Finding the best Netflix documentaries for kids can revolutionize family movie nights. Offering entertainment and education together in the best and most entertaining way.
These documentaries arouse curiousity, motivate and influence the young minds to explore the wonders of nature, and unearth strange and jaw dropping historical events.
Here, therefore, is a collection of 10 stand out documentaries that are both fun as well as informative and will entertain kids and parents at the same time.
Why Netflix documentaries stand out
Parents looking for quality content for their kids will always turn to Netflix. Given that the platform are experts at curating documentaries that appeal to all ages.
These films provide families with not only entertainment. But also an exploration opportunity through beautiful imagery and interesting stories that teach insightful lessons.
The following details describe unique aspects of Netflix documentaries.
High production quality
Netflix is well known for producing high quality documentaries with stunning visuals, compelling narratives and great attention to details.
Nature documentaries are elevated to art forms that mesmerize children. With films like “Our Planet” showcasing a series of exceptional 4K footage taken over a number of days.
Each documentary is not just informative, but also visually engaging, and Netflix’s level of quality guarantees this.
Diverse themes
The platform features an impressive selection of documentary subjects curated specifically for the younger viewers.
Netflix provides children with a variety of fascinating topics to explore from wildlife adventures and space exploration to historical journeys and cultural expeditions.
It is this diversity that enables families to find the best Netflix documentaries that meet each child’s specific interests and curiosity.
Educational & entertaining balance
The power of Netflix documentaries lies in their ability to find the right mix between education and entertainment.
These films offer compelling narratives around factual content maintaining the perfect balance between information and entertainment.
Learning is fun—more fun than it is obligatory—as children will absorb knowledge naturally while being engrossed in great stories.
Accessibility
This streaming format grants families the freedom to watch highquality documentaries whenever they wish. Without the challenges associated with traditional ways of viewing documentaries.
In addition, features such as customized subtitles, various language option and offline viewing makes these documentaries accessible to a wider audience.
This accessibility means that anyone, anywhere, anytime can enjoy the best of the best Netflix documentaries.
Award-winning content
This streaming format grants families the freedom to watch highquality documentaries whenever they wish. Without the challenges associated with traditional ways of viewing documentaries.
In addition, features such as customized subtitles, various language option and offline viewing makes these documentaries accessible to a wider audience.
This accessibility means that anyone, anywhere, anytime can enjoy the best of the best Netflix documentaries.
Try FlashGet Kids – The best parent control app.
Top 10 best Netflix documentaries must-watch for kids
Netflix documentaries for kids offer them a window to explore the world and learn some amazing facts—all while at the very same time, being family friendly.
Here is a list of 10 best Netflix documentaries for kids, that blend fun with the education.
1. Our Planet
Genre. Nature/Wildlife Documentary
Age Recommendation. 7+
In “Our Planet,” viewers are afforded an awe inspiring look at some of the biggest, strangest, wildest, exotic and most precious places in the world today.
This visually stunning series is narrated by the legendary Sir David Attenborough. And explores how all living creatures are affected by the issue of climate change.
The documentary works for children who are ready to understand our planet’s ecosystems. In a thoughtful balance between nature’s beauty and light environment messaging.
2. Night on Earth
Genre. Nature/Wildlife Documentary
Age Recommendation. 8+
This remarkable documentary applies modern technologies such as night vision to expose the best natural secrets of the night.
“Night on Earth” shows to the audience how animals behave at night and the things that they do. That are not normally seen by man.
Its unique shooting style makes it one of the most entertaining and educational Netflix documentaries for kids. Who are interested in knowing what happens at night in the wildlife.
3. The Magic School Bus Rides Again
Genre. Educational/Science Documentary Series
Age Recommendation. 4+
This show offers a blend of animation and educational programming, with its science-based approach making it one of the best Netfix documentaries.
Ms. Frizzle’s sister takes students on fantastic field trips. That lead them to explore such places as the human body, outer space, and the microscopic world.
The series is appropriate for preschool and early grade school children as they learn science facts through fun and comedy.
4. Super Monsters
Genre. Educational/Social Skills Documentary-Style Series
Age Recommendation. 3-6
This is an animated show taking a documentary approach where all the main characters are children of famous monsters going to preschool.
Super Monsters serves as a social-emotional learning documentary as it educates children on friendship, cooperation, and dealing with emotions.
The show is based on each episode showing the monsters facing real-life preschool issues and coming up with helpful solutions.
5. Not Quite Narwhal
Genre: Cultural Documentary/Animation
Age Recommendation: 3-7
Inspired by its children’s picture book, this animated documentary show is about Kelp. A unicorn who grows up in the ocean but is convinced that he is a narwhal.
The show revolves around the issues of identity, self-acceptance, and acceptance of others. As Kelp learns about his unicorn origins while still being a narwhal.
In a non-threatening and story-telling manner, the series tries to educate children about issues related to diversity and acceptance.
6. Brainchild
Genre. Science/Educational Documentary
Age Recommendation. 7-12
”Brainchild” translates scientific ideas and experiments into comprehensible and easily digestible information that children can understand.
It cover issues from social life, emotions, the universe to germs using fun experimentations, animations and real-life scenarios.
The young hosts of the show make it possible for kids to easily understand science. While keeping them eager to learn more and ask questions.
7. Puff: Wonders of the Reef
Genre. Marine Documentary
Age Recommendation. 5+
This is an endearing animated movie that describes the life of a baby puffer fish named Puff as he experiences life in the Great Barrier Reef.
With the help of macro photography, viewers can see the reef from the perspective of a fish. Where corals are like large mountains and other fishes that are predators are like giants.
It is a slow-paced movie with a simple plot. Which is suitable for young students in the lower elementary grades who have an interest in sea creatures.
8. The Who Was? Show
Genre. Historical Documentary/Sketch Comedy
Age Recommendation. 8-12
This humorous documentary is hosted by the famous comedian Kevin Hart. Where he celebrates some of the unknown achievements of Black people in the history of America.
Facts are told in a humorous manner, with reenactments, and animation to help teach history that is not often seen in textbooks.
While the lessons presented in the documentary are serious, the format makes it easier for teens to understand the American history presented.
9. Kevin Hart’s Guide to Black History
Genre. Historical, Educational, Comedy Documentary
Age Recommendation. 10+
This humorous documentary is hosted by the famous comedian Kevin Hart. Where he celebrates some of the unknown achievements of Black people in the history of America.
Facts are told in a humorous manner, with reenactments, and animation to help teach history that is not often seen in textbooks.
While the lessons presented in the documentary are serious, the format makes it easier for teens to understand the American history presented.
10. Babies
Genre. Science/Human Development Documentary
Age Recommendation. 8+
This interesting documenting series attempts to explain the complex process of growing up during the first year of life.
Focusing on families from around the world, ‘Babies’ captures each stage of development while researchers discuss the science behind the development.
Children will definitely find it interesting especially those who want to learn more about human growth or those who have baby siblings.
How to choose kid-friendly documentaries on Netflix
Choosing the best documentary for your kids is not easy considering that there are many of them in Netflix. However, with a few tips you can be able to choose the right one.
Use Netflix’s filters
Netflix offers a variety of filters that can be used to refine your search results so that they can only include child friendly content.
Parents can use available set categories such as “Education for Kids” or “Kids & Family TV” to find documentaries that are suitable for children.
Check ratings
Check the rating (e.g., TV-Y, TV-PG) and read additional brief notes on the maturity level provided by Netflix before clicking play on a documentary.
These will indicate to you whether a film contains mild violence, complicated topics or any language that is unsuitable for young audiences.
Preview content
Spend a few minutes briefly watcing the documentary yourself. The first five minutes of the film or the movie trailer can help determine the tone, pacing, and the topics addressed in the movie.
This will save you from unexpected scenes or topics you may not want your children to be exposed to. And guarantees that the Netflix documentaries are suitable for your family.
Align with interests
When selecting documentaries, it is important to choose those that your child may already have an interest in.
This interest-based approach makes children stay focused while learning and creates natural opportunities for further exploration after watching.
Cultural diversity
Ensure that the documentaries you show to children provide exposure to different ideas, people, and lifestyles. Different from the immediate surroundings.
This exposure fosters empathy, global awareness, and appreciation for diversity from an early age.
Engagement tips
Interact with your child during as well as after the show in order to turn passive watching into active acquisition of information.
It is recommended to have simple questions ready to ask during the program. Stop at some point to discuss certain points, and encourage children to express their opinions.
How to set up parental controls on Netflix
Netflix provides several ways through which parents can control what their children watch to avoid exposure to unsuitable programs. This includes the capacity to.
Step 1. Create a kids’ profile.
Create a separate profile for your child which only allows him or her to watch cartoons or any other program that is suitable for children. To do this.
- Navigate to the “Manage Profiles” page.
- Select “Add Profile” and then click on “For Kids”.
- Confirm the creation of the child profile
Step 2. Set maturity ratings.
Select the right age range of your child to filter out the content that is not suitable for your child’s age limit. To do this.
On a web browser, go to Netflix and sign in with your credentials, and click on your profile picture followed by ‘Account’.
Choose the profile that you want to modify under “Parental Controls.”
Navigate to the “Access Restrictions” tab and type in your password.
Choose the desired age category
Step 3. Viewing Activity.
This feature allows one to see what has been watched on the profile to track content consumption. To do this.
- In the “Account” tab, go to the “Profile & Parental Controls” section.
- Click ‘Viewing Activity’ to view the list of watched titles and the dates when they were watched.
- Click on the “Download All” button to download the history for further reference.
Step 4. Profile Lock.
Lock the profiles using a PIN so that the kid can only access his or her account. To do this.
Navigate to “Account” in the Netflix settings using a browser.
Under the “Profile & Parental Controls” tab, choose your profile and go to the “Profile Lock” option.
Create a 4-digit PIN
While Netflix has its built-in controls, there are other third-party solutions such as FlashGet Kids which can help add extra layers of controls and supervision.
This app expands on the set of features provided by Netflix for your child and offer a more holistic solution for children’s interaction with technology.
Here are some of the benefits that come with FlashGet Kids.
- Screen Mirroring. This feature enables you to monitor your child’s device screen in real-time, giving you an insight into what your child is doing on the device.
- Screen Time. Establish set time periods within the day or the week for watching Netflix documentaries to avoid overusing the screen, and allow for other activities.
- Usage Reports. FlashGet Kids also offers viewing analytics that specify how much time children spend watching documentaries as compared to other genres.
- App Blocker. It blocks certain streaming apps, games, or social media so that the child only gets to watch educational content.
Integrating Netflix’s parental controls with a tool such as FlashGet Kids. Can help parents provide their children with a safer and more balanced experience online.
Final thoughts
The best Netflix documentaries for children are not only fun and entertaining. But also stimulate the desire for knowledge, generate conversation, and are safe for the entire family.
These works of art are well thought out, turning what could be an unproductive pass time spent watching movies. Into a productive activity that helps young minds grow.
When the correct type of programs is chosen and the time spent watching documentaries is controlled. Documentaries become a useful tool in the education process of a child.
