10 Fun and Educational Documentaries for Kids to Watch

Posted on August 9, 2024 |

Apart from board games, finding the best documentaries for kids can be a fantastic way to combine fun with learning. These documentaries are not only engaging but also educational, helping children explore different subjects from nature and history to personal growth and social issues. In this blog, we’ll explore why educational documentaries are beneficial for kids and highlight some top picks that will keep them entertained while learning.

Why Should You Let Your Kids Watch Educational Documentaries?

Books and educational documentaries offer numerous benefits for children. But, here’s why watching documentaries are a great addition to your child’s routine:

Encourages Curiosity: Documentaries spark curiosity by presenting fascinating facts and stories. When children see how animals live in the wild or how historical events unfolded, they become eager to learn more about those topics.
Enhances Understanding: Complex subjects are broken down into easy-to-understand visuals and explanations. For instance, a documentary about the solar system can simplify complex astronomical concepts, making them more accessible to young minds.
Develops Empathy: Documentaries often feature real-life stories and diverse perspectives. By seeing the lives of people from different backgrounds or animals in their natural habitats, children can develop a greater sense of empathy and understanding for others.
Promotes Critical Thinking: Watching documentaries encourages children to think critically. They learn to ask questions, analyze information, and form their own opinions based on what they see and hear.
Entertaining and Engaging: Kid-friendly documentaries are designed to be both fun and educational. They use engaging storytelling and visuals to capture children’s attention, making learning enjoyable.

The Best Documentaries with Educational and Fun Content for Kids

There are many excellent documentaries available that offer both educational content and entertainment. Here are some of the best documentaries for kids:

My Octopus Teacher

“My Octopus Teacher” is a heartwarming and insightful documentary that follows a filmmaker who forms a unique bond with an octopus in the wild. This film offers a fascinating look at marine life, showcasing the intelligence and behavior of octopuses. It’s one of the best documentaries for kids who are interested in ocean life and the wonders of the sea. The documentary highlights the importance of marine conservation and the beauty of underwater ecosystems.

Far From the Tree

“Far From the Tree” explores the experiences of families with children who face unique challenges. Based on the book by Andrew Solomon, this documentary provides a touching look at the strength and love within families dealing with disabilities and differences. It’s a good documentary for kids to learn about acceptance, resilience, and the power of family bonds.

The Final Days of Anne Frank

This historical documentary delves into the last days of Anne Frank, a young Jewish girl who wrote a famous diary while hiding from the Nazis during World War II. The film provides a poignant look at her life and the impact of the Holocaust. It’s one of the best documentaries for kids interested in history and human rights, offering important lessons about courage and the consequences of intolerance.

Bully

“Bully” addresses the issue of bullying in schools through the stories of several children who face bullying. The documentary provides an in-depth look at the emotional and social effects of bullying and highlights the importance of standing up against it. This film is a good documentary for kids to learn about kindness, empathy, and the importance of speaking out against bullying.

African Cats

“African Cats” is a stunning nature documentary that follows two families of big cats—lions and cheetahs—as they navigate the challenges of life in the African savanna. The film offers beautiful visuals and an engaging narrative about the lives of these majestic animals. It’s a kid-friendly documentary that teaches about wildlife conservation and the natural world.

Girls Rock!

“Girls Rock!” follows the journey of young girls attending a rock and roll camp. The documentary showcases their experiences as they learn to play instruments, perform, and build confidence. It’s one of the best documentaries for kids, particularly for young girls, to see the empowering effect of music and the value of self-expression.

Bears

“Bears” takes viewers into the world of Alaskan bears, following a mother bear and her cubs as they grow and learn to survive in the wild. The documentary offers a close-up look at the lives of these powerful animals and their interactions with their environment. It’s a great documentary for kids to learn about wildlife and the challenges faced by animals in their natural habitats.

Spellbound

“Spellbound” provides an inside look at the National Spelling Bee, following several young contestants as they prepare and compete. The film captures the excitement, pressure, and dedication involved in spelling competitions. This is one of the best documentaries for kids who enjoy word games and challenges, showing the hard work and perseverance required to succeed.

BEING ELMO: A Puppeteer’s Journey

“BEING ELMO: A Puppeteer’s Journey” tells the inspiring story of Kevin Clash, the man behind the beloved Sesame Street character Elmo. The documentary explores Clash’s journey from a young puppeteer to a successful performer. It’s a good documentary for kids interested in the arts and entertainment, showcasing the creativity and dedication involved in bringing beloved characters to life.

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Blindsight

“Blindsight” follows a group of blind Tibetan teenagers who embark on an expedition to climb Mount Everest. The documentary highlights their incredible determination and bravery as they face physical and emotional challenges. It’s one of the best documentaries for kids to learn about overcoming obstacles and the power of perseverance.