If your kiddo has run out of things to watch, try out these 17 kids’ TV shows on YouTube that they can watch for free
Have you exhausted the kid-friendly content on your family’s face streaming service? Before you start a round of repeats, check out the free fun with our ultimate list of free kids shows on YouTube. From nostalgic shows from your own childhood to contemporary cartoons, these YouTube shows for kids are imaginative, entertaining, and maybe even educational too! As if that wasn’t enough, there are free movies on YouTube and our ultimate list of YouTube channels for kids is filled with fun and educational entertainment.
Mickey Mouse Clubhouse
Disney Junior
"Oh, Toodles!" Did you know you can watch Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and the gang on YouTube? Yup, this show has been entertaining tots for years, and you can get full episodes of this kids' show by checking out the Disney Junior channel.
Bluey
Bluey TV
Everyone's favorite Blue Heeler pup is on YouTube! Subscribe to the official Bluey channel for full episodes, bonus bits, and fun family segments.
Peter Rabbit
Based on Beatrix Potter's beloved character, this animated series on YouTube follows that curious rabbit and his friends (think Benjamin, Mr. Fisher, and other iconic Potter animals) through the woods, into Mr. MacGregor's garden, and much more.
Everyone's favorite pup heroes can be found on YouTube! Head to their official channel and find hundreds of your kids' favorite episodes and seasons. There are also live streams and compilations.
This classic cartoon brings a definite sense of nostalgia. The free kids show on YouTube The New Adventures of He-Man, brings the animated awesomeness to a whole new generation.
Tyler Perry brings rapper Young Dylan to this perfect-for-your-tween Nickelodeon show. Check out the full free episodes on the Nickelodeon YouTube channel.
You can't get to the local library for an IRL story time. Don't worry, PBS Kids has you covered. Hear stories read by beloved authors, such as Marc Brown and Victoria Kann.
Joe Hanson, Ph.D. explains why we're ticklish, how trees can fight climate change, and other science topics in this PBS Digital Studios show. While the content is probably over your tot's head, it's perfect for older kids and tweens.
WildBrain brings your family animated full-length episodes featuring 12-year-old Sabrina Spellman and the rest of the gang. While it's not the same as the Melissa Joan Hart version, your older kiddo will get a kick out of it.
Star Wars Kids
Star Wars Kids via YouTube
Would your young Jedi sit in front of a Star Wars-themed screen for hours? If you're looking for a way to get in some galactic entertainment, minus a day-long binge-fest, the Star Wars Kids YouTube channel features under five-minute looks at fan fave films!
If your child is a fan of this Nick Jr. show, they can watch full-length Blaze and the Monster Machines episodes on YouTube. Along with the show, kids can also catch monster truck madness sing-alongs and learn through Blaze's latest adventure activities.
For more than 50 years, Sesame Street has entertained and educated children across the globe. Catch full episodes featuring Elmo, Cookie Monster, and all your little one's favorite friends when you subscribe to the childhood classic on YouTube.
Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood
You can find full episodes of this popular preschool show inspired by the original Mr. Roger's Neighborhood on PBS's YouTube channel.
They just don’t make ’em like they used to. Thankfully, the streaming platforms stream them like they do. From Tubi to Paramount+, to Netflix, the digital shelves are alive and well with the ’90s kids’ shows that raised you and that you can now share with your own little ones.
If you’re dreaming of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, Clarissa Explains It All, Good Burger, and more shows and movies you used to watch back in the day, many of them are available to stream right now in your living room. Looking for a little more watch-list inspo? Keep scrolling for a list of favorites you will want to enjoy with your own kids.
’90s Kids’ Shows to Watch with the Family
1. Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers
Netflix
Choosing a favorite Power Ranger was like picking a partner for Four Square: He or she would be your loyal companion for an unforgettable battle, so you had to pick wisely. Inspired by Japan’s Super Sentai franchise, the series about a group of teenage martial arts pros tasked with saving Earth from various villains was a smash when it debuted in 1993. And even though the series has evolved over the decades, nothing packs a punch of nostalgia like the high-energy original.
In 1991, Nickelodeon debuted a 90-minute block of game-changing animation. Called Nicktoons, the lineup kicked off Sunday mornings and included The Ren & Stimpy Show, Rugrats, and this quirksome classic about a kid named Doug Funnie. The series, based on its creator’s real life and journal doodles, jumps between grade-school mishaps, growing pains, and heroic daydreams about a persona named Quailman. Trust us: It won’t be long before your little one sports their undies over their shorts. IYKYK!
Another original Nicktoon, Rugrats was the brainchild of then husband-and-wife animation duo Arlene Klasky and Gabor Csupo. A peek into the secret world of wobbly toddlers, their series features a klatch of adorable playpen dwellers who may not have teeth or potty skills down just yet but are all stocked up with senses of adventure and unbridled curiosity. Led by protag baby Tommy Pickles, Rugrats offers a hilarious bridge between two realms: that of innocent perception and that of the real world.
A few years after Mr. Wizard took his bow in 1989, Bill Nye picked up the Bunsen burner and ran with it. Or rather, walked briskly, because running with fire is dangerous. Always cooking up the coolest experiments in a light blue lab coat and forever-present bow tie, Bill Nye uses boundless enthusiasm as a way to ignite curious minds and turn science into a fun escapade. Each episode is an electrifying experiment in the love of learning and is a fantastic way to introduce kids to science.
The star of this jazzy motley toon is a kid named Arnold. A nine-year-old who lives with his grandparents in a boarding house, he tackles everyday fourth-grader obstacles. You know, stuff like bullies, kiddie pools, and the power of friendship. Back then, Hey Arnold! was just our way of decompressing after school. Today, it’s a rad time machine that whisks us back to a world where the jazz is too good and “football-headed” kiddos are the real heroes.
If ever there were a way to get kids to crack a textbook outside the walls of a school, it’s this cosmic roller coaster of a '90s kids' show, featuring a shapeshifting yellow school bus and a zany teacher sporting some truly wonky fits. The series goes round and round with Ms. Frizzle and her students as they embark on adventures into the depths of the digestive system one day, and animal habitats in the wild the next, fusing a kid’s core curriculum with a healthy dose of magic and fierce staying power.
Maestro of the Muppets, Jim Henson, helped pioneer puppetry on prime time with this prehistoric fantasy series. A peek into the household of the Sinclairs, a family of full-body animatronic marvels, Dinosaurs is brilliant in that it’s entertainment for little ones and their parents. And thanks to its irreverent combination of sly satire and silly slapstick, it’s also a funny watch no matter which decade you view it in—even the Mesozoic era.
Nineties fashion icon Clarissa Darling knew a thing or two about, well, everything—hence the title of this coming-of-age comedy that had every preteen harmonizing with Rachel Sweet’s single-syllable theme song. Navigating the labyrinth of teen life and decoding every motivation along the way, Clarissa (played by the fantastic Melissa Joan Hart) breaks the fourth wall to fill her audience in on dilemmas that include how to master dating, friendships, and bratty little brothers.
There’s an award-winning book series, a movie that launched the acting careers of Rachael Leigh Cook (She’s All That) and Larisa Oleynik (10 Things I Hate About You), and even a reboot that has critics bowing down, but no one can forget about the single-season series that solidified its fan base for life. With iconic episodes, like “Dawn and the Dream Boy,” “Stacey Takes a Stand,” and “Claudia and the Missing Jewels,” the world of the Baby-Sitters Club unfolds with empowerment that transcends time.
Remember SNICK? Nickelodeon's answer for preteens who preferred spending Saturday night on the couch watching TV, the two-hour lineup saw shows like All That and The Adventures of Pete and Pete get some play. But our favorite has to be Are You Afraid of the Dark? Eerie and atmospheric, the series is a collection of ghost stories conjured up by teenage storytellers who call themselves the Midnight Society. And don't be surprised if you see some familiar faces when you revisit the show. Read: Ryan Gosling!
Though the Boy Meets World universe is filled with guest-star cameos from the likes of Keri Russell, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Adam Scott, and Rue McClanahan, the core cast remained the same for seven seasons. Cory, Topanga, Shawn, Eric, and, later, Morgan guided fans through the '90s with humor, heart, and so much Feeny. Morphing from a lighthearted sitcom to a self-aware portrait of adolescence, this gem is totally worth revisiting with a younger generation.
Another leg of the SNICK lineup, this weekend hit is basically Saturday Night Live for younger audiences. Sketch comedy for kids, by kids, it gave now-household names like Nick Cannon, Amanda Bynes, and Kenan Thompson, a shot to raise the roof with skits that, though wildly different, all shared one goal: getting all that laughter. Fun fact: In a stroke of fate, Thompson would go on to star on the big-kids' SNL for 20+ years.
Fans of All That know where we're going with this: Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell first appeared together on SNICK's sketch comedy show before landing a sketch comedy show of their own. Dubbed Kenan & Kel, the show is set in Chicago and follows the misadventures of two high schoolers who reeeaaally love to ask, "Who loves orange soda?" It's peak humor that eventually leads to the two best friends starring in a whopper of a movie together.
Twin sisters Tia and Tamera are separated at birth but reunite in their teens, then move in together to create one big, happy family with dad Ray and mom Lisa. So goes the fictional small-screen story of real-life twins Tia and Tamera Mowry. The result? One of the most genuine displays of onscreen chemistry, female empowerment, and sibling dynamics to ever grace the screen. Fun fact: Tia and Tamera performed the catchy "Sistaaa! Sistaaa!" theme song you still sing today.
We'll be the first to admit it: Saved by the Bell hasn't aged well. Bloated machismo, fat-shaming, gender stereotypes, and a lack of diversity aren't okay now, and they weren't okay then. But that doesn't mean you won't also find yourself waxing nostalgic over the Bayside crew's antics, from Zack and Kelly's puppy love to Slater and Lisa's top-notch comedic timing to Screech and Mr. Belding's odd coupling. As for the 2020 reboot? It's so good, we can't believe it was canceled.
Mark your calendar for November 3! That’s when you’ll be able to buy this year’s ALDI advent calendars, including the ever-popular wine advent calendar. The 2021 collection includes something for everyone, with cheese, chocolates, toys and even pet treats.
ALDI is highlighting the My Friend Gnome Kit ($24.99), a fun twist on a traditional calendar, for the upcoming season. Kids will love tracking the Gnome all through the house and parents will enjoy reading a special storybook detailing the Gnome’s adventures. This one is limited to one per customer, so you’ll want to buy it early!
Remember Steve, the OG host of Blue’s Clues? Well, he still remembers you, even if it’s been quite a while since he starred on the animated show. 25 years after the show first appeared and 19 years after Steve left, he re-emerged with a touching message to celebrate the big anniversary.
“You remember how when we were younger we used to run around and hang out with Blue and find clues…and then one day I was like ‘oh hey, guess what? Big news, I’m leaving,” Steve starts the video. He goes on to let viewers know that he’s been able to pursue his dreams, even if the departure was sad and unexpected for young fans.
But that’s not all. Steve has a special shout out for his now grown up fans and it might be a bit of a tear jerker! He ends the video with one last heartfelt (and humorous) message. “I’m super glad we’re still friends. You look great, by the way. Whatever it is you’re doing, it’s working.”
Since Steve exited the show in 2002, he’s pursued various musical and acting opportunities, including starting his own band and releasing a children’s album. But it’s safe to say Blues Clues, where he appeared in 100 episodes over six years, will always be his biggest hit. With 20.8 million views at the time of this publication, it’s obvious the show (and Steve) will never be forgotten.
Pass the slime! Bring out your inner child (and delight your own kids) with the new Sour Berry Slime topping from Baskin-Robbins. Yes, it looks like green slime and yes, you can put it on any scoop or shake.
For slime times in June, just ask to add it to your ice cream for 99 cents, or take a bottle of slime home for $6.99! You can also grab the Flavor of the Month, Summertime Lime, with tart candy flavors to combat the hottest days. It might look questionable, but it’s delicious!
“Baskin-Robbins is bringing out the kid in all of us this summer with the introduction of delicious and edible Sour Berry Slime, paired with the ultimate, tangy Summertime Lime Flavor of the Month, perfect for any hot summer day,” said Shannon Blakely, Vice President of Marketing & Culinary, Baskin-Robbins.
If you’re a kid of the ’90s you’re likely thinking of Figure It Out on Nickelodeon right about now. No word on whether Baskin-Robbins slime is pourable enough to recreate that game show moment, but no judgment if you decide to find out.
It’s been a long nine years for iCarly fans, but the wait is almost over! Paramount+ just released the official trailer for the reboot and Carly will be back with her web show on June 17!
The OG show ran for six seasons and followed Carly Shay, whose skyrockets to online fame. Only one problem: her parents are abroad and there’s suddenly a lot of new success (and problems) to deal with. So Carly recruits the help of her friends Sam and Freddie, plus older brother Spencer to help juggle stardom and high school life. iCarly initially ran on Nickelodeon and a 2010 episode was the second-most watched in network history. The two-part final episode took place in November, 2012. But as today’s trailer demonstrates, the gang is (finally) getting back together.
Miranda Cosgrove, Jerry Trainor and Nathan Kress will all reprise their original roles, only this time they’re navigating life as twenty-somethings, including dating and love lives. Laci Mosley is a new addition as Carly’s roommate and Jaidyn Triplett joins as Freddie’s snarky stepdaughter. And of course, the web show is back with the same set and familiar pranks that iCarly fans have been missing. Only now it’s shot on an PearPhone!
You’ll get three fresh episodes on June 17 if you’re a Paramount+ subscriber, with new episodes coming in weekly. In total, 13 have been ordered up for the first season of the reboot. In the words of Carly, “I know somehow we’re gonna get there and feel so wonderful!”
—Sarah Shebek
Featured photo: Dooley Productions / Shutterstock.com
Screen-free entertainment isn’t always easy to come by, but a new podcast packed with top TV stars, writers and producers is angling to change that!
GoKidGo is a narrative podcast launching today and targeting 6-to-11-year-olds with immersive storytelling. It’s set in an Avengers-style universe and also features never before seen stories from beloved childhood author R.L. Stine of Goosebumps. The first three episodes are available now: Bobby Wonder, Lucy Wow and R.L. Stine’s Story Club.
You’ll likely recognize some familiar voices, as Danny Pudi (NBC’s Community) plays Bobby, Michaela Dietz (the voice of Amethyst in Cartoon Network’s Steven Universe)voices Lucy and Ariel Winter (NBC’s Modern Family) features in Story Club. You can listen to all of them for free on iTunes, Spotify, and other popular podcast platforms. New episodes will go live weekly on Mondays.
“These are just the first of many GoKidGo shows to launch. We’ve got a ton more to come with big stars, hilarious stories and a whole universe of characters–think Nickelodeon but for your ears,” said GoKidGo co-founder Patrick Carman.
Although the subject matter is lighthearted, the podcast’s goal is serious. It aims to ignite children’s imagination after pandemic lockdowns led to increased screen time and negative effects on young children’s speech and vocabulary. You’ll be able to download free learning resources to compliment each episode at gokidgo.com.
Nickelodeon recently announced the premiere of Ryan’s Mystery Playdate’s fourth season—and like just about everything else, it’s going virtual!
The hit show launches its fourth season, Ryan’s Mystery Playdate: Command Central, on Mon., May 3 at 10:00 a.m. ET/PT. With 10 guest-filled episodes, this season moves the IRL interactions into a virtual world.
photo courtesy of Nickelodeon
Instead of in-person playdates, Ryan and his parents will host their guests remotely in the same way you’ve worked and met up with friends over the past year—using teleconferencing tech. This season’s guest lineup includes WWE Superstars Ember Moon and Kurt Angle, rock band OK Go, professional soccer player Christie Pearce Rampone, PGA golfer Harold Varner III and other notable celebs.
Like past seasons, Command Center includes plenty of mystery box puzzles, games, activities and imaginative challenges. The premiere episode of the season, Ryan’s Wild Safari Playdate/Ryan’s Goal Scoring Playdate will include animal adventures, a wildlife guide and a soccer-packed playdate with Christie Pearce Rampone.
Watch new episodes Monday through Thursday at 10:00 a.m. ET/PT on Nickelodeon. Your kiddo can also catch Ryan’s Mystery Playdate on Nick Jr., Tues. through Fri. at 3:30 p.m. ET/PT.
Calling all PAW Patrol fans! Nickelodeon recently announced a brand-new interactive streaming experience for the PAW Patrol-loving preschool set—and it includes a 45-minute stage show and a shared viewing room.
PAW Patrol Live! At Home is exactly what the name sounds like. Instead of going to a a theater, stadium, or other mega-venue to watch your fam’s fave Nick friends, you can watch this PAW-tastic production 100 percent from home.
photo courtesy of Nickelodeon
Amy Hyland, Executive Vice President, Nickelodeon Strategy, Business Development and Operations, said in a press release, “As we look forward to a return to normalcy and welcoming families back to our live events, we continue to invest in innovative ways to grow our Nickelodeon Experiences business during these unprecedented times. With PAW Patrol Live! At Home we’ve produced a one-of-a-kind co-viewing event that allows us to recreate the communal theater experience and give families a way to connect with not only fan favorite Nick characters, but their loved ones as well.”
Nick’s new PAW Patrol Live! At Home experience will include a pre-show with digital games, an e-shop, printable activity sheets and a Pup Pup Boogie dance-along video. The pre-show options are available immediately after your ticket purchase.
The show itself will stream Apr. 24 and 25 at either 7:00 a.m. PT/10:00 a.m. ET, 9:00 a.m. PT/12:00 p.m. ET or 2:00 p.m. PT/5:00 p.m. ET in English and in Spanish. Click here to purchase tickets in advance.
Parents can purchase a single ticket for access on one device or a group ticket that comes with one single ticket and three additional access codes to share with friends and family. Single and group pass ticket holders can also log on to re-watch the experience through May 2.
Nostalgia alert! The Rugrats are coming to Paramount+ and the new series features some very familiar voices.
Your fave toddlers from the ’90s and early 2000s are back. Paramount+ and Nickelodeon recently announced the upcoming release of a brand-new series—and it stars the OG voices plus a cast of famous faves.
photo: Courtesy of Nickelodeon
The new series’ cast includes Ashley Rae Spillers (Vice Principals) and Tommy Dewey (The Mindy Project) as Tommy’s parents; Tony Hale (Arrested Development) as Chuckie’s father; Natalie Morales (Dead to Me) as Phil and Lil’s mother; Anna Chlumsky (Veep) and Timothy Simons (Veep), as Angelica’s parents; Nicole Byer (Nailed It!) and Omar Miller (Ballers) as Susie’s parents and Michael McKean (Better Call Saul) as Grandpa Lou Pickles.
Liz Paulson, Senior Vice President, Talent and Casting, Nickelodeon, said in a press release, “This incredibly talented group of actors provides a fresh and very funny take on these iconic roles, combining humor with heart to bring the characters to life in a whole new way.”
Ramsey Naito, President, Nickelodeon Animation, added, “The all-new Rugrats is packed with comedy, music and adventures that only babies can embark upon, and the role of the grown-ups is an essential piece of the series.”
Along with new cast members, original voice actors featured in the new Rugrats series include E.G. Daily (Tommy), Nancy Cartwright (Chuckie), Cheryl Chase (Angelica), Cree Summer (Susie) and Kath Soucie (Phil and Lil).
Look for the new Rugrats series in Paramount+ this spring!
