There's no denying that PBS Kids, the home of Daniel Tiger, was once the gold standard for children's programming. Unfortunately, many of their shows now feel recycled or like they're spoon-feeding their audience. For example, they've turned Elmo and Cookie Monster into transforming robots. A parent can't help but wonder if they're more interested in selling toys than entertaining kids. 

Apple TV+ has quickly (and quietly) been overtaking PBS' throne in quality programming for kids, bringing considerable value to this parent's dwindling streaming budget. Several creatives behind Sesame Street and Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood have their own programs on the streaming service, and the shows are targeted toward specific age groups, not just preschoolers.

Toddlers and preschoolers

Hello, Jack! The Kindness Show

After playing 30 Rock's Kenneth Parcell with "aw-shucks" aplomb, Jack McBrayer practically seemed destined to host a Mr. Rogers Neighborhood-type show. Here, he plays a version of himself, who also happens to be the kindest resident of Clover Grove, and spreads his fondness for others around his colorful hometown. Behind the scenes, McBrayer co-created this musical show (with songs by pop group OK Go) with Angela C. Santomero, the mind behind Blue's Clues and Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood. According to my oldest son, this program is strictly for preschoolers, as he doesn't enjoy the show as much as his younger brother does. 

Frog and Toad

Every streaming service has a children's series based on a book. Netflix has Captain Underpants, and Prime Video has If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, and each show translates its source material to the screen with varying degrees of success. Apple TV+ has Frog and Toad, which captures what made Arnold Lobel's award-winning series so delightful to read, from the color palette of its illustrations to its contagious positivity. The show moves at the same pace as your preschooler, so their senses aren't overloaded, and its core themes about communication and embracing differences are slipped in subtly. Both my sons love it. Don't be surprised if this becomes the next kids' show you watch without your kids.

Older kids

Stillwater

From each hair on the titular panda's face to the blades of grass that move with the breeze, Stillwater is far too beautiful for children's television animation. Even its sound design is soothing, which is on purpose, given the show's premise. Each episode deals with a problem that one of Stillwater's child neighbors brings to them. Rather than letting their emotions take over, he supports them in finding a solution by taking a deep breath and looking at the problem from a different perspective, offering a way to navigate complicated feelings so viewers can work on becoming more self-aware humans. Surprisingly, my kids love this show, particularly the beautiful fables Stillwater tells his young neighbors to get his point across.

Camp Snoopy

When Apple TV+ announced it was becoming the new streaming home for all things Peanuts, I wondered why, considering that most of the television specials had their heyday in the '70s and '80s. I obviously underestimated Snoopy's power, especially considering parents were up in arms when word got out that A Charlie Brown Christmas wouldn't be on broadcast television because of the arrangement.

The agreement also allows Apple to create new content featuring Charles Schultz's characters. Their most recent offering is Camp Snoopy, which follows Charlie Brown and siblings Lucy and Linus Van Pelt to the great outdoors. There are the usual shenanigans from Snoopy and Woodstock (which drew my kids in), but the other characters have issues of their own, such as getting homesick or fear of trying new things, that are dealt with gracefully.

Tiny World

Who needs to watch Honey, I Shrunk the Kids when the documentary program Tiny World breaks down the microscopic ecosystems of the jungle, savannah, and outback for viewers? Soothingly narrated by Paul Rudd, the series offers fantastic images they wouldn't likely see anywhere else to captivate your child's imagination. I recommend waiting to watch this on your new big-screen TV instead of your iPad, as the detail in these images is enough to make your family's jaw drop.

Tweens

Ghostwriter

My oldest son, a bookworm by his own admission, dove right into this reboot of the '90s live-action series about a group of kids who solve mysteries with literary characters mysteriously brought to life. He was caught up in solving the identity of the titular character, who communicates with the four young detectives through spilled drinks and a mysterious typewriter, as well as the other themes dominating the character's personal lives (like grief, for example). The greatest trick this show pulls off is making classic stories like The Jungle Book and Alice in Wonderland relevant when so many other characters (and toys) vie for your child's attention.

Circuit Breakers

Goosebumps. Are You Afraid of the Dark? In the '90s, there was no shortage of creepy anthology shows aimed at tweens. Now, there is Circuit Breakers, which focuses on the effects of using technology to solve kid-related problems, such as overbearing parents or waiting for your growth spurt. It's unusual content from a technology company, especially one known for policing its adult content for disparaging remarks that its creators say on-air. It's still refreshing that this exists, and, unlike its '90s predecessors, there are no jump scares or monsters to impede your child's enjoyment.

Wolfboy and the Everything Factory

Joseph Gordon-Levitt voices one of the characters in this animated show about a creative kid sent to boarding school to make friends. However, he wears a wolf mask (hence the nickname Wolfboy), so he doesn't quite fit in. He finds his tribe inside a magical portal in the woods near his school and finds the Everything Factory, where everything on the Earth's surface, from clouds to trees, is manufactured. The show has an Adventure Time vibe, but it feels like something one of my boys would make in a comic book. 

Things have changed a lot since I was a kid. Science is actually cool now, for example—my kids actually want to learn as much about the world around them as they can, and they can do so in their home with the wide variety of educational kits available to help them learn about geology, physics, paleontology, chemistry, and other branches of study. Not only do these kits give kids a head start in the classroom, but they also impart principles like observing and problem-solving.

If you have an inquisitive kid looking for fun while deepening their understanding of science, here are 10 affordable kits to help them get started. 

Engino Stem Toys: Physics Laws

Sure, your kid can build a rocket with a LEGO set, but it takes science to project it into the air. With this six-in-one set, your child can make a working launcher, crash test rig, rubber band car, sharpening wheel, bow and arrow, and an inertia test platform while learning basic physics principles. Reviewers say this STEM kit has easy-to-follow instructions that even elementary school-aged kids can understand.

National Geographic Stunning Science Chemistry Set 

We all made model volcanoes for our science fair project, but your kids can take their experiment to the next level with some pop crystals to make it change colors and fizz. That's just one of the many chemistry-based experiments this kit offers, which also include building a geyser or rocket launcher. The educational instruction booklet also has 30 additional experiments kids can conduct using everyday household items. 

KiwiCo Science of Cooking: Ice Cream

What kid doesn't love ice cream? Now, with this hands-on kit created by the popular educational subscription service, they can make their own while learning the materials and methods involved in creating the cold concoction. The kit also includes an illustrated book explaining the science behind the delicious dessert and features recipes for different flavors and sorbet.

Dig a Dozen Dino Eggs 

Studying dinosaurs doesn't mean watching Jurassic Park over and over again. Paleontologists have to dig for their discoveries, and your kid can get an idea of what excavating bones is like with these eggs with a toy dinosaur hidden inside by using smaller versions of the same tools scientists use. My oldest son loved playing with these when he was younger, but be warned: They can cause a real mess if used indoors. 

Bill Nye's VR Space Lab

The "Science Guy" will immerse your kids in the wonders of the galaxy with a set of goggles that work with an app and smartphone. Activities include over 125 games and engaging augmented-reality experiences that show kids the universe's wonders. The award-winning toy also includes crafts, experiments, and a 96-page project book perfect for pre-teens interested in space exploration. 

Mega Cyborg Hand

If only Luke Skywalker had this around when his father cut off his hand! My son built this 203-piece set (mostly) on his own, so parents can breathe a sigh of relief knowing they don't have to construct this STEM toy entirely on their own. There are no wires or electronics here, either. The hand utilizes pneumatic and hydraulic systems to grip, lift, and move objects. Most importantly, the hand only has four fingers, so your child cannot flip anyone the bird when playing with it. 

Klutz LEGO Gear Bots

This kit explains the fundamental physics behind the LEGO Technic line with amusing characters, such as an octopus named DJ Bubbles. It includes a book with clear step-by-step instructions, which is important if you've ever tried building a Technic kit.   

5-in-1 Robot Building Set

If your little scientist wants to upgrade DJ Bubbles, this robot set is a good next step. They can build a Wall-E knockoff that might upset Disney's lawyers or a robotic dino that is eerily similar to a Dinobot from a particular toy robot-in-disguise line. Appearances aside, commenters love the educational aspects and quality of the toy, while some found it easier to build than others. 

National Geographic Rock Tumbler Set

If your child leans toward geology or wants to make their own jewelry, this rock tumbler is the perfect way to uncover the hidden beauty of the Earth. It comes with its own rocks, and while some commenters debate the quietness of the tumbler's three-speed motor, most agree it's easy to use.

Kidzlabs Crystal Science Kit

My first (and only) chemistry set was supposed to help me create crystals through chemical reactions, but it did not include instructions on how to even get started. Thankfully, this set does, so your kids can create moon crystals and snow trees with the included materials and other common household items. You may need to supervise, though.

All the science kits:

• Engino Stem Toys: Physics Laws ($34.99)

• National Geographic Stunning Science Chemistry Set ($34.99)

• KiwiCo Science of Cooking: Ice Cream ($34.95)

• Dig a Dozen Dino Eggs ($19.99)

• Bill Nye's VR Space Lab (59.99)

• Mega Cyborg Hand ($26.86)

• Klutz LEGO Gear Bots ($21.06)

• 5-in-1 Robot Building Set ($59.99)

• National Geographic Rock Tumbler Set ($64.99)

• Kidzlabs Crystal Science Kit ($14.48)

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, children between the ages of 6 and 17 should get at least an hour of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity every single day. But with so many distractions—from video games, to TV to tablets—that keep kids sedentary, clocking 60 minutes of exercise is easier said than done.

But what if you can capitalize off of that screen addiction to help get kids off the couch? Here are 10 apps that encourage users to engage in physical activity or even "gamify" exercise is a fun way.

NFL Play 60

Chances are your children are familiar with running games like Minion Rush or Subway Surfers. In these apps, players control characters who endlessly run, jump, and collect objects until they hit an obstacle. NFL Play 60 works on a similar basis: Your children choose a character that represents their favorite football team, but they have to run and jump in real life to collect coins they can use to upgrade their avatars. You can track their daily activity levels and create custom exercise plans. And yes, they must hold on to their devices while engaging in physical activity, so you may want to invest in an Otter Box case to prevent damage.

Available for: iOS / Android

Apple Fitness+

If your children have an Apple Watch and are looking for ways to close their rings, this subscription app offers plenty of unconventional workouts, such as dancing, yoga, and meditation, that are perfect for any age group. Also, if each family member wears an Apple Watch, you can all do the same workouts together. Each session has a trainer working at a lower intensity that kids can follow, and each instructor's optimism is infectious. Find out more about the app here.

Available for: iOS (obviously)

Sworkit

Perhaps best known for its founders snagging one of the largest deals on the reality show Shark Tank, this app offers workouts for kids, ranging from strength training, to cardio, to yoga and stretching, tailored to specific age groups. Instead of showing adults doing the exercises, kids perform each move, which range from bear crawls to jumping jacks. Kids can also set the length of the workout. While adults have to pay for a subscription, the youth workouts are free and can be accessed here.

Available for: iOS / Android

GoNoodle

Chances are your kids are already familiar with the dances accompanying catchy songs like "Banana, Banana, Meatball" and "Purple Stew," as teachers often play the short videos featured on the app to get students moving during class. Each of the over 300 songs and exercises is about physical activity and having fun, and they never seem to get old. Don't be surprised if you start singing "Clap It Out" after a few watches.

Available for: iOS / Android

Calm

You need to cool down after a workout, right? This popular relaxation app isn't just for adults. The Calm Kids section offers sleep stories with characters like Winnie the Pooh and Peter Pan and guided meditations featuring the Minions from Despicable Me. There are even videos utilizing movements to boost energy or relax muscles. However, you have to be a subscriber to access these features.

Available for: iOS / Android

Zombies, Run!

This app will track the details of your kid's run, much like Strava. What sets it apart is how it motivates users to move, which is (if the app's name didn't give it away) the natural fear of zombies. Headphones pipe in a story of a zombie apocalypse into your youngster's ears, and they'll have to speed up their movement to avoid having their brains eaten. There are now 10 seasons of stories to choose from, and developers recently added an expansion called Marvel Move that allows runners to run alongside their favorite comic book superheroes. You can try the app for free for a week, but only subscribers can access all the content. (Some moms and dads mention that the stories can be a little intense for younger runners, so parental discretion is advised.)

Available for: iOS / Android

Super Stretch Yoga

This simple-to-use app combines the charm of the current comic book craze (Super Stretch is a child superhero who uses a blanket for his cape) with animated characters and kids performing 12 gentle yoga poses for users to recreate. Additionally, it encourages its youthful users to take a moment to take deep breaths, reflect, and act with kindness.

Available for: iOS

Jump Jump Froggy

Much like NFL Play 60, this app combines gaming and physical movement. In one of the three modes, kids control frogs trying to catch flies and avoid the owls and snakes that are out to get them. Speaking of snakes, Situp Snake tracks how many situps one kid can do in a minute, encouraging them to set a new record each week. The Counting Challenge combines math and physical fitness as kids have to jump while counting ants. While the graphics aren't impressive, it will still engage younger kids.

Available for: iOS / Android

Walkr

Getting in your 10,000 steps can get boring fast. The award-winning Walkr app turns this daily movement goal into a space-age game that uses a phone's pedometer to keep track of a user's steps. There are more than 30 missions to complete, and movement is used to fuel players' spaceships so they can move on to the next mission. The drawback for some parents is the game has a social element, plus there are in-app purchases that could entice players to give themselves an edge.

Available for: iOS / Android

Fitivity

If you have a student-athlete who wants to improve their skills in their chosen sport, Fitivity offers workouts at all levels to help users improve their skills in everything from basketball to rugby.

Available for: iOS / Android

Summer vacation has begun for many of us, and chances are your kids are spending their free time in front of a screen instead of enjoying the nice weather. We won't repeat the warnings about children and screen time here, but we admit it: Pulling them away from whatever video game is capturing their attention can be tricky. If they're bouncing off the walls, however, then some sunshine and exercise might change their attitude. "My kids are the best selves outside, and we've noticed a difference," says Shirra Baston, the founder and editor of the blog Get the Kids Outside.

If you're looking for ways to get them to spend time outdoors, here are a few ways to find some fun and help instill in them an appreciation of nature.

Learn about nature (and the nighttime sky) with an app

True, you're trying to get your kid off screens. But that doesn't mean you can't use technology to help instill a sense of curiosity in children and learn more about the world around them.

For daytime exploring, check out PlantNet (iOS, Android)—a free app that identifies plants. Reviewers say the app gives quick and accurate results without annoying ads. And get your kids interested in their winged neighbors with the Merlin app, which will record and ID any birds in the vicinity.

Baston recommends trying the SkyView app (links to the "lite" version: iOS/Android) when the sun goes down. Point your camera at the sky, and the app will identify planets, stars, constellations, and even satellites.

Attempt a science experiment

A few years ago, I made a mess in my backyard by putting Mentos in a bottle of Diet Coke, but my boys loved it (and learned a bit from it). That's just one of the science experiments you can try outdoors. You can show your kids how people told time before watches by building a sundial or making a homemade solar oven to make s'mores. This website is a great place to start if you need some inspiration, and this video also has some fun, simple activities that will hold your child's attention:

Visit a botanical garden or nature preserve

Many botanical gardens and nature preserves offer programs tailored for children and families. These include yoga classes, scavenger hunts, and flashlight evening walks.

If no classes or activities are available, try encouraging your kids to feel the grass under their feet or notice the butterflies and insects that call the grounds their home. Let them experience the different scents of the flowers and ask about their favorites. When you get home, have them search for any similar scents or plants in your backyard.

Have some ideas in your back pocket

Sidewalk chalk is an old but reliable standby that can fire up your child's imagination. However, making hopscotch boards or drawing butterflies can quickly become tiresome for your kids.

Baston recommends having some ideas ready on the fly to keep them occupied. You could start a tic-tac-toe game using sticks, rocks, and acorns or go on a hike and give each other points for each animal or tree they see.

"You could make it up on the fly," adds Baston. "That's the beauty of nature. There's always something new and different that you can see."

Capture nature on canvas or turn it into art

Monet did it. So did van Gogh. Pissarro was also a huge fan of plein air painting—the act of painting outdoors. Grab some easels, canvases, brushes, and paints, (this set has everything you need) and head to a picturesque spot near your home and spend the day painting what you see. You can paint "pretty little trees" like Bob Ross or be like Renoir and go for an impressionist style. There really is no right or wrong way to do it as long as you and your child are having fun.

You can transform nature into a masterpiece as well. With your kid, gather up leaves, flowers, twigs, acorns, stones, and anything else you can glue down. Your kid can create stick figures using actual sticks or craft a collage with leaves and petals—or transform a rock into a creature with this activity kit.

Make a "barky boat" or a fairy garden

In Bluey, there is an episode when the titular blue heeler and her friend Mackenzie make boats using a piece of tree bark and other natural items to help them sail down the stream in their preschool. The show's official website has instructions to help you get started, but the internet has plenty of great ideas to take things to the next level.  

Another Bluey episode involves an invasion of fairies inside the Heeler home. If your kids love these mythical creatures, why not help them attract a few by assembling a fairy garden? It can be as easy as building a home with popsicle sticks and planting herbs in a wicker basket. If you want to take it to the next level, grab some moss, rocks, and garden gnomes at your local landscaping store to give the fairies an elaborate home they can't resist. This kit can help your kid get started.

Let your kids take the lead

A walk in the woods can be a great outdoor activity for the whole family, but sometimes your kid isn't into it—or is too little to hike any real distance. In that case, Baston recommends letting them be the leader and decide your family's direction (within reason, of course—we don't want you getting lost).

She explains, "You have to be okay with not necessarily reaching the destination you want to reach. It gives them a sense of ownership and accountability to the activity and engages them a lot more."

From Walk the Line to Oppenheimer, biopics can introduce audiences to inspirational and complicated individuals who achieved greatness through innovative thinking or sheer determination. However, these two films, and many others in the genre, aren't really for family viewing. To help kids learn about important people throughout history—and maybe find their own inspiration to shake things up—we've selected several movies that you can share with them about people who changed the world in ways big and small.

Apollo 13 (1995)

Astronaut Jim Lovell was supposed to walk on the moon in 1970, but an explosion on his spacecraft caused the oxygen supply on the ship to leak, leading to his moon landing being abandoned and a rescue mission to get them home. Based on his autobiography Lost Moon, the compelling story of how Lovell and his crew worked with a team of NASA scientists in Houston to return to Earth is one of the most technically accurate films about space flight. Plus, the stunning visuals and edge-of-your-seat story will keep kids riveted, even if they already know the ending.

Where to stream: Digital rental

Hidden Figures (2016)

When watching Apollo 13, you may notice that the film's cast consists primarily of white men. What you may not know is that three female African-American mathematicians played a vital role in America getting into space in the first place. The once-unknown story of how Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Johnson, and Mary Jackson helped NASA win the Space Race may feel routine, but you and your kids will still be cheering at the end.

Where to stream: Digital rental, Disney+

Ruby Bridges (1998)

The made-for-television film depicts how the titular student helped integrate a formerly all-white public school in New Orleans with the NAACP, her parents, and a teacher who saw Bridges' potential. Despite the complaint filed by a Florida parent last year that claims the movie might teach children that "white people hate Black people," this award-winning biopic has quite the opposite effect, making it an excellent choice for family viewing.

Where to stream: Digital rental, Disney+

Lincoln (2012)

This Steven Spielberg-directed biopic focuses on the political maneuvering used by the 16th President of the United States and his allies that ultimately led to the passing of the 13th Amendment, which abolished the practice of slavery. While the film might be tedious and complicated for younger kids, positive messages about leadership, freedom, and the importance of doing the right thing make it an essential watch for families. Younger viewers might lean more towards John Ford's 1939 classic Young Mr. Lincoln.

Where to stream: Digital rental

The Miracle Worker (1962)

The film's title refers to Anne Sullivan, who, through persistence and seemingly sheer will, teaches the blind and deaf Helen Keller to communicate with others. Keller would become the first person with her condition to earn a Bachelor's Degree and become a founding member of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). Featuring intense performances by Anne Bancroft and Patty Duke, the film dramatically displays how anyone can overcome seemingly impossible challenges.

Where to stream: Digital rental, Tubi, Pluto TV, Hoopla

The Elephant Man (1980)

Speaking of Anne Bancroft, she also appears in David Lynch's film about the life of Joseph (John) Merrick, the Londoner whose appearance makes it difficult for society to relate to him. Possibly the most straightforward of all of Lynch's films, families will get enveloped in this beautifully photographed story of compassion and the human condition, capped with outstanding performances by John Hurt (as Merrick) and Anthony Hopkins.

Where to stream: Digital rental, Hoopla, Crackle, Kanopy, Pluto TV

Stand and Deliver (1988)

When the other teachers in an East Los Angeles high school had given up on their working-class students, math teacher Jaime Escalante saw their potential and instilled in them the desire to learn calculus. This inspiring movie shows that regardless of background, anyone can surpass what is expected of them and that hard work and practice will lead to success.

Where to stream: Digital rental, The Roku Channel

The Walk (2015)

Yes, the documentary Man on Wire, which also tells the story of Philippe Petit's high-wire walk between the towers of the World Trade Center in 1974, is superior to this special-effects-filled retelling. However, it's not entirely appropriate for younger kids. If you're okay with some mild swear words and a glimpse of Joseph Gordon-Levitt's butt, this story of one man going to impossible lengths to make his dreams come true is a good substitute. Just don't look down when Petit starts walking across the wire.

Where to stream: Digital rental, Starz

A Million Miles Away (2023)

Much like Petit in The Walk, there is a scene in this movie where migrant farm worker Jose Hernandez (Michael Peña), who would become the first Mexican-American astronaut, tells someone his dream is to travel to space, only to have her laugh at him. This moving film depicts his unusual journey to achieve his lofty goal, despite those who doubted his drive, acquiring the skills to become an engineer and ultimately traveling to the International Space Station.

Where to stream: Prime Video

October Sky (1999)

Jake Gyllenhaal plays Homer Hickam Jr., a teenager so fascinated with the launch of Sputnik that he and his three friends build rockets and study the science behind them despite the lack of support from his coal miner father. This film shows what can happen when people work together to achieve a common goal. 

Where to stream: Digital rental

Miss Potter (2006)

Though likely better suited for pre-teens than kids who are currently reading the titular author's books, this charming period biopic about Peter Rabbit writer Beatrix Potter (Renée Zellweger) and the genesis of her most famous creation features romance, some period class drama, and cute animated sequences featuring her characters. What makes the story worthy of family viewing is that Potter's parents disapprove of her creative activities, yet she carries on, despite their protests, to great success.

Where to stream: Digital rental, Peacock, Tubi, Freevee, Plex, YouTube, Pluto TV