Disney+ alternatives for kid-friendly streaming in 2024

Author

Kevin Hall

Sep 20th, 2024

·

6min read

Disney+ has become a go-to for families, offering beloved classics from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and more. But whether you’re looking for more variety, different types of content, or budget-friendly options, there are plenty of kid-friendly alternatives to Disney+ in 2024. Many streaming services now offer robust selections of family-friendly programming that can provide hours of entertainment for children while still offering value for parents.

In this article, we’ll explore the top Disney+ alternatives for families, highlighting what makes each service great for kids while also discussing how you can manage these subscriptions effectively.

1. Netflix: Tons of Kids’ Shows and Family Films

Best For: A large collection of kid-friendly programming across different age groups.

Netflix continues to be a popular choice for families, thanks to its vast selection of kids’ shows, movies, and animated content. From original animated series to family movies and even educational programs, Netflix provides plenty of options to keep children entertained while ensuring content is age-appropriate.

Key Highlights for Kids:

  • Original Kids’ Content: Shows like The Dragon Prince, Carmen Sandiego, and Octonauts: Above & Beyond.
  • Family Movies: A variety of animated films such as Over the Moon, The Mitchells vs. The Machines, and Vivo.
  • Parental Controls: Netflix allows you to set up kid profiles and restrict content based on age ratings.

Subscription Plans (2024): Netflix has several tiers, including a basic plan with ads. You can set up specific profiles for children, making it easy to limit what they can watch.

By using SubTracked, parents can get reminders about subscription renewals and monitor Netflix’s changing prices to ensure they’re staying within budget.

2. Amazon Prime Video: Family-Friendly Films and Add-On Options

Best For: Families who want flexibility and access to additional kids’ channels.

Amazon Prime Video includes a wide selection of family films and TV shows, perfect for viewers of all ages. From animated adventures to popular TV series, the platform offers solid kid-friendly content that can be enhanced with add-on channels like PBS Kids, Noggin, or Boomerang.

Key Highlights for Kids:

  • Original Kids’ Shows: Series like Pete the Cat, If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, and Jessy and Nessy.
  • Kid-Friendly Rentals: In addition to included content, Prime Video offers thousands of kid-friendly movies for rent or purchase.
  • Add-On Channels: Parents can add family-specific channels such as PBS Kids and Noggin for even more child-appropriate options.

Subscription Plans (2024): Prime Video is included with an Amazon Prime membership at $14.99/month, but you can also subscribe to just Prime Video for $8.99/month.

SubTracked helps families easily track Amazon Prime’s bundled services and the additional cost of any extra channels they subscribe to.

3. Apple TV+: Premium Family Shows and Movies

Best For: Families who prefer high-quality, educational, and thoughtful programming.

Apple TV+ offers a curated selection of kids’ shows that focus on quality over quantity. Many of their offerings are both entertaining and educational, making it a great choice for families who want wholesome content for their children.

Key Highlights for Kids:

  • Award-Winning Kids’ Series: Shows like Ghostwriter, Helpsters, and Doug Unplugs combine entertainment with educational themes.
  • Exclusive Movies: Family films like Wolfwalkers and Luck offer beautifully animated, family-oriented stories.
  • Safe Content: All Apple TV+ programming is free from inappropriate ads and provides peace of mind for parents.

Subscription Plans (2024): Apple TV+ is one of the more affordable services, priced at just $6.99/month, making it a budget-friendly option for families.

For parents managing multiple subscriptions, SubTracked can notify you of price changes and renewal dates so you don’t lose track of your Apple TV+ plan.

4. HBO Max (Now Max): Classic Cartoons and Family Movies

Best For: Parents who want a mix of classic cartoons, movies, and new releases for the whole family.

HBO Max, now rebranded as simply Max, provides an impressive library of family content, with everything from classic Looney Tunes cartoons to modern blockbusters like The Lego Movie and Harry Potter. It’s a great choice for families who want a wide variety of films and shows.

Key Highlights for Kids:

  • Classic Cartoons: Beloved characters from Looney Tunes and Tom and Jerry.
  • Warner Bros. Kids Movies: A variety of animated and live-action films such as Space Jam and Scoob!
  • New Releases: Family-friendly hits that come to the service quickly after their theatrical debut.

Subscription Plans (2024): Max offers both ad-supported and premium plans, with pricing tiers to suit different budgets.

SubTracked can help you evaluate your spending on higher-tier Max plans, especially if you’re balancing several services for different family members.

5. Peacock: Free Streaming with Tons of Kids Content

Best For: Families looking for budget-friendly options with classic TV shows and movies.

Peacock offers an extensive library of family-friendly content, from classic kids’ TV shows to family movies, all at a budget-friendly price. With its free tier, it’s a great choice for families who want streaming without breaking the bank.

Key Highlights for Kids:

  • Classic Kids’ Shows: Popular favorites like Curious George, The Smurfs, and Where’s Waldo?.
  • Family Movies: Films like Despicable Me and How to Train Your Dragon.
  • Live Sports for the Whole Family: For older kids, Peacock’s live streaming of Premier League soccer or WWE can be a big draw.

Subscription Plans (2024): Peacock has a free tier with ads, as well as a premium option at $5.99/month for more content and ad-free streaming at $11.99/month.

Families can use SubTracked to monitor any premium channel add-ons or other upgrades they might subscribe to over time, helping to keep spending in check.

6. PBS Kids: Safe, Educational Content for Younger Audiences

Best For: Parents of younger children looking for ad-free, educational content.

PBS Kids is a haven for parents who prioritize educational programming. With trusted characters like Arthur, Sesame Street, and Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, PBS Kids is ideal for preschoolers and early school-aged children.

Key Highlights for Kids:

  • Educational Shows: Programs like Wild Kratts, Molly of Denali, and Curious George are designed to teach as well as entertain.
  • Safe and Ad-Free: All content is free of ads, ensuring a safe viewing environment for young children.
  • Access for All: PBS Kids is available for free on local TV networks, but you can also subscribe to the PBS Kids channel through Prime Video for additional on-demand content.

Subscription Plans (2024): While PBS Kids offers much of its content for free, subscribing to the PBS Kids channel through services like Amazon Prime Video is $4.99/month.

SubTracked can help you monitor spending on multiple channels and subscriptions, allowing you to decide whether to stick with free options or upgrade to premium services.


Conclusion: Finding the Right Disney+ Alternative for Your Family

There’s no shortage of kid-friendly Disney+ alternatives in 2024. Whether you’re looking for Netflix’s vast selection of animated shows, Apple TV+’s curated educational content, or Peacock’s budget-friendly offerings, there’s something for every family. However, juggling multiple subscriptions can get overwhelming, especially with kids’ channels and add-ons that often increase costs unexpectedly.

SubTracked makes managing all these streaming subscriptions easier. With features like subscription renewal alerts, spending projections, and cancellation instructions, SubTracked helps families stay on top of their entertainment costs. Sign up today to start managing your subscriptions and make sure you’re getting the best value for your family’s streaming needs!