The holidays can be a stressful time. That’s doubly true if you’re a parent who suddenly finds themselves juggling work and kids who are out for winter break.
Fortunately, the wealth of kids programming of subscription streaming services means you have a lot of options when it comes to keeping your kids occupied. While we’re not saying that your TV or tablet should replace real parenting, we also know that some screen time isn’t too bad when you’re in a pinch.
Keep in mind these recommendations are for younger kids, aged four to 10 or so, so nothing too crazy or questionable.
We’ll have a list of the best shows on free ad-supported services in a separate post.
Here are a few suggestions from the Cord Cutters News team.
Bluey
No list of kids programming would be complete without Bluey, originally out of Australia but now a global hit thanks to streaming. The show centers on the hijinks of anthropomorphic dogs, particularly title character Bluey, her younger sister Bingo, and mom and dad, Chili and Bandit, respectively. The vibrant and colorful show embraces the use of imagination and packs in a lot of lessons in its short episodes, which run about 7 minutes a piece.
If your kids haven’t watched Bluey, drop everything and check it out.
Where it’s streaming: Disney+
Cocomelon
This is another streaming cartoon that’s become a global hit. The show features scenes of CG-rendered children, adults, and animals interacting in daily life, all set to well-known nursery rhymes and other songs. Lyrics are listed on the bottom for kids to follow along.
The show started on YouTube, but was picked up by Netflix. It’s proven to be such a hit that there’s now a spinoff, Cocomelon Lane.
Where it’s streaming: On YouTube, although the safer bet is Netflix.
PAW Patrol
PAW Patrol is another stalwart in the line-up kid’s shows. The group of pups serve as Adventure City’s emergency services, from fire to police, led by young boy Ryder. Given how successful the recent PAW Patrol: The Might Movie was at the box office, it’s clear there are a legion of kids who are into the adventures of Marshall, Chase, Rocky, Rubble, and Skye.
With eight seasons of shows and the film available on streaming, there’s plenty of content to keep your kids busy.
Where it’s streaming: Paramount+
P.J. Mask
Another stalwart of kids programming, P.J. Masks follows a trio of young kids who don masks and become superheroes at night. Amaya channels the power of an owl, Greg channels a lizard, and Connor takes on the traits of a cat.
There are six seasons and 141 episodes. In addition, there are 44 shorts available.
Where it’s streaming: Disney+
Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir
Miraculous is a French animated show that mashes up the magical girl genre with the superhero theme. The animated show focuses on two French teenagers, Marientte Dupain-Cheng and Adrien Agreste, who transform into superheroes Ladybug and Cat Noir, respectively. They protect Paris a rogue’s gallery of villains, including Adrien’s father, known as Hawk Moth.
There’s an element of romance and more complicated relationships, so this might be suited for slightly older children.
There are five seasons and 131 episdoes.
Where it’s streaming: Disney+
Ask the StoryBots
The show follows five robots, Beep, Bing, Boop, and Bo, collectively known as Answer Team 341B, as the they go on adventures to answer questions from children. The characters or computer animated, but often live in the real world as they discuss science concepts.
StoryBots was originally created by entertainment studio JibJab, before it spun off and got acquired by Netflix.
There are three seasons and 22 episodes of the main Ask the StoryBots show, but Netflix has expanded the franchise to include multiple spinoff shows and specials.
Where it’s streaming: Netflix