School’s out and you’re likely to need something to keep the young’uns’ attention for a stretch. If you aren’t heading outdoors (check out our list of family-friendly activities), here are some shows to keep them entertained when they’re at home.
In season three, the journeys of the Mandalorian, through the Star Wars galaxy continue. Once a lone bounty hunter, Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) has reunited with Grogu. Meanwhile, the New Republic struggles to lead the galaxy away from its dark history. The Mandalorian will cross paths with old allies and make new enemies as he and Grogu continue their journey together.
Now on Disney+.
Older kids (as well as the grownups) will enjoy Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, which is now streaming on Disney+. The sequel film to 2018’s Black Panther features Queen Ramonda, Shuri, M’Baku, Okoye and the Dora Milaje warriors fighting to protect their nation from intervening world powers in the wake of King T’Challa’s death. As the Wakandans strive to embrace their next chapter, the heroes must band together with the help of War Dog Nakia and Everett Ross and forge a new path for the kingdom of Wakanda.
Now on Disney+.
Emmy Award-winning Original animated series, “The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder”, is back for season two, and picks up the story of its teenage protagonist, Penny Proud, and her iconic family: parents Oscar and Trudy, twin siblings BeBe and CeCe, and grandmother Suga Mama.
Building off the standout success of the series’ debut, season two continues to tell entertaining stories that highlight culturally specific experiences of the Black community, and also addresses universal topics. Various themes this season include those on self-worth, interracial dating and Juneteenth (a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans).
Now on Disney+.
Making its debut in January this year, the animated series follows four adorable felines – Ginny, Sparks, Buddy, and Bitsy – who become superheroes to save their city from different threats. Possessing an array of powers and exciting gadgets, the SuperKitties take on a number of villains like Lab Rat and Mr. Puppypaws before going back to their daily lives. Each adventure also delivers a positive message, including thinking about others, and learning to listen.
The show is geared towards young audiences ranging from two to six years old.
Now on Disney+.
Based on a book by best-selling author Kate DiCamillo, faith and hope are central themes in this computer-animated fantasy film. It tells the story of a determined boy who accepts a king’s challenge to perform three impossible tasks in exchange for a magical elephant, which he believes will help in finding his long-lost sister.
His faith overcomes his doubt that he can keep his promise, and along the way, he’s joined by other characters, who display also display courage and compassion.
Now on Netflix.
For another feline-themed show, catch Gabby’s Dollhouse. The preschool series from DreamWorks Animation centres around cute cats, quirky crafts, and colorful magic. The show follows kitty enthusiast Gabby (and her sidekick Pandy Paws), who unboxes a surprise before jumping into an animated world full of adorable cat characters that live inside her magical Dollhouse.
In the new season, Gabby and Pandy take off on travel adventures, hopping on planes, trains, and the SS Mercat cruise ship. Back at the Dollhouse, however, there’s a little trouble, and the Gabby Cats have to work together to overcome it.
Now on Netflix. Season 7 airs on March 20.
Two kids discover that their dad’s job is anything but boring. In fact, he’s a tough intergalactic bounty hunter. After accidentally hitching a ride with him to outer space and crashing his mission, they take family bonding time to new levels — think dodging aliens and laser fights.
Now on Netflix.
The LEGO DC Shazam: Magic and Monsters movie is coming to Cartoon Network this March. 10-year-old Billy Batson transforms into an adult superhero, Shazam! It doesn’t take long for Justice League superheroes like Superman, Batman and Wonderwoman to notice him and invite him to join the team. While fighting off the evil Mr. Mind and Black Adam, Billy learns that he must trust others.
Premieres Thursday, Mar 16, 2023 at 3pm on Cartoon Network.
Based on the book “The Princess and the Pony” by New York Times bestselling author Kate Beaton, this animated series follows Pinecone, a young warrior in training who fears no challenge. She’s accompanied by her best friend, Pony, who makes sure she never gets in over her head, and that there’s more than one way to be a warrior. Follow them on their fun-filled adventures. Season two aired in Feb 2023.
Now on Apple TV.