Apple TV+ is Apple's streaming service that launched in 2019, and here's the thing: it's actually kind of great for families. Unlike Netflix or Disney+ with their massive catalogs of everything, Apple TV+ is curated and focused. They produce a smaller number of high-quality originals, and honestly? Their kids' content punches way above its weight.
The service costs $9.99/month (though you often get it free for a few months with new Apple devices), and it's available on pretty much any device—not just Apple products. You can watch on smart TVs, Roku, gaming consoles, and yeah, obviously iPhones and iPads.
The kids' section is cleanly organized and genuinely kid-friendly. There's no algorithm pushing questionable content, no autoplay rabbit holes into weird YouTube-style videos, and the production values are consistently high. It's a smaller menu, but everything on it is actually worth eating.
The quality-over-quantity approach is real. Shows like Bluey—yes, they snagged it from Disney+ in some regions—Ghostwriter, and Helpsters aren't just "fine for kids." They're shows that parents can actually watch without wanting to claw their eyes out.
The platform also has some legitimately excellent family viewing that works across ages. Ted Lasso became a cultural phenomenon for a reason (though note: it's TV-MA for language, so maybe not for your 7-year-old). Stillwater, based on the Jon J. Muth books, is a gorgeous meditation on mindfulness that works for preschoolers and stressed-out adults alike.
The parental controls are straightforward. You can set up Kids profiles that only show age-appropriate content, and the ratings are clearly displayed. No surprises, no "wait, how did my 6-year-old end up watching a show about serial killers?"
Ages 3-6
- Helpsters: Sesame Workshop's problem-solving show with Cody and the Helpsters. It's educational without being preachy.
- Sago Mini Friends: Gentle, sweet, perfect for the youngest viewers.
- Stillwater: A panda teaches mindfulness and emotional regulation. Your kid might actually learn something about handling big feelings.
Ages 7-10
- Ghostwriter: A modern reboot of the '90s classic. Kids solve mysteries with a ghost who communicates through words. It's genuinely engaging and promotes literacy.
- Pinecone & Pony: Adventure, friendship, and a talking pony. What more do you need?
- Wolfboy and the Everything Factory: Imaginative, weird in the best way, with stunning animation.
Ages 11+
- Surfside Girls: Mystery-solving tweens, ghosts, and actual character development. Based on the graphic novel series.
- Circuit Breakers: Anthology series exploring kids and technology. Each episode is a different story, some lighter, some darker.
- Harriet the Spy: The classic gets an animated update. It's smart and doesn't talk down to kids.
Family Viewing (with caveats)
- Prehistoric Planet: David Attenborough narrating dinosaurs with incredible CGI. The whole family will be glued to the screen.
- Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock: If you loved the original, this reboot is delightful. If you didn't, your kids might still dig it.
The catalog is small. This is both a pro and a con. Pro: you won't spend 45 minutes scrolling. Con: if your kid gets obsessed with one show, they might burn through it fast and then you're back to "there's nothing to watch."
New content drops slowly. Unlike Netflix's binge-all-at-once model, Apple TV+ often releases episodes weekly. This can be frustrating for kids (and parents) used to instant gratification, but honestly? It's kind of nice to have something to look forward to each week.
The ratings are reliable. Apple TV+ uses standard TV ratings (TV-Y, TV-G, TV-PG, etc.), and they're pretty accurate. If something is rated TV-PG, there's usually a reason—mild language, scary moments, whatever. Check the details before you let your sensitive 8-year-old dive in.
No ads, no upsells. Refreshingly, there are no commercials and no in-app purchases to worry about. You pay your $9.99 and that's it. No "Mom, can I buy this thing?" interruptions.
The app works offline. You can download shows to watch on planes, road trips, or anywhere without WiFi. This is clutch for travel.
Apple TV+ isn't going to replace your family's entire streaming diet, but it's a solid addition—especially if you're trying to be more intentional about screen time quality. The kids' content is genuinely good, the parental controls work, and there's enough variety to keep most ages happy without overwhelming choice paralysis.
Is it worth $9.99/month on its own? Maybe not if you already have Netflix, Disney+, and HBO Max. But if you're consolidating subscriptions or looking for something with less algorithmic chaos and more curation, it's worth considering.
Pro tip: If you're new to Apple TV+, take advantage of the free trial. Let your kids sample a few shows, see if they stick, and then decide. And if you're buying a new iPhone or iPad anyway, you'll probably get several months free—might as well use it.
Want to dig deeper into specific shows? Check out our guide to the best educational shows for kids or explore alternatives to Disney+ if you're rethinking your streaming lineup.
And if you're still figuring out how much screen time is "right" for your family, let's talk about that
—because spoiler alert, there's no one-size-fits-all answer.