Best Cartoons for Kids

Last updated: February 20, 2025

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 (who aren't too scary), and otherworldly characters such as superheroes, aliens, and dragons. These top-rated picks feature all this plus positive messages and hidden learning that parents will appreciate. If you're looking for popular cartoons your kids can watch instantly, check out our favorite shows currently streaming on all the major platforms. If you're looking for a classic, older pick, check out Classic Cartoons Parents Love to Share with Kids.

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BooSnoo TV show poster: GCI image of a red ball traveling along a colorful pathway amongst wheel and sprockets.

TV

BooSnoo

age 2+

No dialogue in meditative show for youngest viewers.

Peacock Kids' Animation (2023)

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Eureka! TV show poster.

TV

Eureka!

age 3+

Talented girl goes on engineering adventures in Stone Age.

Disney Junior Kids' Animation (2022)

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Kiri & Lou TV show: poster

TV

Kiri & Lou

age 3+

Uniquely charming friendship story has positive messages.

Nickelodeon , Apple TV Kids' Animation (2019)

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Peppa's Cinema Party movie poster: Two children with their hands in the hair along with some cartoon characters from the movie

MOVIE

Peppa's Cinema Party

age 3+

Celeb guest voices, positive messages in episode collection.

February 9, 2024 2024 NR (65 minutes)

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Chico Bon Bon: Monkey with a Toolbelt Poster Image

TV

Chico Bon Bon: Monkey with a Toolbelt

age 4+

Teamwork, problem-solving stand out in books-inspired show.

Netflix Kids' Animation (2020)

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Dog Loves Books Poster Image

TV

Dog Loves Books

age 4+

Canine book lovers bring stories to life in preschool show.

CBeebies Kids' Animation (2020)

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Face's Music Party

TV

Face's Music Party

age 4+

Fun musical show with diverse cast great for young viewers.

Nick Jr. Kids' Animation (2022)

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Octonauts & the Great Barrier Reef Poster Image

MOVIE

Octonauts & the Great Barrier Reef

age 4+

Fantastic musical special promotes environmental awareness.

October 13, 2020 2020 NR (47 minutes)

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Rhyme Time Town Poster Image

TV

Rhyme Time Town

age 4+

Charming nursery rhymes-inspired show fun for tots, parents.

Netflix Kids' Animation (2020)

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Santiago of the Seas TV Poster: Animated pirate children on an adventure in the Caribbean with a ship in the background.

TV

Santiago of the Seas

age 4+

Exceptional preschool series celebrates kindness, courage.

Nickelodeon Kids' Animation (2020)

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Snoopy Presents: Welcome Home, Franklin TV Show Poster: Franklin, a Black boy cartoon character, stands smiling holding a suitcase

TV

Snoopy Presents: Welcome Home, Franklin

age 4+

Charming Peanuts special about friendship and fitting in.

Apple TV Kids' Animation (2024)

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Creature Cases poster

TV

The Creature Cases

age 4+

Dynamic duo investigates animal mysteries in funny series.

Netflix Kids' Animation (2022)

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Arthur Poster Image

TV

Arthur

age 5+

A thoughtful cartoon for kids to grow up on.

PBS Kids' Animation (1996)

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Danger Mouse Poster Image

TV

Danger Mouse

age 5+

Secret agent's globe-trotting adventures are fun for kids.

Online Kids' Animation (1984)

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Dora and Friends: Into the City! Poster Image

TV

Dora and Friends: Into the City!

age 5+

School-age TV icon explores community service, friendship.

Nickelodeon Kids' Animation (2014)

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Elena of Avalor Poster Image

TV

Elena of Avalor

age 5+

Spunky Latina princess is an excellent role model.

Disney Junior Kids' Animation (2016)

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Elinor Wonders Why Poster Image

TV

Elinor Wonders Why

age 5+

Eager preschoolers' curiosity yields learning opportunities.

PBS Kids Kids' Animation (2020)

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Goldie TV show poster: Goldie, a giant girl, poses with her friends Teeny and Petey (average-sized kids)

TV

Goldie

age 5+

Offbeat buddy comedy celebrates differences.

Apple TV Kids' Animation (2025)

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Hero Elementary Poster Image

TV

Hero Elementary

age 5+

Helpful friends use skills and science to solve problems.

PBS Kids Educational (2020)

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Martin Morning Poster Image

TV

Martin Morning

age 5+

Cute French series has positive lessons about acceptance.

Kidstream Kids' Animation (2018)

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