One of the highlights of my day is curling up with my family to watch something enjoyable. It’s crucial for our sanity to find shows that entertain everyone without scarring the kids—because, let’s face it, no one wants a sleepless night. (Just a heads-up: steer clear of shows like Stranger Things if you want peaceful slumber.) Below, you’ll find ten shows that we’ve enjoyed together, most of which we’ve seen in their entirety. Yes, we indulge in television during the weekdays, but who’s counting? Currently, we’re glued to Gortimer Gibbons, where strange happenings are the norm on Normal Street. Our family gravitates towards magical themes, quirky creatures, and animal adventures. If a show features any of these elements and seems low on the kid-traumatization scale, we’ll definitely give it a shot.
Here are our top picks:
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Gortimer Gibbons: Life on Normal Street
We’re racing through the three seasons of this delightful show. Each episode unveils magical oddities in the wonderfully weird Normal Street, and it’s not scary enough to make me want to hide under a blanket (though I’ve been known to do that). Expect time capsules, ghostly vehicles, fortune tellers, and hidden treasures. It’s pure fun. -
Just Add Magic
In this series, three girls stumble upon a mysterious cookbook that leads to enchanting culinary adventures. But beware—there’s a twist regarding one of the grandmothers! There are two seasons available on Amazon, and we binge-watched them in a flash. -
Anne With an “E”
I confess, I’m a huge fan of this show. I would have finished it by now if my kids hadn’t voted for Gortimer Gibbons instead. It’s reminiscent of my childhood favorite, Little House on the Prairie, and my kids are fascinated by the differences in life from the 19th century—no gadgets, just candlelight and horse-drawn carriages! -
Dragons: Race to the Edge
As a fan of How to Train Your Dragon, I love this series. The engaging plots make it impossible for me to focus on anything else while they watch. What happened to the baby dragons? I need to know! With five short seasons, it’s perfect for kids with brief attention spans. -
The Worst Witch
Imagine a magical school where one girl doesn’t quite fit in—yet she might just surprise everyone. Based on the beloved book series by Jill Murphy, this show gives a modern spin to Mildred’s misadventures, making it an entertaining watch. -
Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events
Neil Patrick Harris shines as Count Olaf in this delightful adaptation. The story revolves around three orphans who encounter numerous challenges with their dubious guardian. The show is wonderfully crafted, and the catchy theme song is sure to stick in your mind. -
Treehouse Masters
My kids are obsessed with this show, which features the planning and construction of extraordinary treehouses. The combination of creativity and humor from the host, Pete Nelson, keeps the kids captivated. Inspired by the show, we even built our own treehouse last summer! -
Project Runway Junior
For those aspiring fashion designers or crafty kids, this show is a treat! Watching talented young contestants navigate the pressure of fashion design without the drama of the adult version is inspiring. My kids often beg to stay up for the runway show! -
Planet Earth
The breathtaking cinematography and educational narratives of this series are simply unparalleled. I learned about caterpillars in Antarctica that take years to transform into butterflies! However, be cautious—some scenes depict nature’s harsher realities, which might be too intense for younger viewers. -
Stranger Things
A word of caution: this series is intense. We didn’t let our youngest watch it. When my 10-year-old viewed it with his grandmother, we were shocked he survived without nightmares! If you think your older kids can handle it, just be ready for some tense moments.
Happy viewing! We’d love to hear about your favorite family shows. For more engaging content, check out our post on home insemination kits at Intracervical Insemination. If you’re exploring fertility options, Make a Mom is a valuable resource. And for comprehensive insights on pregnancy treatments, visit WebMD.
In summary, these ten shows provide a delightful mix of entertainment for families, ensuring that everyone stays engaged without the risk of nightmares.