I Used to Think My Family Couldn’t Live Without Disney+, But These 16 Streaming Services Proved Me Wrong

The great thing about raising kids today is that you have access to a ton of educational and child-friendly content. Many streaming services offer great entertainment that parents don't need to worry about. That's one of the reasons why I used to think my family couldn't live without Disney+. They have a huge catalog and a lot to love, but as I started to research other services, I began to see that there's more out there to explore.

From the exciting movies and shows provided by Max to the purely educational content available on Kidoodle, there are many other streaming services to consider instead. We'll tell you about some of these best services and tips to help you stay within your budget and keep your kids safe.

This post was updated in January 2026 to include updated and relevant information about family-friendly streaming services.

When it comes to learning how to live without Disney+, there are a few things to keep in mind. One of them is to watch your wallet. There are many different streaming services out there, and if you subscribe to all of them, you'll spend a fortune. Luckily, many of the streaming services can be bundled to save money.

One of the big packages is Disney+ and Hulu. Buy them together, and you'll save a bundle. Another streaming bundle includes Paramount+ and Showtime. There are always new deals, so research online before you buy.

All of the different streaming services on this list are here because they offer some type of entertainment for kids. The issue is that if you only stick to Disney+, then you're likely missing out on many other great shows on other streaming platforms.

So, to keep things fresh and keep the kids from going crazy, consider rotating your subscriptions. Watch one at night and another in the morning, and you'll keep the kids entertained.

Streaming services can seem affordable at first, but as the months go on, the costs will add up. That's why you must look for a streamer that you know has the shows that your kids will actually watch. Paying for something you never turn on can be an incredible waste, so keep that in mind. 

Another important consideration when choosing a streaming service is finding one that offers exclusive content. Disney+ may sound good at first, but you realize that many of the shows on that service are also playing on other streaming sites and even on cable TV. What you want to find is exclusive content. Those are typically the shows that you hear people talking about online. Are you missing out on the hottest show? Then, consider a different streaming service.

While Disney+ seems innocent enough, there are movies on there that are not suitable for all children. This is especially true if you're bundling with Hulu or another service. Often, the movies from Hulu will show up on Disney+. We're talking horror movies, dark documentaries, and more. So, ensure that you're always in control when you turn on the streamer. Better yet, find a streamer that offers parental controls that you can set so that your kids can't find unsuitable content even if they gain control of the remote.

The first streamer that will convince you to live without Disney+ is Kidoodle. This is one of the lesser-known streamers, but it's great for parents who don't want to worry about unwanted programming. Kidoodle offers over 45,000 hours of kid-friendly episodes ranging from educational content and teaching videos to Nickelodeon cartoons. Once you sign up, you can access Kidoodle.TV for free with ads, or choose a paid, ad-free subscription, and stream it on almost any device.

Netflix is one of the original streaming services, and it's still going strong to this day. The service takes pride in the exclusive content that it puts out. In fact, that's why the cost of the service keeps increasing, so keep an eye on that. However, there's a lot to love here. There are movies and shows for adults and children, including cartoons, educational programs, and more. Best of all, Netflix has parental controls so you can ensure that your kids are okay.

One of the streaming services that separates itself from the pack is Paramount+, especially when it comes to kids' content. The service offers many safe and entertaining Nickelodeon shows and a wide range of movies. Note that this service is not known for having many exclusives. However, it's a cost-effective option for folks who love the movies and programs produced by Paramount Studios.

For those not in the know, Max is what was formerly HBO, so you know they have a lot of great content. In fact, the content on Max spans many different eras, so you can show your kids new programming and shows that you loved as a child. The interface is easy to use, so you can quickly find what you need. Parental controls can be turned on for peace of mind. Max is more expensive, so consider bundling with another service.

One of the streaming services that made it clear that we can live without Disney+ is PBS Kids. This service has all of the classics, from Daniel the Tiger to Curious George. They also have almost all of the episodes of Sesame Street, so you can look for older episodes if you prefer. There is a ton of content on this service, and there are no ads to distract viewers. Best of all, much of the content is available for free via the PBS Kids app and website, though some streaming platforms may require a subscription.

If you're looking for a streaming service that's almost exclusively for children, then consider HappyKids. You may not have heard of it yet, but this service currently has over 100,000 titles, so there's almost certainly something your kids will enjoy. The app is also very easy for kids to use. They can browse and find the episodes they like. With that said, there are still parental controls, so you stay in control. 

A streaming service that's almost exclusively for kids, Toon Goggles has it all. As the name suggests, this service is mainly geared to cartoons, but there's a ton to love. There are many mainstream programs, like Roblox, but also unique content you may not have seen before. The best part is that this service is free, but there will be ads. 

These days, parents have a lot more to consider when it comes to putting on a TV show for the kids. You never know when a show is going to include foul language or unwelcome themes. That's why Sensical is perfect. The service comes from Common Sense Media, which is a website that tells parents what shows are suitable and which aren't. The best part is that this service is completely free.

Hulu is one of the largest streaming services in the world, and it's no surprise why. The program is loaded with movies, TV shows, documentaries, and more. Plus, they have a ton of exclusive content. You don't even need to have cable TV because many of the shows you like also show up on Hulu. Yes, there is a lot of objectionable content on there, but Hulu has parental controls. You can set up a Kid's Profile so they only see what you want them to see.

If you want your kids to watch the best in educational content, then you can live without Disney+ by subscribing to Hopster. This streaming service has great programming for kids like the others do, but its focus is more on education. There are shows about Shakespeare, music, reading, and more. This service is not free, but if you want to fill your kids with the right stuff, this is the way to go.

Philo is a great streaming service with quality entertainment for everyone in the family. There are great movies, educational shows, and more. Best of all, Philo allows you to access live TV, and now you can get it all for under $30. Obtaining this service will open the door to great educational content on channels like the Discovery Channel, Nickelodeon, and more.

NBC owns Peacock, a streaming service, so it has all of the great programming from that channel, including episodes of The Office and late-night shows, including The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. There's literally something for everyone here. Technically, it could be the only streaming service you own. Best of all, it offers parental controls via maturity levels that you can set.

STARZ has been a great and dependable streaming service for many years now, and it continues to have high-quality content for folks of all ages. It has the blockbuster movies you love, the TV series you adore, and shows for the kids. STARZ does have parental controls, so you can limit the movie and TV ratings for profiles you set up for the kids. The service offers animated films, religious movies, and more.

You use Amazon for everything else, so why not use it for your streaming needs? Just like the website, the streaming platform is loaded with entertainment. You can find just about anything on there. Note that not everything will be free. You'll need to pay to rent or own some movies. However, with the Prime membership, you get other perks for Amazon.com, so you can also purchase educational content that way.

CuriosityStream is a great service to try if you and your family love to learn at every chance you get. This service focuses on providing documentary shows and movies from all over the world. You can learn about countless different things in a single day. This service is not free, but it's less than $10, which is a steal compared to the other streaming services.

You can certainly live without Disney+ by purchasing the Noggin service. This is another streamer that prioritizes content for children. All of the classic shows are on there, from Blue's Clues to PAW Patrol and Peppa Pig. There are also games on the service that educate your kids and help to strengthen their minds and problem-solving skills. It's ideal for kids 2-7. There is a fee, but it's under $10.