What’s Streaming in April for Kids & Families
Spring is almost here, and with it comes lots of fresh air, a certain bunny, and Earth Week. But, while you’re probably clamouring to get the kids outside and soak in the warming weather, let’s not forget that old saying about April showers. That’s why we’ve got a new list of family-friendly shows and films you can check out this month. From Earth Day selections to blockbuster films, here are 12 projects streaming in April for kids and families.
What’s Streaming in April for Kids and Families
Jurassic World: Dominion
Saturday April 1 on Crave
If you’ve got age-appropriate and dino-loving kids but couldn’t see the latest Jurassic Park blockbuster in theatres, pop up some popcorn and start your month off right with an epic movie night. Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard star alongside Laura Dern, Jeff Goldblum, and Sam Neill in this new, PG-13 adventure.
The Crossover
Wednesday April 5 on Disney+
Sports and coming-of-age stories go together like peanut (or WOW) butter and jelly, so there’s lots to love about this new series. It revolves around a family of basketball players, told in The Wonder Years style. Daveed Diggs narrates as adult Josh, who looks back at his teen years with his brother, Jordan. Jalyn Hall, and Amir O’Neil star as Josh and Jordan, respectively, as they tackle the pressures of high school ball while adjusting to life with a newly retired pro player father and a mother who is finally ready to pursue her own dreams.
CoComelon Season 8
Monday April 10 on Netflix
Ready for a new slew of songs from JJ and co? Of course you are. Thankfully, a new season of every preschooler’s favourite singing family is here to entertain this month. That means you can ditch some of the old songs that are stuck in your head and look forward to new earworms like “Yankee Doodle,” “Skip to My Lou,” and “Hokey Pokey” instead.
Rennervations
Wednesday April 12 on Disney+
Jeremy Renner is the hero your family deserves, isn’t he? Not only is he a bona fide MCU star, but following that scary snow plow accident in January, he continues to persevere and inspire with his recovery. And now he’s debuting this four-part series, which shows off a whole new side of Hawkeye: his love of reimagining decommissioned, purpose-built vehicles to better serve communities. Think of transforming an old tour bus into a mobile music studio or a delivery truck that becomes a portable water treatment facility. There are also fun guest stars to look forward to, including Anthony Mackie and Vanessa Hudgens.
Rugrats (New season)
Friday April 14 on Paramount+
In 2021, Tommy, Chuckie, and the rest of the Rugrats crew returned with this rebooted series—30 years after the original debuted. Once you get used to the updated graphics, you can stream that series and its first 24 episodes in full on Paramount+. Then, tune into the debut of the second season in mid-April. Introduce it to younger grade-school kids to occupy them this month, all while invoking your own nostalgia.
Netflix Family Earth Week
April 17 to 23 on Netflix
Looking to fire up a conversation with the family about Earth Week this month? Netflix hopes to help with this curated list of titles designed to engage families of all ages. There are docs, cartoons, movies, and other educational offerings to choose from, so maybe draw straws to see who gets to pick what’s streaming next.
Edible Insects
Monday April 17 on CBC Gem
Know another unique way to celebrate Earth Week? Introducing your kids to all the ways you can actually eat bugs. Enter this doc that explores creepy, crawly, protein alternatives and the people who enjoy them in their tummies. You may not want to whip up an insect milkshake after watching, but at the very least it may open your family’s minds regarding what we eat and why.
Big Beasts
Friday April 21 on Apple TV+
If your family loves watching giant animals do their thing, this educational series comes just in time for Earth Week. MCU star Tom Hiddleston narrates the 10-part doc, which took two years to film across rainforests, freezing poles, and other far-off destinations. From hippos and gray whales to elephant seals and polar bears, there are all kinds of big beasts to explore.
Ada Twist: Scientist Season 4
Saturday April 22 on Netflix
Ada, Iggy, and Rosie are back for a new batch of science-based adventures, only this season, there’s a twist: the gang welcomes tech-wiz Benny B. to the fold. Not only does this kid come equipped with great new ideas, but he’s also got a cool robot-dog sidekick.
Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures
Wednesday April 26 on Disney+
Want to get the kids into Star Wars without throwing them into the scarier, live-action aspects of the galaxy? This animated series may be your ticket. The preschool (and young grade-school) friendly project features Jedi younglings studying the ways of the Force. Along the way, they’ll do some galaxy-exploring, helping citizens and creatures in need.
Peter Pan & Wendy
Friday April 28 on Disney+
The newest high-profile Disney flick is here to save family movie night this month, putting a new(ish) spin on the story of Peter Pan. The bones are the same (three kids take an actual leap of faith and fly to Neverland behind a kid in tights), but there are updated effects, a more diverse cast (Yara Shahidi as Tink!), and Jude Law as Captain Hook to look forward to. This one also clocks in under two hours, which is crucial for kids with shorter attention spans.
Frog and Toad
Friday April 28 on Apple TV+
Arnold Lobel’s classic children’s book series gets a reimagining thanks to Apple TV+ this month. This animated take follows the amphibians as they discover and celebrate their differences, strengthening their friendship along the way. The star-studded voice cast includes Nat Faxon, Yvette Nicole Brown, Ron Funches, Margaret Cho, Fortune Feimster, and Kevin Michael Richardson.
