Finding the balance between fun and educational screen time can be tricky for families. Luckily, educational video streaming services are here to save the day. They offer a perfect mix of entertainment and learning, giving kids a chance to grow curious about the world. Exploring science, history, art, or math is fun with these platforms. They're designed to provide high-quality, family-friendly content to teach and inspire curiosity. There is something for everyone. With topics ranging from space exploration to music lessons. Here are the top educational video streaming services to check out, complete with what makes each one unique and worth your time.

1. Disney+

While Disney+ is known for its blockbuster movies and animated shows, it also offers a surprising range of educational content. Many programs weave learning into engaging stories that spark curiosity in kids and parents alike.

What Makes It Unique:

  • National Geographic Content: From wildlife documentaries to space exploration, the Nat Geo collection has stunning visuals and kid-friendly storytelling.
  • History with a Twist: Shows like The Right Stuff make history feel like an adventure instead of a dry textbook.
  • Short Educational Series: Magic of Disney’s Animal Kingdom gives a behind-the-scenes look at conservation work at Disney’s parks.

Disney+ makes it easy to switch between brain-boosting documentaries and family movie nights without needing additional subscriptions.

2. Netflix

Netflix may not be an “educational-first” platform, but its growing library of kids' shows and documentaries means it still deserves a spot on this list. Their original programming often combines creative storytelling with factual learning.

What Makes It Unique:

  • Award-Winning Documentaries: Films like My Octopus Teacher teach empathy and environmental awareness.
  • Science and Exploration: Emily’s Wonder Lab introduces kids to fun, hands-on experiments.

Netflix offers something for every age group, making it a solid choice for families with kids of varying interests.

3. PBS Kids

PBS Kids is a classic when it comes to family-friendly, educational content. It’s designed for younger audiences and is packed with shows teaching life lessons, math, reading, and science.

What Makes It Unique:

  • Beloved Characters: Classics like Arthur and Sesame Street teach kindness, empathy, and social skills.
  • STEM Powerhouses: Shows like Wild Kratts and Curious George blend animals, technology, and science into fun adventures.
  • Free Streaming App: The PBS Kids app offers many episodes for free, making it budget-friendly for parents.

With a trusted reputation for quality, PBS Kids makes learning fun and accessible for preschool and primary-aged children.

4. CuriosityStream

CuriosityStream holds a treasure trove of educational documentaries and series for curious minds of all ages. It’s a go-to for families who love in-depth explorations of science, history, nature, and technology.

What Makes It Unique:

  • Affordable Pricing: Plans start at just a few dollars a month, making it super accessible for families on a budget.
  • Expert-Level Content: Programs are created by leading researchers and filmmakers for accuracy and quality.
  • Diverse Topics: From The History of Food to The Wonders of the Solar System, there’s something for every interest.

CuriosityStream lets you turn family viewing time into a digital trip through some of the world's most fascinating topics.

5. National Geographic Kids

This platform is specifically designed for younger explorers who want to learn about wildlife, space, and other wonders of the world. With bite-sized videos and interactive resources, it’s perfect for children who learn best in short bursts.

What Makes It Unique:

  • Focus on Nature: Packed with animal facts, habitats, and wild adventures that inspire eco-awareness at a young age.
  • Interactive Games: Go beyond videos with quizzes and games that reinforce what kids have learned.
  • Kid-Friendly Facts: Fun, digestible tidbits of information for curious young learners.

National Geographic Kids complements the more in-depth offerings on Disney+ or Nat Geo TV with content tailored specifically for younger viewers.

6. Amazon Kids+

Amazon Kids+ (formerly known as FreeTime Unlimited) combines streaming video with games, books, and audiobooks in one subscription, making it a comprehensive choice for learning at home.

What Makes It Unique:

  • Wide Range of Topics: From educational cartoon series like Pete the Cat to documentaries, it caters to varied interests.
  • Parental Controls: Tools allow parents to customize viewing and set learning goals for their kids.
  • Built-In Learning Games: Its visual and interactive elements reinforce concepts like math, reading, and problem-solving.

Amazon Kids+ is a fantastic all-in-one solution for families looking to balance entertainment and learning with convenience.

7. BrainPOP

BrainPOP is a staple in classrooms, but it’s also perfect for family learning at home. Its animated videos simplify complex subjects in a way kids find engaging and easy to understand.

What Makes It Unique:

  • Core School Subjects: Covers everything from math and science to social studies and art.
  • Quirky Animation Style: Tim and Moby, the platform's two main characters, keep lessons fun and relatable.
  • Interactive Quizzes: Short quizzes found after videos help reinforce what kids have learned.

BrainPOP is ideal for filling in learning gaps or helping kids explore subjects in a low-pressure, fun way.

8. Kanopy Kids

Kanopy is a library-based streaming service that offers free access to a wide selection of educational content. Using just a library card, families can enjoy its Kanopy Kids section, dedicated to high-quality children’s programming.

What Makes It Unique:

  • Completely Free: All you need is a library card to access Kanopy’s content.
  • Award-Winning Programs: Features shows like Reading Rainbow and Sesame Street.
  • Parental Controls: Kanopy’s settings allow for a secure and safe browsing experience.

Kanopy Kids is a great option for families wanting free educational content without compromising quality.