Buzz
While YouTube and Netflix offer limited educational material these days, numerous other streaming platforms are stepping in to fill the gap. From exploring the mysteries of black holes in space to mastering filmmaking with guidance from an Academy Award-winning director, or even finding age-appropriate shows for your toddler, all of this is just a remote click away.
We’ve curated a list of the finest educational streaming platforms suitable for kids and families, many of which are either free or available at a budget-friendly price.
NASA+
The government-backed space agency recently introduced a streaming app without ads, offering live broadcasts, mission updates, documentary series, animated shows, and exclusive behind-the-scenes footage of launches and scientific research.
Cost: Free of charge
Kanopy
With a library card from an eligible institution, you can enjoy a vast collection of ad-free educational materials on Kanopy at no cost. This includes The Great Courses and animated shorts inspired by children’s books, such as those by Mo Willems. While there’s a monthly cap on adult content, kids’ programming is available without restrictions.
Cost: Free with a valid library card
PBS Kids
If your little ones are fans of Elmo, they can enjoy episodes of Sesame Street on this no-cost app, alongside other enriching programs like Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Wild Kratts, and The Cat in the Hat Knows A Lot About That. While the app doesn’t host every PBS kids' show, it offers plenty to keep them entertained on a Saturday morning, with fresh episodes added weekly for select series.
Cost: Free
MasterClass
Ever dreamed of learning filmmaking from Martin Scorsese or architecture from Frank Gehry? MasterClass provides access to the creative wisdom of some of the world’s most renowned experts through more than 180 acclaimed pre-recorded videos, spanning 11 diverse categories.
Cost: Starting at $10.
Disney+
We’re highlighting this platform not just for its Disney Junior shows (Bluey counts as educational, doesn’t it?) but for its extensive National Geographic library, featuring documentaries like Free Solo and historical series such as A Small Light, which tells the story of Miep Gies, the woman who aided Anne Frank and her family during World War II.
Cost: Starting at $7.99 per month.
Discovery+
Imagine a platform where your go-to cooking and home renovation shows coexist with news documentaries and beloved Shark Week content. The Discovery+ app offers all this and more, featuring programs from Animal Planet, TLC, Food Network, Discovery Channel, and CNN. Whether you’re into Investigation Discovery documentaries or 90 Day Fiancé, this app has you covered.
Cost: Starting at $4.99 per month.
Sensical
If you’ve ever relied on Common Sense Media to determine which movies and TV shows are suitable for your children, you’ll likely appreciate Sensical, their streaming service. The platform boasts over 15,000 videos covering a wide range of educational subjects, tailored for three age groups: preschoolers (2-4), little kids (5-7), and big kids (8-10). While the service is free, it is ad-supported, though all sponsors are carefully vetted by Common Sense Media.
Cost: Free
Amazon Kids+
If you’re comfortable with Jeff Bezos guiding your children through the digital world, Amazon Kids+ provides age-appropriate educational material. The service grants access to books, shows, music, and more from popular kid-centric brands like Lego and PBS, all without ads or in-app purchases.
Cost: $4.99 per month for Prime members and $7.99 monthly for non-Prime users. Every Amazon Kids device includes a complimentary one-year subscription to the service.
Nebula
While YouTube hosts plenty of excellent educational videos, it’s also filled with questionable content. Nebula filters out the noise, offering subscribers ad-free, high-quality videos that can be downloaded, along with exclusive content and podcasts. However, much of this material is already available for free on YouTube.
Cost: Starting at $5 per month.
Curiosity Stream
Launched by John Hendricks, the ex-chairman of Discovery Communications, this platform offers original non-fiction programming featuring renowned figures like Stephen Hawking and David Attenborough, as well as BBC-produced titles exploring a wide range of subjects, all available in HD and 4K.
Cost: Starting at $4.99 monthly. Bundles are available with services like Nebula, One Day University, Topic, Tastemade, Da Vinci, and Somm TV.
Skillshare
Think of Skillshare as a more interactive version of MasterClass, focusing on practical subjects like design, photography, illustration, and video. While instructors such as graphic designer Aaron Draplin and YouTuber Marques Brownlee may not be widely recognized, their expertise is undeniable.
Cost: Enjoy a 30-day free trial, with annual memberships starting at approximately $159.
Noggin
Featuring beloved characters from Paw Patrol and Peppa Pig, Noggin might seem like a Nick Jr. streaming platform—and you wouldn’t be entirely wrong. The service, designed for children aged 2 to 6, offers ad-free educational videos and books that teach math, reading, and emotional awareness.
Cost: Start with a free trial, then subscribe for $7.99 per month.
MagellanTV
Documentary enthusiasts can explore thousands of shows and films covering topics from nature to true crime. While it lacks original content and features only a few well-known titles, the platform updates its library with new additions every week.
Cost: Monthly plans start at $4.99.
History Vault
This standalone paid streaming service, distinct from the History Channel’s app, offers content from its era before American Pickers, including series like Ancient Aliens, The Universe, and America: The Story of Us. And yes, you can binge entire seasons of Ice Road Truckers.
Cost: Starting at $4.99 per month.
