The Apple TV isn't just for mom and dad. There are a huge number of different children's cartoon and video apps available that provide hundreds of hours of fun programming. Here are some of our favorites.
New videos are added every week bringing a new way to engage kids in reading, science, math, and other important subjects. You can also access the guide from your local PBS station and learn more about the TV series, including intended age and learning goals.
Why we love it
For any house with younger children, PBS is always a popular place for great programming. And this app allows kids to watch their favorite shows from the network with just a few clicks.
For parents who don't mind subscribing to another video service.
For younger viewers, PlayKids is a great choice. Along with a great catalog of shows like "Sesame Street," "Ella the Elephant," and others, there are also a number of educational videos and games to select from as well.
Why we love it
If you’re looking for a comprehensive service that can be accessed on the Apple TV along with other iOS devices, PlayKids should be high on your list. The catalog is full of popular children’s shows, and the educational games and foreign language learning content is a big plus.
For those who want their preschoolers to have their favorite shows at hand.
With Noggin – Preschool shows and educational videos for kids your little ones can enjoy their favorites all in one spot. From “Backyardigans” and “Blue’s Clues” to “Oswald” and “Pocoyo,” the app has over 15 shows to choose from with new videos added weekly. So, if your preschooler would love to see Moose and Zee guide them through a colorful app full of enjoyable and educational shows, check it out on Apple TV.
Why we love it
Noggin – Preschool shows and educational videos for kids offers over 15 favorites with new videos added each week. So, for all those great shows in one location, pop up the app on Apple TV and enjoy a few with your kids.
For parents looking for a full-featured video service.
A top draw is the Family Moments feature. You can upload family photos and videos and watch them directly from an Apple TV. You’ll receive 100GB of storage. A subscription is $4.99 per month and you’ll need to create an account through the iOS device to start watching on the big screen. A number of other features, like profiles, time limits, curfews, and more are only accessible through the app.
Why we love it
This is another great choice if you're willing to pay for a subscription. Family Moments is a unique feature and perfect for any family looking for a way to store and watch their videos on the Apple TV and other iOS devices.
For parents looking to help entertain and educate their younger children.
A curated offering of more than 1,000 different episodes, Hopster focuses on quality content for younger viewers in an ad-free environment. The simple interface is easy to learn, and the service is also available on an iPhone or iPad. It's $4.99 per month.
Why we love it
With a focus on quality content, Hopster is another great choice to take a look at. While it offers the usual education fare, we really applaud the focus on empathy, caring, and decision making for younger viewers.