just using for the kids
Pros
- Endless content
- All ages catered for
Cons
- Includes a lot of rubbish content
- Amazon Freetime is better option for young children and toddlers
Cord-cutting platforms for Kids TV
Internet TV provides plenty of opportunity to access kids channels. Most services also have a Cloud Service so you can store plenty of series and movies to watch On-Demand. Most services also have a catch-up period usually 7-30 Days depending on service and packages.
For the most part getting a cord-cutting service purely for the purpose of keeping the children quiet is too expensive. If however, you are looking to cutting the cord for your entire household then you may just want to consider which service will also provide plenty of entertainment for the kids.
Platform
Trial Period
Content
Price
Pros
- Loads of upgrade packages
- Best selection of kids channels with right package
Cons
- Pricey
Pros
- Cheapest internet TV
- Easy free trial period and cancellation
Cons
- No local channels
Pros
- Lots of great kids channels
- Best selection of sports channels for adults
Cons
- Pricey
Pros
- Has options to get almost any channel or premium network
- All ages catered for
Cons
- Very expensive if you want everything
Best streaming service for watching Kids Movies
Starz - 7 Day free Trial
Although Disney + seems like the obvious choice it has one huge issue, its library is not very dynamic and is stuck with content owned by Disney. New movies are only added when new movies are made. It limits its ability to add say Christmas movies or other seasonal content. Starz however will show different movies all year round for kids and everyone.
All these movies are available to then stream on demand. At time of writing the selection of Kids and Family movies is fantastic.
Best streaming service for watching kids cartoons
Boomerang - 7 Day free Trial
It made my top 3 due to is fantastic selection of some of the best cartoons that even I enjoy. With classics such as Scooby Doo, The Flintstones, Tom & Jerry and Looney Tunes nothing really comes close. It doesn't just have a selection of these series but appears to have the complete library of all these classics including feature length cartoons.
Best streaming service for watching kids TV shows
Disney + - 7 Day free trial
I will have to give this to Disney +. Although previously I have mentioned it only has whats available on their own movie library with the shows it seems to have most shows that you get through the Disney channel, meaning countless episodes of kids TV series.
It obviously then has all the Disney Movies, Marvel and Star Wars collection and much much more.
Best streaming service for Kids 1-2 years old
Noggin - 7 Day free trial
Its difficult to judge the best show for toddlers as a fully grown bearded man, you mostly have to go by common sense and perhaps the reaction of your own kids. Noggin is a service from Nickelodeon which caters for the youngest audience capable of enjoying TV. Plenty popular TV series on Noggin including Peppa Pig, Paw Patrol and Dora the Explorer.
Best streaming service for Kids 3-5 years old
Amazon Free Time- 7 Day free trial
Amazon Free Time or also known as Amazon Fire Unlimited for UK users really works best with the Amazon Fire Tablet or just any tablet. 3 is the minimum age which kids can start to benefit from a tablet and all the apps, games and shows available on this service. It has a selection of shows from premium kids network which varies depending on what country you reside, you will have to check this out on your own geographical Amazon website.
Best streaming service kids 6-9 years old
Amazon Free Time- 7 Day free trial
Same as for kids aged from 3-5. The Service caters specifically for a wide age range meaning you will be able to rely on the service for up to a decade, but no tablet ever lasts that long which I suppose is the major downside.
Best streaming service for kids 10-13 years old
Disney + - 7 Day free trial
At this age they will grow out of kids shows and cartoons, even if its just a front and think its uncool. Best way to keep them happy is with Disney plus, a nice transition from kids movies to the likes of Star Wars and Marvel at their own pace.