10 Fun and Educational Documentaries for Children

by NDFAuthors

  • Feb 08, 2021

Looking for children appropriate documentaries online that are fun to watch and teach children something new? Look no further. Here is a list of 10 of the best documentaries for children.

With the COVID19 pandemic still impacting our lives immensely, it is understandable to be on the hunt for more fun and educational activities for children at home. Let’s be honest, in these times it sounds tempting to put the kids in front of the TV for a limited about of time. But rather than showing them the classic Disney movies for the 100s time, why not stream a children-appropriate documentary that entertains, teaches and can generate interest in the subject area? These are our 10 favorite picks to get you started.

  1. March of the Penguins

Available on YouTube and Amazon Prime, March of the Penguins follows emperor penguins to their traditional breeding grounds. The documentary includes breath-taking views of Antarctica and teaches children about the difficult journey these penguins undertake every year. In addition, we get to see adorable baby penguins.

  1. Growing Up Wild

Children can go on a journey with five super cute baby animals in Growing Up Wild.   Growing up as a baby cheetah or chimpanzee can be tricky at times and will most certainly keep the kids on the edge of the sofa. Growing Up Wild is available on Netflix.

  1. Elephant

With winter approaching fast why not escape to the Kalahari Desert in Southern Africa? Available on Disney+, Elephant is an adorable and breath-taking nature documentary about the journey of elephants from their home in the desert to grassy paradise.   A dangerous and adventurous journey awaits the herd, teaching children about taking risks and standing one’s ground.

  1. Dolphin Reef

Is your child more interested in the ocean? Disney+ got you covered as well. With Dolphin Reef, children learn about the life of the baby dolphin Echo and his mother. While his mother tries to teach Echo how to survive, Echo is more interested in getting to know the environment and other animals.

  1. Imba Means Sing

Available on Amazone Prime, Imba Means Sing is an uplifting and joyous movie about a children’s choir from Africa that tours the United States. During their 18-month stay, the children in the choir experience snowfall and traditional US American food and events. Children will not only get to listen to beautiful songs but also learn about different cultures.

How much screen time is good for a child? Check out right here.

Looking for children appropriate documentaries online that are fun to watch and teach children something new? Look no further. Here is a list of 10 of the best documentaries for children.

Looking for children appropriate documentaries online that are fun to watch and teach children something new? Look no further. Here is a list of 10 of the best documentaries for children.

  1. Walking with Dinosaurs

This rather old documentary has not lost its magic! If your child loves dinosaurs, Walking with Dinosaurs is a must. This six-part series recreated the Mesozoic Era and provides children with a good educational overview of the life of this extinct species. Available on Youtube and Amazon Prime.

  1. I Am Eleven

The documentary I Am Elven follows a group of children around the world to show what their lives are like at the age of eleven. The documentary is most suitable for children at a similar age as the group of children shares their thoughts on how they experience the world. Available on iTunes.

  1. Babies

The documentary Babies is similar to I Am Elven. Babies show a group of babies and their daily lives around the world and is recommended for smaller children. Available on Hulu, it provides a sneak peek into the upbringing of children in different parts of the world.

  1. Jiro Dreams of Sushi

Let’s introduce a completely different topic – food. It is never too early to teach children about the preparation and business of food. Available on Netflix, Jiro Dreams of Sushi keeps up with the life of Japan’s most creative sushi chef and his sons who work in his kitchen.

  1. What’s on Your Plate?

Ever wondered about teaching your child about eating habits and food in a fun but educational way? Look no further, What’s on your Plate follows two eleven-year-old girls for a year to talk food. They interview food activists, distributes and growers while educating themselves about nutrition. Available on Amazon Prime.