I’ve rounded up a few of our favorite educational Netflix picks that shouldn’t make you feel guilty for telling your kids to go watch TV. I know that one day I’m feeling like mom of the year, baking banana bread, crafting, cleaning, and blogging and then the next I’m 100% like “just watch Netflix.” But listen… this is a no judgment zone because we are all tackling this a little differently and we don’t need to feel guilty about it. I mean, I do feel guilty about saying “just go watch Netflix,” but it gives me time to get stuff done AND there’s actually some amazingly educational content on there. So let’s check it out.
Our Planet
One of my personal favorites. I could watch shows like this all day long… whales swimming around, ants marching through the rain, or snakes trying to take out other animals. Well, ok, maybe not the snakes. But the narrators voice is so calming and intriguing that you just need to know what happens in the end! And it’s teaching us about animals from all over the planet and some you and I may never see in real life. It magically explores every corner of our world and will definitely going to teach them something before it’s over.
The Who Was Show
I love history shows and here is one that takes on history with a fun and comical twist in a way that kids can relate. I mean, let’s be real, History can be boring for some kids and they do a really great job at making it not only entertaining to learn about people like Isaac Newton and Marie Curie, but they do it with pizazz and a comical fun element. My 8 year old really loves this one.
National Treasure
Ok, Ok, I know this is one that you might be thinking educational, really?! But hear me out. If you can get your kids to watch a movie about treasure hunters who use the Declaration of Independence to find a chest of riches hidden by George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin, I think they’ll get something out of it. And even if it’s just a tiny tidbit of info, this is a fun one.
Project MC2
Another one my 8 year old is loving these days is MC2. You are sure to be pleasantly surprised by these very smart girls.
AT HOME ACTIVITIES
The World’s Most Extraordinary Homes
This is a little on the more well rounded scale of education – learning about different types of architecture. While this might bore some kids, others will love it! Travel the world with an award winning architect and a property enthusiast touring beautifully unconventional homes.
Dream Big Engineering
It’s always fun to see the way things are built. The process and the beauty when they are finished is something to marvel. In this documentary you will see some incredible world-wide achievements in engineering.
BrainChild
A very cool show that touches on a gamut of things. From germs to emotions to social media, Brainchild explains the science of our world in a very relative way. The kids will love and even be taken in by this really cool way to look at everything around us.
Magic School Bus
A semi-nod to the past and the adorable Miss Frizzle we all knew and loved, jump on the Magic School Bus as it rides again with Ms. Frizzle (Miss Frizz’s Kid Sister) who is sure to show you a crazy wild time learning about all the things and all the places that bus can travel!
National Parks Adventures
A documentary tours awe-inspiring landscapes, historic sites, and untamed wilderness of America’s great parks. Plus, you can probably find some really cool live feeds from the parks! Follow this documentary up with a virtual park tour!
Now you know what to have your little turds watch on Netflix that’s educational and won’t make you feel guilty! Don’t worry about it though, we all have days where we say “Here’s your tablet.”
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