Best Cartoons for Kids

After the preschool years, kids still like cartoons, but they want something more complex than straightforward messages about friendship and sharing -- they like a bit of conflict, some bad guys (that aren't too scary), other-worldy characters like superheroes, aliens, and dragons. These picks feature all this, plus the positive messages and hidden learning that parents will appreciate.

Browse Best Cartoons for Kids

  • Arthur Review
    Arthur

    A thoughtful cartoon for kids to grow up on.
    AGE
    5
     
    Learning Select
  • Maya & Miguel Review
    Maya & Miguel

    Engaging cartoon teaches cultural diversity.
    AGE
    5
     
    Learning Select
  • WordGirl Review
    WordGirl

    Brainy heroine uses vocab to outwit bad guys.
    AGE
    5
     
    Learning Select
  • Atomic Betty Review
    Atomic Betty
    Spunky space-travelling heroine is positive model for kids.
    AGE
    6
     
    Learning Select
  • Wild Kratts Review
    Wild Kratts

    Zoologist brothers get animated in fun, kid-friendly series.
    AGE
    6
     
    Learning Select
  • Cosmic Quantum Ray Review
    Cosmic Quantum Ray
    Fun animated sci-fi cleverly incorporates physics lessons.
    AGE
    6
     
    Learning Select
  • Jane and the Dragon Review
    Jane and the Dragon

    Medieval adventure is a soaring delight.
    AGE
    6
     
    Learning Select
  • Rated A for Awesome Review
    Rated A for Awesome

    Zany fun and positive social messages are great for kids.
    AGE
    7
     
    Learning Select
  • Robot and Monster Review
    Robot and Monster

    Funny, well-rounded 'toon has great social messages.
    AGE
    7
     
    Learning Select
  • Slugterra Review
    Slugterra

    Action, comedy, super-slugs, and great messages for tweens.
    AGE
    7
     
    Learning Select
  • Ben 10: Omniverse Review
    Ben 10: Omniverse

    Teenage Ben's comical adventures are fun but violent.
    AGE
    8
     
    Learning Select
  • Green Lantern: The Animated Series Review
    Green Lantern: The Animated Series

    Sharp take on comics hero has fighting, angry bad guys.
    AGE
    8
     
    Learning Select
  • Sym-Bionic Titan Review
    Sym-Bionic Titan
    Action, adventure, and positive messages for tweens.
    AGE
    8
     
    Learning Select
  • Transformers Prime Review
    Transformers Prime

    Action, violence don't overshadow worthy messages for kids.
    AGE
    8
     
    Learning Select
  • Young Justice Review
    Young Justice

    Former sidekicks battle villains in action-packed cartoon.
    AGE
    8
     
    Learning Select
  • Generator Rex Review
    Generator Rex
    Thoughtful sci-fi cartoon with monsters is best for tweens.
    AGE
    11
     
    Learning Select

More for you and your family

Other great lists from our editors
Animal TV
Best Preschool TV
Advice on the big issues
Impact of Media Violence Tips
About our rating system
ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.
OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
Learning ratings
Best: Really engaging, excellent learning approach.
Very Good: Engaging, very good learning approach.
Good: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
Fair: Somewhat engaging, okay learning approach.
Not for Learning: Not recommended for learning.
Not for Kids: Not age-appropriate for kids; not recommended for learning.
Our child development rating guidelines
 

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