Common Sense Media Review
By Emily Ashby
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Young dino's travels teach kids about science and diversity.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 3+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Dinosaur Train
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 60 parent reviews
Parents say this educational TV show is a hit among young viewers, particularly those aged 2 to 6, as it successfully combines fun storytelling with dinosaur facts, appealing visuals, and positive social messages. While some reviews mention concerns about age-appropriateness and occasional inaccuracies, the overwhelming sentiment is that it's a delightful, engaging resource that fosters curiosity and learning in children, making it enjoyable for both kids and parents.
- educational value
- fun storytelling
- engaging visuals
- positive social messages
- suitable for young viewers
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 34 kid reviews
Kids say the show is a delightful blend of education and entertainment, sparking a love for dinosaurs and science in its young audience, while offering charming characters and engaging storytelling. Many adults reflect on how it enriched their childhoods, although some find it less appealing for older viewers and criticize certain episodes for being inappropriate or nonsensical.
- educational content
- engaging characters
- nostalgic appeal
- animation quality
- age-appropriate humor
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
DINOSAUR TRAIN centers on a young Tyrannosaurus Rex named Buddy (voiced by Phillip Corlett) and his adoptive Pteranodon family, who live in a giant nest near the sea. Inquisitive Buddy is always on the lookout for adventure, and there's no shortage of it when he and his siblings Tiny (Claire Corlett), Shiny (Erika-Shaye Gair), and Don board the Dinosaur Train and speed through time to meet other prehistoric creatures. As questions arise, Buddy comes up with theories and eagerly makes discoveries that will solve the scientific riddles he faces. The show also includes live-action segments starring paleontologist Scott Sampson, who chats with kids about science and fun dinosaur facts.
Is It Any Good?
This delightful series combines typical preschool interests like trains, dinosaurs, and a healthy appetite for adventure -- and the resulting tales feed kids' vivid imaginations. Through Buddy's travels within the Mesozoic era, young viewers learn about different species' lifestyles, diets, and unique characteristics. Kids are also encouraged to think critically about the world around them; comparing dinosaurs' traits to those of modern animals, for example, and learning to classify different species by size, appearance, and lifestyle habits.
And Dinosaur Train's value isn't limited to early paleontology education or its fun take on basic scientific processes. There are also plenty of positive messages about tolerance and respect for differences. Buddy's adventures introduce him to a range of species with obvious differences, and his curiosity allows him to discover not only the unique traits that separate him from his new friends, but also the basic similarities that make them all alike.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how the dinosaurs lived and what we can learn about them in Dinosaur Train. Kids: How was the Earth different during their time? How did different species adapt to their surroundings? What traits differentiated the species?
How do scientists work to answer our questions about the past and the future? What tools do they use to uncover and piece together clues? How do modern inventions improve our lives?
Kids: What did you learn from this series? What questions do you still have about prehistoric creatures? What other shows have you seen that teach you something about science?
How does Dinosaur Train promote curiosity? Why is this an important character strength?
TV Details
- Premiere date : September 7, 2009
- Cast : Claire Corlett , Ellen Kennedy , Phillip Corlett
- Network : PBS
- Genre : Educational
- Topics : Animals ( Dinosaurs ) , Friendship , STEM , Transportation ( Trains )
- Character Strengths : Curiosity
- TV rating :
- Last updated : December 11, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
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