If you’ve been in the parenting game for a while, you probably remember Dino Dan. Then came his sister, Dino Dana. Now, the torch has been passed to Dana’s younger brother, Dex.

The premise is simple but effective: Dex is a "dino trekker" who inherited the legendary Dino Field Guide. Through a mix of imagination and what the show calls "dino vision," Dex sees dinosaurs interacting with our modern world. Whether there’s a Spinosaurus in the local swimming pool or a Triceratops in the backyard, Dex uses the scientific method to figure out dinosaur behaviors.

Unlike Jurassic Park, which is essentially a horror franchise for kids (let's be real, those raptors in the kitchen are nightmare fuel), Dino Dex keeps things grounded in paleontology and creativity. It’s less "run for your life" and more "why is that dinosaur eating rocks?"

Kids are obsessed with power dynamics. Dinosaurs are big, loud, and powerful, which is exactly why toddlers and elementary kids gravitate toward them. Dino Dex taps into that obsession but adds a layer of agency. Dex isn't just watching dinosaurs; he’s studying them. He’s the expert.

For parents, the win here is the modeling of scientific thinking. Dex doesn't just Google the answer. He makes an observation, forms a hypothesis, and tests it. In a world where "brain rot" content on YouTube often involves screaming influencers and flashing lights, Dino Dex feels like a deep breath of fresh air.

Learn more about identifying "brain rot" vs. high-quality content

Not all dinosaur content is created equal. Here’s where Dino Dex sits in the landscape:

This is the "starter" show. It’s fantastic for preschoolers, but it’s very much a cartoon. It’s sweet, catchy, and educational, but once kids hit 5 or 6, they often want something that looks a bit more "real."

More of an adventure-comedy. It’s fun, but the science is definitely secondary to the hijinks. It’s great for entertainment, but you won’t learn as much about actual fossil records.

This is the gold standard for CGI and realism. It’s basically a National Geographic documentary but for dinosaurs. It’s stunning, but it might be a bit slow for younger kids who need a human protagonist to follow.

Dino Dex hits the sweet spot right in the middle. It has the "real" look of the dinosaurs, the educational backbone of a documentary, and the relatable human element of a kid playing in his neighborhood.

Recommended Ages: 4 to 9

Ask our chatbot for more shows for 7-year-olds who love science

From a "wellness" perspective, Dino Dex is a low-risk winner. However, where you watch it matters:

This is the preferred way to watch. It’s a controlled environment. You don’t have to worry about an algorithm serving up a weird "Elsa-gate" parody video immediately after an episode ends.

Sinking Ship Entertainment (the creators) has an official channel. While it’s great for quick 5-minute clips, be wary of the "Up Next" sidebar. The dinosaur niche on YouTube is massive, and it’s very easy for a kid to click away from the educational Dino Dex and end up on a channel featuring aggressive, loud toy unboxings or fan-made "dino fights" that can be surprisingly violent.

Read our guide on setting up YouTube parental controls

The best part about this show isn't the screen time itself; it's the "screen-off" time. Dex uses a "Dino Field Guide" (which is now a cool tablet-based tool in the new series). This naturally encourages kids to want their own "field guide." Don't be surprised if your kid starts asking for a notebook or a tablet to "track" the creatures in your garden.

They work with actual paleontologists. When Dex talks about how a dinosaur might have used its feathers or why its teeth are shaped a certain way, that’s based on current scientific consensus. It’s 2025—we know many dinos had feathers, and this show doesn't shy away from the most up-to-date look of these animals.

One thing the Dino Dan/Dana/Dex franchise has always done well is representation. The cast is diverse, and the family dynamics are warm and supportive. It’s a world where curiosity is celebrated regardless of who you are.

If you want to move beyond just "did you like the episode?", try these prompts:

Check out our guide on how to talk to kids about what they watch

Dino Dex is a "Yes" show. It’s the kind of content you can feel good about putting on while you're trying to get dinner on the table. It isn't overstimulating, it's genuinely smart, and it treats its audience like capable little scientists.

If your kid is currently in a "Why?" phase, Dex is the perfect companion to help them find the answers.

Ask our chatbot for a list of the best dinosaur books to pair with the show