Keeping the kids occupied – especially during the holidays – is a parent’s constant challenge. Whilst we all like to limit their ‘screen time’ there’s no doubt that having a fun and varied selection of TV channels helps us out. There are already a number of channels like CBeebies and CITV available free to air, but it always helps to have a bit more choice, so www.SwitchTV.co.uk has put together their favourite shows and channels – and what to look for when choosing kids shows and where you can get the best selection.
What can I get for free?
First off, it’s worth making sure you’ve tried out the channels already available on your TV – they tend to be on channels 200+, so not everyone will have found them. Open your TV guide and have a scroll down until you find them. If they’re not there, it’s worth going into your settings and re-scanning for available channels.
Here’s a quick rundown of the channels available free to air and some of our top shows available on them…
| Channel | CBBC | CBeebies | CITV | Pop | Tiny Pop |
| Top shows | In The Night Garden Go Jetters |
Do I need to buy extra channels to get more kids TV?
The short answer is: not necessarily. A few years ago, it was all about adding linear channels – shows on a specific channel and at certain times. Regular, scheduled and clear, though sometimes limiting as you can only watch what the programmers have decided to show.
We all now have lots more options, especially from the ‘streaming’ providers like Netflix and Disney+, where once subscribed, you can select the TV programme you want and press play anytime, day or night. It depends what works for you and your family.
Which shows and channels are worth paying more for?
We’ve listed some of the best shows available – split by age range – so you can see what’s available where.
For toddlers (1-3 years);
Peppa Pig – Every day is an adventure for Peppa Pig! With her family and friends there’s always something to smile about and a whole world of things to discover. Available on: Nick Jnr channel, Netflix Kids
Go Jetters – Meet four adventure-seeking superhero Go Jetters as they explore places all around planet Earth. Available on: Netflix Kids
Paw Patrol – Six heroic puppies led by a tech-savvy 10-year-old pull off high-stakes rescue missions using humor, problem-solving skills and cool vehicles. Available on: Netflix Kids
For pre-school (3-5 years);
Teen Titans Go! – When teenage superheroes are not fighting to save the world, they get up to all kinds of mischief. Available on: Cartoon Network channel,
For primary school (5-11 years)
The Thundermans – A family of superheroes enjoy daily dilemmas while attempting to keep their super-secrets from their neighbours. Available on: Nickelodean channel,
Which providers have these shows?
If you want to add extra channels to your TV pack – all the major players have a Kids pack or ‘bolt-on’, usually costing around £5 per month. For that you get around 10 extra channels and an app to watch them on. But you’ll need an existing TV subscription, so if you don’t have one it’ll cost you a lot more than £5.
We’ve done a quick table below to show you what additional channels are available from the main TV providers;
| Peppa Pig | Go Jetters | Paw Patrol | Teen Titans Go! | The Thundermans | Kids TV app | Total shows available to stream | |||
| Sky Kids Add logo | [Symbol] | 5,000 | |||||||
| Virgin Media Kids Add logo | [Symbol] | TBC | |||||||
| BT TV Kids bolt on Add logo | | TBC | |||||||
| Netflix Kids Add logo | [Symbol] Change profile | TBC |
How do I watch programmes from these ‘over the top’ providers on our big TV?
I’m pleased you asked – we’ve actually put together a special guide on how to do this. Have a look here.
How do I find the right package for our family?
Switch TV has a unique channel and programme finder – it’ll give you a great package for the TV you want to watch. Just enter the things you’re interested in – either specific channels or programmes into our handy tool here and we’ll do the rest!
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