We’re a low-screen-time family, which means our girls spend plenty of time reading, playing outside, making things, and generally getting into the sort of trouble that doesn’t require a remote control. But I’m not interested in making television the enemy. Sometimes we want to curl up together after dinner. Sometimes I need to make supper without three children asking me what’s for supper every four minutes. And sometimes a really good show is just a lovely way to spend a little time together.

The trick, for us, is finding shows that feel worth watching.

I’m not looking for something that will simply keep the kids quiet. I want shows that are funny without being frantic, educational without feeling like a lesson, and wholesome enough that I’m happy to sit down and watch them too. A little I Love Lucy, a little The Great British Bake Off, a nature show, a story read aloud on YouTube: we have a pretty happy mix.

So, if you’re also a family who enjoys a little television but doesn’t want it to take over the day, here are some of the shows we love. These are the ones we actually come back to, the ones I’m happy to put on, and the ones that have earned a place in our family’s screen-time rotation.

The Price Is Right

A little game-show fun! My girls love guessing the prices and watching the contestants play the games. It’s also a nice way to practice mental math without anyone realizing they’re doing it.

The Great British Bake Off

If you love watching people make beautiful things, this is such a lovely show. The baking, the creativity, the friendly competition…it’s just a cozy little treat.

Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood

One of those shows that feels like a visit with a kind neighbor. Slow, thoughtful, and full of little lessons about feelings, friendship, and everyday life.

The Magic School Bus

A classic for a reason! Ms. Frizzle and her class make science feel like the most exciting thing in the world. We love the original series and the spin off.

Kid Time Story Time

A lovely YouTube channel for story time. We like having a few favorite read-alouds ready for when we want something silly and cozy.

Art for Kids Hub

One of our favorite ways to spend a little screen time and then actually do something. The girls can follow along with a drawing lesson, and suddenly we have a whole table full of paper and crayons.

I Love Lucy

A little old-fashioned comedy is good for the soul. Lucy is silly, the girls laugh, and I get to introduce them to one of my favorite classic sitcoms.

Leave It to Beaver

A sweet little glimpse into old-fashioned family life. We love the humor, the family relationships, and the fact that the problems are usually small enough to solve before bedtime.

Molly of Denali

This is such a good one for kids who love nature, animals, and learning about the world. Molly’s adventures are full of maps, weather, and little bits of everyday science.

Wild Kratts

A family favorite for animal lovers. Chris and Martin Kratt make learning about animals feel like an adventure, and there’s always something new to learn.

Eleanor Wonders Why

A sweet little show about asking questions and being curious about the natural world. It’s a great one for kids who are always asking, “But why?”

The Weather Hunters

A newer PBS Kids favorite for us! We love that it makes weather feel interesting and approachable, and it’s a nice one to watch before heading outside.

Trash Truck

A gentle, cozy little show about a boy and his friends. It’s one of those shows that feels like a quiet afternoon rather than a big production.

StoryBots

A fun one for kids who love asking questions. It’s educational, but it’s also silly and entertaining, which makes it easy to enjoy together.

The World of Peter Rabbit

If you love Beatrix Potter, this is such a sweet little world to visit. Gentle, charming, and full of that cozy countryside feeling. I usually can find episodes on youtube.

Spidey and His Amazing Friends

A little superhero fun! This is one of our more energetic shows, but it’s still a favorite for the girls. We like that it has friendship, teamwork, and problem-solving woven into the adventures.

Bluey

Of course, we love Bluey. It’s funny, sweet, and often makes us laugh at ourselves as parents. It’s one of those shows that’s just as enjoyable for grown-ups.

Saddleback Kids Church Online

We also love having a few Bible stories and worship videos ready for the girls. Saddleback Kids has been a favorite for us when we want something faith-based and easy to watch together.

Crikey! It’s the Irwins!

As a kid that watched Steve Irwin and loved him, this is such a next generation throwback for me, plus my kids love it and it’s fairly educational.