Octonauts

Preschoolers who love animals often latch onto the Octonauts long before they’re ready for formal marine biology. This animated series follows a crew of underwater explorers who help sea creatures in distress, introducing real ocean habitats and species along the way. Based on books by Meomi and developed into a TV show, it mixes adventure with genuine factual segments at the end of each episode. Parents like that it models teamwork, problem-solving, and care for the environment without being too scary. It’s ideal for ages 3–7 and can spark rich conversations about oceans, maps, and ecosystems. Some episodes move quickly and include mild peril, so especially sensitive kids may need reassurance. Pro tip: keep a simple “Octonauts field guide” where your child draws each new creature they meet and you add a few facts from a kid-friendly ocean book or website.