The best shows and games for kids balance entertainment with developmental value. Look for media that scores high on creativity (Imaginative), positive values (Wholesome), and learning (Enriching) — not just safety. Screenwise rates every show, game, book, and app across these four dimensions using WISE scores, so you can quickly find quality content matched to your kid's age and your family's values.
"Kid-friendly" just means it won't scar them. It doesn't mean it's worth their time. A show can be perfectly safe and also completely mindless — designed to hold attention through rapid cuts and bright colors without building any skills, empathy, or creativity.
The real question isn't "is this appropriate?" It's "is this good for my kid?"
1. Active Engagement Over Passive Consumption
The best kids' media asks something of the viewer or player. Does it encourage them to think, create, solve problems, or imagine? Or does it just wash over them?
Active engagement examples:
Passive consumption examples:
- Endless runner games with no decision-making
- Shows designed purely around toy marketing
- Content that relies on shock value or rapid-fire stimulation
2. Positive Values Without Being Preachy
Kids absorb values from media whether we plan for it or not. The best content models kindness, resilience, curiosity, and healthy relationships — without hitting them over the head with a moral lesson.
Wild Kratts teaches environmental science through adventure. Stardew Valley rewards community building and patience. Neither feels like homework.
3. Age-Appropriate Challenge
Content that's too easy bores them. Content that's too hard frustrates them. The sweet spot is media that stretches their abilities just enough to keep them engaged and growing.
This is where personalization matters — a 7-year-old who's been gaming for two years needs different recommendations than one who just got their first tablet.
4. Genuine Educational Value
Not every piece of media needs to be educational. But when you're choosing between options, content that builds real skills — critical thinking, creativity, literacy, scientific curiosity — is a bonus.
Brains On podcast makes science genuinely exciting. Duolingo teaches languages through play. Kerbal Space Program teaches orbital mechanics without anyone realizing they're learning physics.
Screenwise rates every piece of media across four dimensions — WISE scores:
- Wholesome (positive values)
- Imaginative (creativity and active engagement)
- Safe (age-appropriate content)
- Enriching (educational and developmental value)
Each dimension is scored 0-25, combining to an overall 0-100 score. You can browse all rated media and filter by type, age, and score.
After taking the family survey, recommendations are personalized to your kid's age, experience level, and your family's values. A family that prioritizes creativity gets different top picks than one that prioritizes educational content.
Ages 3-5: Bluey, Daniel Tiger, PBS Kids apps, Toca Boca games
Ages 6-8: Minecraft, Wild Kratts, Brains On, Scratch Jr
Ages 9-12: Stardew Valley, Kerbal Space Program, Duolingo, Avatar: The Last Airbender
For more, browse our best-of lists or all ratings.
Q: How do I know if a show or game is actually educational or just marketed that way?
Look beyond the marketing. Check if the content encourages active thinking, problem-solving, or creativity — not just passive watching. Screenwise's WISE scores break this down: the Enriching dimension specifically measures genuine educational and developmental value, while Imaginative measures whether kids are actively engaged or just consuming.
Q: What apps or tools help parents find personalized media recommendations for kids?
Screenwise provides personalized media recommendations based on your family's specific situation. After a 5-minute survey, you get WISE-scored recommendations tailored to your kid's age, what they're already using, and your family's values. Common Sense Media provides universal content reviews. Both are useful for different purposes.
Q: Is all screen time bad for kids?
No. The quality of screen time matters far more than the quantity. An hour of Minecraft (creative building, problem-solving) is fundamentally different from an hour of mindless scrolling. Focus on what they're doing with screens, not just how long they're on them.
Q: How much screen time is appropriate for a 7-year-old?
The AAP recommends consistent limits, but the right amount depends on your family. Most families of 2nd graders report 1-2 hours on weekdays and 2-3 hours on weekends. Take the Screenwise survey to see how your family compares to others at your grade level.
Finding quality media for kids doesn't have to be a guessing game. Look for content that's actively engaging, promotes positive values, offers age-appropriate challenge, and builds real skills. Screenwise WISE scores make this easy — browse all ratings or take the survey for personalized picks.