What Your Kids Should Watch on TV

   
10 TV shows to watch with your kids, plus a preview of A Dog’s Purpose
    

Splash and Bubbles (PBS Kids)

4 of 5 stars
Recommended Age: 3+
Friendly fish introduce preschoolers to ocean science
    

Kate in Oz (Disney Junior)

4 of 5 stars
Recommended Age: 3+
Emerald City adventures have friendly messages for kids.
    

Rusty Rivets (Nickelodeon)

4 of 5 stars
Recommended Age: 4+
Young inventors inspire curiosity about STEM concepts.

 

Dot. (Sprout)

5 of 5 stars
Recommended Age: 5+
This charming series strikes the perfect balance between life and tech.

   

Milo Murphy’s Law (Disney XD)

4 of 5 stars
Recommended Age: 6+
An unlucky teen’s fortune lies in friendship and a positive outlook
 

Food Network Star Kids (Food Network)

4 of 5 stars
Recommended Age: 6+
Cooking contestants impress with skill, perseverance.
   

Wild Kratts: Creatures of the Deep Sea (PBS Kids)

4 of 5 stars
Recommended Age: 7+
Beloved animal pros go underwater in fab animated special.
 

MasterChef Junior (Fox)

4 of 5 stars
Recommended Age: 10+
Kids cook and compete in this whole-family treat.
  

MARS (National Geographic Channel) 5

5 of 5 stars
Recommended Age: 12+
This outstanding Mars mission series has suspenseful moments.
  

Pitch (Fox)

4 of 5 stars
Recommended Age: 14+
MLB’s first female pitcher boldly faces challenges.

 

In Theaters Jan. 27: A Dog’s Purpose 

Parents need to know that A Dog’s Purpose provides a bit of a twist on the standard talking-animal movie. The story is narrated by a dog (voiced by Josh Gad), who begins his life as a golden retriever named Bailey whose best friend is a young boy named Ethan (Bryce Gheisar). Bailey remains loyally by Ethan’s side through his teenage years, even through Ethan’s first love (so expect some kissing and romance), until Bailey dies of old age—only to be reincarnated as a (female) German shepherd police dog. The dog continues to come back, living many lives as many different breeds. With each new human he—or she—lives with, the dog learns a little more about his purpose, until, years later, he returns to a familiar home and a familiar friend (Dennis Quaid). Although this movie will likely have emotional moments that might be too intense for sensitive younger kids—including the recurring death of a pet—for the most part it looks like a heartfelt family dramedy for all dog lovers.

    
RELATED:

See More Common Sense Ratings

Get Family Activities Sent to You

     

Relevant Directory Listings

See More

Once Upon A Mattress

<p>Bring your kids.</p> <p>Bring your parents.</p> <p>Bring your favorite pajamas!</p> <p>Once Upon a Mattress is back on Broadway, and it’s “pure let’s-be-kids entertainment” (New Yorker) fit for ages 7 to 107!</p> <p>Two-time Tony® winner Sutton Foster stars as Princess Winnifred the Woebegone, alongside royalty of stage and screen Michael Urie and Queen of Comedy Ana Gasteyer. Adapted for a new generation by Amy Sherman-Palladino (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel), this uproarious retelling of The Princess and the Pea introduces the unapologetically eccentric Winnifred to an uptight kingdom, where she charms, delights, and dances her way to the top… of a stack of mattresses.</p> <p>So give the babysitter the night off and your kids a night on the town – you'll all live happily ever laughter!</p> <p>Get tickets at <a href="https://onceuponamattressnyc.com/">https://onceuponamattressnyc.com/</a></p>

Color Me Mine

<p>Color Me Mine Upper West Side proudly stands as a minority woman-owned studio, and we've been an integral part of the Color Me Mine franchise system since 2018! Pottery painting isn't just an activity; it's a captivating and inclusive experience that transcends age and skill levels.</p> <p>At Color Me Mine Upper West Side, we extend a warm invitation to dive into a realm of creativity, self-expression, and connection. Families, friends and teams grow stronger bonds when they create memories together, and at Color Me Mine, we're here to help facilitate those moments.</p> <p>Whether you're seeking a delightful family outing, a unique date night, or a solo adventure, our paint-your-own-pottery studio offers boundless possibilities. Step into our welcoming space in the heart of Lincoln Center and unleash your inner artist. Create unforgettable memories as you craft beautiful ceramic masterpieces to cherish for many years to come.</p> <p>Color Me Mine Upper West Side is also the preferred venue for celebrations of all kinds. Whether you're planning a birthday party, a baby or bridal shower, a team-building event, a gathering for college groups, an enriching field trip, or an adventure with scouts, we've got you covered. Our versatile space and passionate team provides the perfect setting for creating unforgettable memories and fostering creativity in every guest.</p> <p>Join us at Color Me Mine Upper West Side, at 177 Amsterdam Avenue in New York City where every visit promises a fun journey of color, joy, and artistic exploration!</p>

Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;" data-sheets-value="{" data-sheets-userformat="{">Looking for something to do with the kids in New York City that is fun, exciting, and educational? The Intrepid Museum offers family-friendly activities and programs all year long that keep children engaged, entertained, and curious about history and science. Fun rain or shine, the Museum offers both indoor and outdoor interactive exhibits and activities. With so many things to do and see, you’ll never hear “I’m bored,” when you climb aboard Intrepid. A non-profit, educational institution featuring the legendary aircraft carrier Intrepid, the space shuttle Enterprise, the world’s fastest jets and a guided missile submarine.<br /></span></p>