If you’re housebound with kids then a TV can be your friend, especially if you’re trying to work from home at the same time. It’s one of the tools in my arsenal for when I need to get some uninterrupted time or for a mental break (for everyone).
The #TOTSquad has also asked for recommendations of ABC shows for kids via Facebook – so here’s my roundup of the best ABC Kids TV shows on ABC Kids (Channel ABC For Kids 22) in no particular order.
Read here if you’re looking for the best shows on ABC ME/ABC 3 (Channel ABC 23) for school-age children.
As of May 2024 these were all current children’s programming on ABC television and the ABC Kids app (although some are only available on ABC iView). Over time it’s possible that some will become old ABC kids shows as they are retired from the programming schedule. However many are still available to watch back on ABC iView so I have kept them on the list.
If you have any favourite ABC children’s TV shows please drop a comment below!
Note I’m referring to ABC Australia children’s shows only, not ABC TV children’s programs in other countries.
Best ABC for Kids Shows
For the best of Australian kids TV for pre-schoolers look no further than ABC For Kids. There are many Australian kids shows that parents love, and many that they love to hate! Our list includes the former.
New to the channel is ABC Kids Puggles. These shows are best suited to the littlest members of your family.
Also visit ABC Kids Early Education for extension ideas and resources to support some of the shows below in early childhood teaching and learning.
1. Bluey
Bluey is one of the most popular TV shows ABC Kids broadcasts and the first season of Bluey is the most downloaded TV show in ABC iview history!
Bluey is a much-loved Australian cartoon on ABC TV Kids about a feisty 6-year-old blue heeler (Bluey) and her family. There really aren’t any kids TV shows like Bluey at the moment with the same universal, multi-age appeal. My 13-year-old niece even loves watching these.
Related: Everything Bluey – toys, pyjamas, clothing, books & live show
2. Play School
Play School helped me to learn English as a non-English speaking 6-year-old Chinese immigrant. I had no idea it was marketed as an ABC baby show!
When my kids were 7yo and 9yo they still enjoyed watching Play School, such is the power of this long-running TV show. As a parent, I love the diversity of its presenters – in gender, cultural background and disability.
It really is one of the best TV shows ABC produces for kids and the closest TV shows to Play School include the long-running Sesame Street. As you’d expect, it is one of the highest rating ABC children’s shows.
Some especially popular Play School segments at the moment include Play School: Dinosaur Roar and Play School: Mindfully Me.
Related: Play School Live review
3. Dirtgirl World
Dirtgirl encourages kids to get outdoors to engage with nature. It offers a touch of country life for city kids watching TV ABC Kids.
I like that she wears gumboots and drives a big orange tractor!
Also from the Emmy Award-winning creators of dirtgirlworld is Get Grubby TV, a 30-minute live action garden-loving celebration of all things outside. As well as Go Wild for Maths, short episodes with dirtgirlworld teaching kids to find numeracy in nature.
This is also one of the ABC Kids shows 2000s kids will surely remember and enjoy the throwback.
Watch dirtgirlworld ABC iview & Watch Get Grubby TV
4. Go Jetters
Thanks to Go Jetters my kids know more about some world cities than I do. It’s a kids show ABC broadcasts that is just as educational for adults!
No doubt all that geography and history in the show will hold my kids in good stead for future Trivial Pursuit games and trivia nights.
To be honest I have no idea who’s who in the show (the four of them look exactly alike in my view), but I do like how they visit cities that we’ve been to before, including New York City and London.
Related: Things to do in New York City with kids
5. Sesame Street
I have a lot of nostalgia for Sesame Street and love how they tackle current affairs and real-world issues in a fun and accessible way for kids. It’s been one of the top shows ABC has shown for many years running.
One of my favourite episodes is Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor telling Abby Cadabby that a princess is NOT a career.
6. The Adventures of Paddington
Everyone’s favourite Bear from Peru now has his own TV show!
The CGI production covers a different adventure (or mishap) each episode and includes all the characters we know, plus some new ones.
Watch The Adventures of Paddington on ABC iView
Related: Meet Paddington at the Langham Hotel: An Unforgettable Adventure Awaits!
7. The Wonder Gang
The Wonder Gang introduces preschoolers to the powerful art of finding facts through inquiry, observation and experimentation.
Willow, Whyla and Wes use their flexible thinking, persistence and teamwork to help them find answers to kids’ questions about Australian animals and nature.
Watch The Wonder Gang on ABC iview
8. Gardening Australia Junior
Cultivate a love for gardening with Gardening Australia Junior, where kids learn about plants, nature, and sustainability through hands-on activities and outdoor adventures.
Gardening guru, Costa Georgiadis, leads the show taking kids on an exciting journey through the enchanting realm of gardening.
Watch Gardening Australia Junior on ABC iView
9. Andy’s Global Adventures
Join Andy on all sorts of thrilling wildlife adventures as he explores different habitats and encounters fascinating creatures from around the world.
His Prehistoric Adventures take him back in time. Or find him joined by animal guests, to examine mysterious objects on Andy’s Secret Hideout.
A fun and educational series using mixed media to highlight the way things work in our natural world.
Watch Andy’s Global Adventure on ABC iView
10. Thomas And Friends: Big World Adventures
One of our most loved cartoons on ABC Kids has always been Thomas the Tank Engine and his friends for heart-warming tales of teamwork and friendship.
In this animated series, they travel the world and uncover all sorts of new things discovering new imaginative characters and fun songs along the way.
Watch Thomas And Friends on ABC iView
11. Ginger And The Vegesaurs
Enter an era dominated by the juiciest and crunchiest creatures ever to rule the planet – the mighty Vegesaurs!
Join Ginger, a young and adventurous explorer, as she discovers the fascinating world of these vegetable-based dinosaurs. With their vibrant personalities and incredible powers, the Vegesaurs bring excitement and wonder to every corner of their lush and verdant kingdom.
My family loves this energetic ABC show for kids as it’s filled with laughter, discovery, and veggie-fueled adventures!
Watch Ginger And The Vegesaurs On ABC iView
12. Peter Rabbit
Peter Rabbit has long been a one of the most popular children’s shows. In this dynamic reimagining of Beatrix Potter’s beloved children’s classic, join Peter Rabbit on a thrilling adventure through the picturesque countryside.
Follow Peter as he navigates through real dangers, overcomes formidable obstacles, and outsmarts cunning predators, all while discovering fun and excitement in the most unexpected places.
With his mischievous spirit and quick wit, Peter leads the way, teaching valuable lessons about courage, friendship, and perseverance along the journey.
Watch Peter Rabbit on ABC iView
13. Kangaroo Beach
Dive into the sun-soaked adventures of Kangaroo Beach, where four spirited young animal friends embark on an action-packed summer at the breathtaking coastal paradise.
Join them as they train as junior cadets alongside their lifeguard heroes, soaking up valuable skills and life lessons along the way. When an emergency arises, these brave cadets must step up to the challenge, putting their training to the test
With teamwork, courage, and a whole lot of heart, these pint-sized heroes prove that even the smallest among us can make a big difference.
Watch Kangaroo Beach on ABC iView
14. What’s Cooking Omari?
Join the culinary adventures of junior chef Omari McQueen in What’s Cooking Omari?
In each episode, Omari tantalizes taste buds by whipping up mouthwatering treats that viewers can easily recreate in their own kitchens.
But it’s not just Omari in the spotlight; he’s always joined by his lively and food-loving family, who provide both help and hindrance in equal measure.
My kids are always inspired and entertained by Omari in this delectable kids cooking show that celebrates good food, family, and fun!
Watch What’s Cooking Omari? On ABC iView
15. Tell Me a Tale
Featuring the authentic voices of real Aussie kids, each 1-minute episode of Tell Me A Tale delves into the realms of well-being and emotional intelligence.
What sets this series apart is its unique animation, crafted from the imaginative drawings of these young storytellers.
It’s a beautiful series where the power of storytelling and the innocence of childhood come together to inspire and uplift hearts of all ages.
Watch Tell Me a Tale on ABC iView
16. Draw With Will
Join world-renowned Marvel comic book artist Will Sliney on an artistic series with Draw With Will.
In this captivating kids show, Will shares his expertise and passion for drawing as he guides viewers through the creation of incredible characters. Kids can unleash their creativity and bring their imagination to life!
Watch Draw With Will on ABC iView
17. The Gruffalo
For those who love the beautiful children’s picture books by author Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler, ABC Kids hosts many of them in short movie form!
One of our absolute favourites, The Gruffalo, weaves a magical tale of a brave mouse’s woodland adventure in search of a nut. Along the way, he encounters predators, relying on his wit to outsmart them.
The children’s movie is done really well, with beautiful animations with a relaxing, slow-paced narrative. Voices include Helena Bonham Carter, James Corden, and Tom Wilkinson.
Others among our favourites include The Gruffalo’s Child, Room on the Broom and The Snail and The Whale.
Watch the Gruffalo on ABC iView
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