Parents' Guide to

The National Parks: America's Best Idea

By Emily Ashby, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 7+

Breathtaking historical look at nation's favorite places.

TV PBS Educational 2009
The National Parks: America's Best Idea Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

Community Reviews

age 7+

Based on 1 parent review

age 7+

Perfect for children of school age.

Wow! My 16 year old daughter was inspired to camp, become an active conservationist, and talked us into visiting Glacier National Park before the Glaciers melted! [Which we did in August 2010.] She developed an interest in some of the music used in the series, and learned to play it on her violin.

This title has:

Educational value
Great messages
Great role models

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: (1 ):
Kids say: Not yet rated

This documentary series simultaneously entertains, teaches, and inspires, offering a whole new perspective on an American institution that most of us likely take for granted. If you've never visited one of these historic sites and felt a surge of pride, you will after you see them through the eyes of the people who fought for the parks' existence and consequently added an important new chapter to U.S. history.

Once in a while a series comes along that reminds us of all the positive qualities of the media -- The National Parks is exactly that. Apart from rare instances of salty language ("hell," mostly in historic accounts), The National Parks: America's Best Idea is well suited for family viewing. Kids probably won't absorb too much besides the breathtaking scenery from, but parents, tweens, and teens may be inspired to discuss everything from politics to conservation.

TV Details

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