5 Shows About Wildlife and Nature for Kids to Watch

As of 2024, the screen time of kids aged 8-10 years is an average of 6 hours per day. But parents should divert the kids’ attention to real, meaningful entertainment, one of them being wildlife. This is so they can learn more about nature, its creations, and respect Earth for its gems.

When I was little, mobile phone entertainment was not as common as it is in this age. Instead, I used to enjoy seeing wildlife on TV channels like National Geographic and Animal Planet – even though it was on repeat and only got half an hour for it. The feeling of watching those animal documentaries, the intense curiosity that came with it, and the adrenaline rush was constant.

In this new era, we must inculcate the love of wildlife and nature in kids through documentaries, shows, animation, or visits to nature parks. So, here, I have done some research on some of the best shows that your kids may find interesting. Read below to see out more about the shows.

Note: To keep the entertainment going and not get kids frustrated because of buffering, you must ensure your home is connected to a seamless internet service. We would recommend checking out Cox internet for its reliable and fast speeds that won’t let you down. Also, there is a wide variety of Cox Internet Plans to choose from, based on your household size or online activities.

5 Best Wildlife and Nature Shows for Kids

1. Treehouse Detectives

No. of seasons: 2

Animated shows always appeal to the younger kids. The vibrant colors and cartoonist voice-overs make it more interesting. Treehouse Detectives is a must-watch for kids who have an interest in nature and want to learn about it with a hint of mystery. 

This show has a simple storyline based on two siblings, a brother and a sister, who are on a mission to solve mysteries around their forest (a backyard for them) and be a good help to their friends. Your kids will not only be entertained with its friendly characters and impressive stories that spread positivity, but also learn many life lessons related to the natural world. 

Make learning more interesting by introducing this show to your kids so that they know the facts of forest life and nature. Treehouse Detectives is for kids 3 and above, but it is aimed at kids from 6 to 8 years of age. It has themes like mystery solving, teamwork, and exploration, which the kids in the age bracket start developing.

2. Zoboomafoo

No. of seasons: 2

Zoboomafoo is one of the best and most highly recommended TV shows if you want your child to take an interest in wildlife. As a kid, I loved this show’s storyline, which had an interesting approach. My favorite part of this show was its opening and ending with theme songs. My nieces and nephews, who fortunately love watching wildlife shows too, enjoy Zoboomafoo the most. 

The stars of this show are the Kratt Brothers with their talking Sifaka Lemur named Zoboo. At Animal Junction, they meet other animals and hang out with them. Through songs and video clips, they introduce those animals to the kids. 

With various other side stories like Zoboo telling stories about his imaginary “Zobooland”, this show can be your kids’ new favorite. If you have kids at home, Zoboomafoo is a must-watch for them. This one is for the younger kids aged 3 to 7 years old.

3. The Zoo

No. of seasons: 5

The Zoo is one of the best documentary-based shows that displays the life of animals in the Bronx Zoo. From showing viewers every animal in the zoo to telling their history, like how they came to the zoo, what type of meal they get, what their breed is, and whether they are going to be extinct soon, and covers so many topics like these. 

This show also highlights the role of caretakers in the zoo and shows their importance. In every episode, you can see the way the staff is taking care of every animal and updates on each of them. Through detailed documentation on every animal in the Bronx Zoo, your kid learns the importance of conserving wildlife and taking care of it. It is a great show for young children to adults.

4. Our Planet

No. of seasons: 2

If your kid is into watching nature doing its wonders, Our Planet is the perfect TV show for them. With its exceptional cinematography, this show broke records when it was first released. A report by Netflix News stated that 100 million households worldwide have been watching this show as of 2021, ever since it release in 2019. These stats can tell that Our Planet was a good binge-watch during COVID-19 times. 

What makes this show more interesting to watch is that it was filmed in 50 countries within almost a decade. Our Planet highlights topics like the migration journey of animals and the reasons behind it, such as climate change. 

You will be seeing different habitats like deserts, forests, coastal areas, etc., in this show. With a powerful narrative, this show has won millions of hearts, making it a must-watch for every nature lover. This show is aimed at kids above the age of 7 and above but honestly, I’m 28 and I still watch it.

5. Octonauts

No. of seasons: 4

When I was a child, I didn’t have many animated options for ocean movies or shows other than SpongeBob Square Pants, which was a favorite at that time. 

Now, while exploring wildlife and nature shows for kids, I found one of the best TV shows that showcases underwater life (but fictional) with lots of fun and adventure. Octonauts is perfect for little kids who may develop an eye for ocean life. As a thalassophile (an ocean lover) mysekf who loves watching shows that are based solely on ocean exploration, I am saving the best for the last. 

The story of this show is based on Octonauts, which is a team of various animals, including a polar bear, a cat, an octopus, a penguin, and other sea/land animals who get into action whenever there’s trouble underwater. But this show is aimed at very young kids, toddlers, and so on. It is said to be for ages 2 to 7, but some older kids may enjoy it too.

Get your kids to watch these shows for their entertainment time they have. These are productive and let them learn about nature and its awe factors. It allows kids to become closer to nature, respect it, and thus respect the Mother Earth as responsible grown-ups.

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