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Best Children’s Cartoons: A Guide for Parents

What should your kids be watching? Check out our list of some of the best animated shows around.

By Doug Wallace
Best Children’s Cartoons: A Guide for Parents

With children spending so much time watching cartoons there’s little wonder that parents need to be watching, too. Cartoon consumption can affect various aspects of child development, including emotional, cognitive and social growth.

“Cartoons have the power to change children’s perspectives on the world, including how they interact with friends and approach difficulties,” says psychologist Veronica West, founder and lead content creator of My Thriving Mind, a website for mental health professionals.

DeaAnna Carpentar, parent educator at Arizona Children Association, agrees that cartoons can significantly impact a child's development at a crucial time in their lives when values and social behaviours are beginning to develop. “It’s crucial that parents choose age-appropriate, educational and enriching content to support cognitive and social development,” she says. “Quality content can encourage curiosity, creativity and problem-solving skills, whereas passive entertainment might not offer these developmental benefits.”

But what should parents be looking for? Age-appropriateness tops the checklist, followed by positive role models, which help promote kindness and empathy. Choosing shows that support learning and curiosity in fun, engaging ways is also important. Cartoons that reinforce moral and cultural values parents want to instill in their kids.

The evolution of children's cartoons

“Cartoons have definitely grown up,” says West. “Back in the day, it was all about anvil-dropping and wild chases—hilarious, but maybe not the most enlightening content. Today’s cartoons have a bit more depth. They’re tackling things like emotional resilience and teamwork, but still with plenty of silly voices and goofy faces.”

Cartoons began at the turn of the 20th century as short, silent films shown in movie theatres before the feature. Synchronized sound made them an even more popular cinema event, as with the introduction of Mickey Mouse.

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Best Children’s Cartoons: A Guide for Parents Walt Disney, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The 1940s through the 1960s is known as the Golden Age of cartoons. Big studios created iconic characters like Bugs Bunny and The Flintstones.

The 1970s brought the Saturday morning cartoon TV shows created specifically for children. It also brought merchandise like toys and games rising alongside shows like Scooby-Doo and The Transformers. The 1990s saw the rise of digital animation. Characters like the Rugrats and SpongeBob SquarePants featured vibrant colours and more complex storylines. Disney and Pixar’s 3D animated movies also appeared during this time. And TV channels dedicated solely to cartoons launched.

And today, the internet and streaming platforms have changed how cartoons are made and consumed. Now kids have instant access to on-demand shows via Netflix, Disney+ and YouTube.

So from the early hand-drawn frames to CGI and artificial intelligence, cartoons have come a long way. “Now, it’s not just about laughter – it’s also about learning to handle life’s ups and downs while wearing a cape and battling space villains,” says West.

Benefits of watching quality cartoons

“Quality cartoons can be valuable tools for child development,” Carpentar says. “Educational cartoons can introduce concepts like numbers, letters and shapes, as well as teach valuable life lessons, such as sharing, empathy and perseverance.”

Most cartoons have some educational element, incorporating interactive lessons that reinforce concepts and make learning fun. Characters are often seen navigating friendships, emotions and challenges, with positive behaviours offering guidance on handling feelings and conflict. Cartoons also encourage young imaginations, stimulating creativity and adventure.

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“Good cartoons are like the Swiss army knife of childhood,” West says. “They teach, amuse and aid in the development of critical social skills. Yes, you could give your kids a half hour of mindless amusement. But while you're at it, why not include some lessons on creative problem-solving, emotional intelligence and teamwork? Your child is not just laughing when they watch high-quality shows, they are also learning how to be the protagonist of their own tale.”

Best Cartoons for Different Age Groups

Best Children’s Cartoons: A Guide for Parents Bluey; Ludo Studio

Preschoolers (Ages 3 to 5)

  • Bluey The popular and critically acclaimed Bluey is noted for its charming storytelling, positive family dynamics and relatable themes.
  • Peppa Pig This popular show with an international following is simply animated with relatable topics.
  • Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Praised for its social-emotional learning approach, this show teaches kids important life lessons through gentle, practical strategies.
  • Puffin Rock Animated with calming tones and an emphasis on nature, Puffin Rock is popular for its educational value and peaceful storytelling.

Early Elementary (Ages 6 to 8)

  • Paw Patrol This giant of the cartoon world is action-packed, and the rescue dogs’ adventures are colourful and thrilling.
  • Wild Kratts Parent-praised for its educational content about wildlife and ecosystems, Wild Kratts combines adventure with animal facts.
  • The Loud House This one is a favourite for its portrayal of sibling dynamics, delivering humour and lessons on family life.
  • Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts This fantasy-adventure show is known for its stunning animation and themes of acceptance and diversity.

Tweens (Ages 9 to 12)

  • Avatar: The Last Airbender Beloved by fans and critics for its characters, deep themes and rich world-building, Avatar is considered one of the best animated series.
  • Gravity Falls This show has a huge following thanks to its clever humour, intricate mysteries and complex character development.
  • Hilda Kids who enjoy adventurous but heartwarming narratives will like Hilda, celebrated for its great animation and magical world-building.
  • The Dragon Prince With its epic fantasy storyline and themes of family and justice, The Dragon Prince has a strong fanbase.

Top 10 Popular Children’s Cartoons

Best Children’s Cartoons: A Guide for Parents Spongebob Squarepants; Nickelodeon

SpongeBob SquarePants Target age group: 6-12 Themes: Friendship, adventure, humour Educational value: Subtly teaches resilience, creativity and the importance of friendship

Peppa Pig Target age group: 3-5 Themes: Family, everyday life, social skills Educational value: Offers lessons on manners, social interactions and problem-solving

Paw Patrol Target age group: 3-6 Themes: Teamwork, responsibility, problem-solving Educational value: Emphasizes cooperation, critical thinking and community service

The Simpsons Target age group: 12+ Themes: Family, satire, social issues Educational value: Through satirical and geared toward an older audience, it comments on societal issues

Bluey Target age group: 3-6 Themes: Family, play, emotional growth Educational value: Teaches social skills, family bonding and imaginative play

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My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic Target age group: 5-8 Themes: Friendship, kindness, diversity Educational value: Emphasizes the values of friendship, cooperation and understanding differences among friends

Dora the Explorer Target age group: 3-6 Themes: Adventure, problem-solving, bilingual learning Educational value: Teaches basic Spanish vocabulary, critical thinking and problem-solving

Teen Titans Go! Target age group: 7-12 Themes: Friendship, superhero adventures, humour Educational value: Addresses teamwork and perseverance

Adventure Time Target age group: 9-14 Themes: Friendship, exploration, fantasy Educational value: Explores themes of loyalty, resilience and personal growth

Tom and Jerry Target age group: 6-12 Themes: Rivalry, humour, slapstick comedy Educational value: Appreciated for its classic animation style and entertainment value

Educational Cartoons

Best Children’s Cartoons: A Guide for Parents

Carpentar says cartoons focused on academic subjects or life skills can reinforce the development of important personal and interpersonal skills. “For instance, children watching cartoons that model daily routines or social skills, like sharing and empathy, can see these behaviours in action and understand how to apply them in real life.” She says that having a discussion with your child about what they’ve watched can help build vocabulary and language skills, as they process and express what they’ve observed.

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West says that educational cartoons are like that fun teacher at school who turns mathematics into a game or makes social skills feel like an adventure. “When a cartoon makes learning fun, kids hardly notice that they’re picking up knowledge on everything from counting to sharing.”

She describes cartoons that teach life stills as “little social-emotional boot camps disguised as entertainment. They help kids figure out how to handle big feelings and practice empathy, problem-solving and patience. Consider cartoons to be miniature life lessons in bright, goofy packages.”

Here below are a few cartoons that balance academic subjects and emotional intelligence, making learning comprehensive and enjoyable.

Best Children’s Cartoons: A Guide for Parents Peg + Cat; Fred Rogers Productions

Sid the Science Kid Introduces preschoolers to scientific concepts like the weather, the human body and basic physics. Encourages critical thinking and problem-solving skills by showing kids how to ask questions.

Cyberchase For children aged 6-11, this show’s math-based adventures cover geometry, algebra and problem-solving, while promoting teamwork and perseverance.

WordGirl Elementary-aged children learn new words in each episode from this superhero, promoting language skills, critical thinking and ethics.

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The Magic School Bus Science-themed field trips explore topics like space, ecosystems and the human body, encouraging curiosity, teamwork and creativity.

Peg + Cat Peg and her cat solve everyday problems for preschoolers using basic math skills.

Cartoons for 10-year-olds

These age-appropriate cartoons for tweens address more complex themes and storylines and appeal to both boys and girls.

  • Avatar: The Last Airbender Set in a world where people can control elements like water, earth, fire and air, this series is praised for its rich storytelling, well-developed characters, and the exploration of themes like conflict and forgiveness. Themes: Friendship, responsibility, identity, resilience
  • Gravity Falls Known for its clever humour and plot twists, adventure and mystery, this cartoon follows twin siblings as they unravel secrets in Gravity Falls. Themes: Mystery, family, trust, growing up
  • The Dragon Prince This magical kingdom features compelling characters and sophisticated subject matter. Themes: Unity, loyalty, justice, friendship
  • Steven Universe A half-human, half-Gem boy, protects the Earth with his group of Gem warriors. This show is praised for its inclusivity and emotionally rich storytelling. Themes: Identity, acceptance, empathy, family
  • Star Wars The Clone Wars: With epic battles and a deep exploration of Star Wars lore, this cartoon addresses themes of war, honour and personal growth. Themes: Courage, sacrifice, loyalty, morality

How to choose the right cartoons for your child

A boy and girl sit on their mother's lap. There is a laptop in front of them. They are smiling.

As we have noted, parents should look for cartoons that are age-appropriate and culturally sensitive, and that encourage positive behaviors or learning through role models. Seeking out shows with an educational focus, like those that teach numbers, letters or problem-solving, can also be beneficial.

“Pick cartoons like you’d pick a good smoothie for your kid—something that’s not only delicious but also sneaks in a little goodness,” West says. “They might not even realize they’re learning something useful, so being selective is like slipping spinach into a smoothie!”

Parents are also encouraged to get in on the fun themselves. “Parents should consider discussing the content with their children to enhance comprehension and retention,” Carpentar says. “By being involved in their child’s media consumption, parents can help ensure that screen time supports healthy development.”

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Balancing screen time with other activities

Additionally, selecting the amount of screen time is also important, Carpentar says. “According to the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, children aged 2 to 5 should have limited screen time outside of educational use – roughly one hour on weekdays and up to three hours on weekend days. This guidance serves as a valuable baseline for creating a balanced approach to screen usage.”

It's helpful to be aware that your kids may mimic your own media habits. Set a positive example by setting clear guidelines for yourself and for your children, creating healthy boundaries and time limits. Parental controls of devices are your friend! Ensure your children only access age-appropriate material by monitoring their usage.

Parents can also balance cartoon time with activities that aren’t media-related, like reading, playing outside or spending time with a hobby. Well-rounded routines promote a balanced family lifestyle.

Taken together, quality cartoons can serve as valuable tools that support various aspects of a child’s growth, providing not only entertainment but also meaningful lessons that nurture cognitive and emotional skills.

By being mindful of what their children watch, parents can create a healthier, more positive media environment, adding to their children’s growth in a way that mirrors their family’s values and priorities. And by staying actively involved in their children’s media experiences, parents can help guide them through the media they consume.

Helping children develop media literacy skills—like recognizing advertising, understanding fictional elements or identifying stereotypes – can make them more discerning viewers.

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Experts

  • Psychologist Veronica West is Founder and Lead Content Creator of My Thriving Mind, a website providing therapy tools to mental health professionals.
  • Parent Educator DeaAnna Carpentar teaches parents about childhood development milestones and how to meet those goals through her work with the Parents as Teachers program at Arizona’s Children Association.
This article was originally published on Oct 23, 2024

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