Here are some TV shows and movies that can inspire curiosity about nature instead of just promoting consumerism.
This post contains affiliate links to Amazon shows/movies.
Shows for Preschoolers
Little Bear
Watch Little Bear on Amazon Prime
This gentle, nature-oriented show encourages children to explore their surroundings while teaching life lessons in a calm, warm format. It’s loved for its soothing tone by older children too.
Tumbleleaf
Watch Tumbleleaf on Amazon Prime
Tumbleleaf is a whimsical stop-motion show that encourages exploration and teaches children about the world around them through playful adventures.
Wild Kratts
Watch Wild Kratts on Amazon Prime or PBS
This show is great for children who need more fictional motivation to teach children about different animals and ecosystems. My youngest loved this show but some of the messages were not my favorite.
Zaboomafoo
Watch Zaboomafoo on Amazon Prime or YouTube
Zaboomafoo is like an educational, fun show featuring the Kratt brothers. You don’t have to worry about this show teaching non-sense.
Octonauts
Watch Octonauts on Netflix
Octonauts follows underwater explorers who rescue sea creatures, helping viewers learn about ocean life.
The World of Peter Rabbit & Friends
Shaun the Sheep
Watch Shaun the Sheep on Prime Video
Shaun the Sheep is just an entertaining, not educational show. Shaun is the sheep leader of the flock at a farm where he plays jokes and causes trouble for The Farmer and his grumpy dog.
Shows for Elementary Age
Nature Cat
Watch Nature Cat on PBS
Nature Cat is intended for children ages 3-8. The show’s goal is to reconnect children with nature and encourage them to get outside and experience it.
The Magic School Bus
Watch The Magic School Bus on Netflix or buy on Prime Video
This classic show explores everything from ecosystems to weather patterns.
Planet Earth II
Buy Planet Earth II on Prime Video
Planet Earth II is a visually stunning documentary series that brings children up close to wildlife in their natural habitats.
Our Planet
Watch Our Planet on Netflix
David Attenborough narrates this series showing our planet’s natural beauty.
Wild Babies
Watch Wild Babies on Netflix
Wild Babies shows cute animal babies as they learn to navigate the highs and lows of life in the wild.
The Blue Planet
Watch The Blue Planet on Prime Video or YouTube
The Blue Planet is a breathtaking exploration of the world’s oceans and marine life.
Secrets of the Octopus
Watch Secrets of the Octopus on Hulu
From their extraordinary intelligence, ability to shapeshift and complex social lives, explore the secrets of octopus – aliens on earth.
My Octopus Teacher
Watch My Octopus Teacher on Netflix
A filmmaker forges an unusual friendship with an octopus living in a South African kelp forest, learning as the animal shares the mysteries of her world.
Shows for Teens
Alone
Watch Win The Wilderness on Alone
Alone follows survivalist who must endure the harsh conditions of the wilderness. The last one standing wins.
Win The Wilderness
Watch Win The Wilderness on Netflix
Six couples compete to prove they’ve got the survival skills to win the deed to an extraordinary home deep in the vast, rugged wilderness of Alaska.
Creature Comforts
Watch Creature Comforts on YouTube
Creature Comforts is a claymation series using ‘man on the street’ interviews with people from all walks of life, Aardman pair the voices with animals who appear to be talking about their own situations.
Jane
Watch Jane on Hulu
Documentary about Jane Goodall’s groundbreaking chimpanzee research.
Into the Wild
Watch Into the Wild on PlutoTV or rent on Prime Video
The true story of an ill-fated young man’s quest for meaning and freedom in the wilderness of Alaska.
Also, try these family-friendly nature podcasts on car rides.
