Paid and Free Kids Streaming Platforms Your Children Will Love

Best Kids Streaming Platform

For modern day Mums, streaming services have become an integral tool when it comes to keeping the kids entertained, offering a vast array of content tailored specifically for children.

Amongst other things of course – we can’t let them sit in front of a screen all day – but let’s face it, kids love the TV.

With so many options available though, it can be bewildering for parents to navigate and choose the best platforms that cater to their kids’ interests while ensuring age-appropriate content.

And let’s not forget about budget! We can’t afford to sign up to everything, so using a mix of paid and free services is often the best choice, but the question of which ones to choose remains.

This easy guide aims to simplify the process by exploring the top streaming platforms for kids, highlighting their unique features, pricing, and content offerings. I’ll get right down to the important details with no waffle, so it should be a 2 or 3 minute read – enjoy!

Paid Subscription Services

Disney+

Disney+ has swiftly become a household name in the streaming world, boasting an impressive catalogue of beloved Disney classics, Pixar animations, and original content. For families with young children, this platform is a treasure trove of enchanting entertainment.

Highlights:

  • Access to the entire Disney vault, including timeless films like “The Lion King,” “Cinderella,” and “The Little Mermaid” as well as brand new releases.
  • Exclusive Disney+ Originals like “The Mandalorian,” “Loki,” and “WandaVision,” catering to older kids and adults alike.
  • Age-appropriate categories and parental controls, ensuring a safe viewing experience for children.
  • Support for multiple simultaneous streams and offline downloads.

Pricing: £7.99 per month or £79.90 annually.

Netflix

Kids Netflix

Netflix needs no introduction as the streaming giant that revolutionized the way we consume entertainment. With a vast library of movies, TV shows, and original content, it offers something for every age group, including a dedicated kids’ section your children can easily browse themselves.

Highlights:

  • Hundreds of popular children’s titles like “Paw Patrol,” “Octonauts,” and “Lego City Adventures.”
  • Exclusive Netflix Originals such as “Matilda the Musical” and the Roald Dahl collection.
  • Parental controls and kid-friendly profiles for age-appropriate viewing.
  • Support for multiple simultaneous streams (watch different shows in different rooms) and offline downloads.

Pricing: Starts at £4.99 per month for the ad-supported tier, £10.99 per month for Standard, and £15.99 per month for Premium (4K HDR quality).

Amazon Prime Video

As part of the Amazon Prime membership, Prime Video provides a diverse collection of movies, TV shows, and original content, making it a convenient choice for families seeking an all-inclusive entertainment package.

Highlights:

  • Loads of popular children’s titles like “Peppa Pig,” “Mr. Bean: The Animated Series,” and “Teletubbies.”
  • Exclusive Amazon Originals like “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” and “The Boys” for adults.
  • Some parental controls and kid-friendly profiles.
  • Access to loads of extras like free next day delivery on Amazon purchases, Prime discounts, online books and magazines, music library of 100 million+ songs, unlimited digital photo storage and loads more.

Pricing: £8.99 per month or £95 annually for Amazon Prime membership, which includes Prime Video, free delivery, and other benefits.

Sky TV

Sky TV, one of the leading pay TV providers in the UK, offers a comprehensive package that includes a dedicated kids’ section, making it a viable if pricey option for families seeking a traditional television experience.

Highlights:

  • Access to popular children’s channels like Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network, and Boomerang.
  • On-demand access to over 10,000 episodes of kids’ content through the Sky Kids app.
  • Excellent parental controls including pin number access plus and age-appropriate categories.
  • Integration with Netflix, providing access to a wider range of content.

Pricing: Starts at £5 per month for the Sky Kids add-on, in addition to the cost of the Sky TV package.

Free Streaming Platforms

BBC iPlayer

BBCiplayer Kids

The BBC’s flagship streaming service, iPlayer, offers a wealth of free content, including a dedicated section for children’s programming from CBeebies and CBBC.

Highlights:

  • Popular shows like “Hey Duggee,” “Horrible Histories,” and “Bluey” (some episodes).
  • Educational and age-appropriate content, adhering to the BBC’s high standards.
  • Best for younger children, those of 5 years and younger.
  • Available across multiple platforms, including smart TVs, mobile devices, and web browsers.

Pricing: Free with a valid TV license (£159 per year that everyone has to pay regardless).

ITVX Kids

ITVX Kids, formerly known as ITV Hub, is a free streaming platform that offers a wide range of children’s content, making it an excellent choice for families on a budget.

Highlights:

  • Popular shows like “Mr. Bean,” “Sooty,” and “Thomas & Friends.”
  • Age-appropriate categories and parental controls for safe viewing.
  • Access to live TV channels, including CITV and CITV Preschool.
  • Available across multiple platforms, including smart TVs, mobile devices, and web browsers.

Pricing: Free with no subscription required.

YouTube Kids

YouTube Kids is a dedicated app and website designed specifically for children, offering a vast collection of videos, educational content, and popular shows.

Highlights:

  • Popular channels you can’t find on TV, plus those you can such as “Blippi,” “Cocomelon,” and “Peppa Pig.”
  • Dedicated to children’s content so very safe, no adult content on the platform at all.
  • Ability to turn off search and limit content to verified channels.
  • Available across multiple platforms, including mobile devices, smart TVs, and web browsers.

Pricing: Free, but includes advertisements (ad-free experience available with YouTube Premium subscription).

Which Ones to Choose?

When selecting the best streaming platform for your family, consider factors such as your budget, the ages of your children, and their specific interests.

Paid subscription services like Disney+, Netflix, and Amazon Prime Video offer a wide range of high-quality content and exclusive originals, while free platforms like BBC iPlayer, ITVX Kids, and YouTube Kids provide a more cost-effective option with a diverse selection of shows and educational content.

It’s also essential to prioritize parental controls and age-appropriate filters to ensure a safe and suitable viewing experience for your children. Many platforms offer customizable profiles, allowing you to tailor the content based on your child’s age and interests.

Ultimately, the choice of streaming platform should cater to your family’s preferences and needs, providing a balance of entertainment, education, and convenience. The great thing is that you can cancel them all any time, so if you think you have made the wrong choice, you can simply switch to something else.