Cartoons About Nature That Will Spark Your Kidâs Love Of The Outdoors
Finding things to watch or do with kids is an everyday parenting puzzle, especially when you are trying to balance screen time with activities that actually add value. That is where Cartoons about nature can quietly shine. They give kids a sense of adventure, curiosity, and exploration, even when real-life logistics get in the way. As my parents used to say, âWhy not go outside?â And while that advice still holds up, there are plenty of moments when a great show can inspire the same sense of wonder as outdoor play.
I have always had a deep love for the outdoors, and whenever possible, I try to share that with my kids, whether it is fishing, camping, hiking, or just wandering through the woods near where we live. That connection to nature is built through hands-on experiences and reinforced by the shows we enjoy together. We love imagining ourselves deep under the ocean with Octonauts, tracking animals with The Creature Cases, or exploring vast, unfamiliar worlds through series like The Deep and Camp Cretaceous. These stories turn curiosity into something active and engaging, even when we are indoors.
That is why Cartoons about nature have become such a staple in our house. They do not replace real-world adventures, but they absolutely help spark the urge to explore, ask questions, and notice the world around them. Below are some of my familyâs favorite animated series that encourage a love of animals, environments, and discovery; shows that make kids excited about what is out there and eager to experience it for themselves, on-screen and beyond.
Wild Kratts
Photo Credit: PBS Kids
Wild Kratts follows real-life brothers Chris and Martin Kratt as animated versions of themselves exploring ecosystems around the world. Using âCreature Power Suits,â the brothers can transform to mimic animalsâ abilities while learning how those creatures survive in the wild. The show blends real wildlife footage with animation to illustrate how its scientific concepts work in the real world. Adventure-driven plots keep kids engaged while reinforcing factual knowledge about animals and environmental systems.
What Wild Kratts Teaches Kids About Nature And The Outdoors: Wild Kratts teaches three key things: animal science, environmental stewardship, and curiosity. Kids learn how animals adapt to their environments and why biodiversity matters. Wild Kratts also encourages respect for wildlife and highlights conservation challenges to show kids how they can help out in their own backyards. It also models teamwork, observation skills, and asking questions about the natural world, fostering early scientific thinking and a love of nature.
Itâs not shocking that this show made the top of my cartoons about nature list, considering itâs a show that spends all of its time celebrating the wild!
Audience Age Group: Ages 4â8
U.S. Rating: TV-Y
Streaming Platform: PBS Kids, Amazon Prime Video
Tumble Leaf
Photo Credit: Amazon Prime Video
Tumble Leaf is a stop-motion animated series set on a whimsical island filled with forests, ponds, and hidden discoveries. The show stars Fig the Fox and his friend Stick as they explore nature and the world around them. Each episode focuses on problem-solving through experimentation, observation, and patience. Tumble Leaf has gentle pacing and rich visuals, emphasizing hands-on learning in natural settings.
What Tumble Leaf Teaches Kids About Nature And The Outdoors: Tumble Leaf teaches kids that critical thinking, patience, and creativity are able to be applied to the natural world.. Kids learn that trial and error is part of learning and that curiosity leads to discovery. Tumble Leaf encourages mindfulness, resilience, and respect for the natural world through playful experimentation and simple, calm storytelling.
This is perhaps one of the most gentle cartoons about the outdoors and nature, and perfect for younger kids who love to spend time outside.
Audience Age Group: Ages 3â6
U.S. Rating: TV-Y
Streaming Platform: Amazon Prime Video
Dinosaur Train
Photo Credit: The Jim Henson Company
A parental favourite in my house, Dinosaur Train follows Buddy, a young Tyrannosaurus rex raised by a family of Pteranodons, as they ride a time-traveling train to explore prehistoric environments. Each episode introduces different dinosaur species and habitats, blending adventure with factual paleontology. Songs, repetition, and friendly narration make complex concepts easier for young children to understand. Plus, you will never get the theme song out of your head again.
See also 17 Single Parents In Cartoons Who Nailed Raising Their Kids Solo What Dinosaur Train Teaches Kids: Dinosaur Trainâs focus may be on the prehistoric outdoors, but it still teaches early science skills, curiosity, and acceptance of differences in a natural environment. For example, Buddy the T-Rex is raised by Pteradons, showing that nature is adaptable and accepting of different things.. Kids learn about habitats, diets, and animal traits while reinforcing the idea that families and communities can be diverse. Additionally, a real Paleontologist wraps up each episode with the facts and concepts explored.
If your child loves dinosaurs, thereâs a good chance this will quickly become their favorite cartoon about nature.
Audience Age Group: Ages 3â6
U.S. Rating: TV-Y
Streaming Platform: PBS Kids
Octonauts
Photo Credit: Netflix
Strap on your goggles and fins and jump into the ocean with the Octonauts! Octonauts follows a team of animal explorers who travel the worldâs oceans studying sea creatures and solving underwater emergencies. Each episode focuses on a specific marine animal or environment, combining problem-solving action with educational content. The show introduces real-world science through engaging storytelling, detailed action, and excellent âCreature Reportâ songs.
What Octonauts Teaches Kids About Nature And The Outdoors: Octonauts takes kids to the deepest depths of the oceans and introduces them to the creatures that live there in a non-scary way. The series emphasizes marine biology, teamwork, and environmental care. Kids learn about ocean ecosystems and why protecting them matters. Octonauts encourages empathy for animals, cooperation under pressure, and curiosity about the natural world.
Audience Age Group: Ages 4â8
U.S. Rating: TV-Y
Streaming Platform: Netflix
Spirit Riding Free
Photo Credit: Netflix
Set in the American frontier, Spirit Riding Free follows a young girl named Lucky and her bond with a wild mustang named Spirit. Together, they explore open landscapes while navigating friendship, independence, and adventure. The show features expansive outdoor settings and themes of freedom and respect for nature.
What Spirit Riding Free Teaches Kids About Nature And The Outdoors: Spirit Riding Free teaches kids that animals are partners with us in this world and should be respected and treated with kindness and empathy. Kids learn the importance of trust, responsibility, and standing up for whatâs right, as well as an appreciation for open spaces and wildlife protection. There are also strong themes of friendship and discovering who you are, in the least likely places.
Audience Age Group: Ages 6â10
U.S. Rating: TV-Y7
Streaming Platform: Netflix
Go, Diego, Go!
Photo Credit: Netflix
A slightly older-focused spin-off of Dora, The Explorer, Go, Diego, Go! follows young animal rescuer Diego as he travels through jungles, rainforests, and mountains to help animals in need. Like Dora, the showâs Interactive elements invite kids to participate in problem-solving and movement. Each episode introduces wildlife and habitats from around the world in a softened, kid-friendly way.
What Go, Diego, Go! Teaches Kids: Go, Diego, Go! It is a fun and playful show that reinforces environmental responsibility, helping others, and physical activity. Kids learn about animal care, teamwork, and conservation while being encouraged to stay active and engaged. The showâs interactive elements keep kids engaged, and the gentle portrayal of animals that might seem scary keeps them interested in the outdoors and the animals that live there.
If you want to teach your children about habitats responsibly, this nature cartoon is a great choice they shouldnât miss.
Audience Age Group: Ages 3â6
U.S. Rating: TV-Y
Streaming Platform: Paramount+
The Creature Cases
Photo Credit: Netflix
The Creature Cases follows animal agents Sam Snow and Kit Casey as they solve mysteries involving wildlife around the globe. Sam and Kit are employed by the Covert League of Animal Detective Experts (or C.L.A.D.E. for short). They travel the world solving many mysteries while using their expertise in problem-solving and animal facts. Each case introduces real animal facts and natural habitats, blending spy and detective storytelling with science education.
What The Creature Cases Teaches Kids About Nature And The Outdoors: The Creature Cases adds an engaging element of spy gadgets and detective work to learning about animals and the natural world. The series promotes observation skills, global awareness, and respect for wildlife. Kids learn how animals live and adapt while practicing critical thinking and teamwork.
See also 21 Video Games That Teach Life Lessons And Important Skills Audience Age Group: Ages 5â8
U.S. Rating: TV-Y7
Streaming Platform: Netflix
Camp Cretaceous
Photo Credit: Netflix
Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous follows a group of teens attending an adventure camp on Isla Nublar, the island from Jurassic Park. When dinosaurs escape containment, the campers must survive in the wild using intelligence, cooperation, and adaptability. The series blends action, suspense, and character-driven storytelling with immersive outdoor environments. Since the setting is fictitious, the show consistently highlights survival skills, observation of nature, and respect for powerful ecosystems.
What Camp Cretaceous Teaches Kids About Nature And The Outdoors: Camp Cretaceous teaches teamwork, resilience, and respect for natureâs power. Kids learn that survival depends on cooperation, calm decision-making, and understanding the environment. It emphasizes accountability, courage, and problem-solving under pressure, while reinforcing the need for humans to coexist responsibly with wildlife and natural systems. Camp Cretaceousâs natural setting plays a major role, showing how humans must adapt to the environment rather than control it.
Audience Age Group: Ages 7â12
U.S. Rating: TV-Y7
Streaming Platform: Netflix
Molly of Denali
Photo Credit: PBS Kids
Molly of Denali follows Molly, a young Alaska Native girl, as she explores the vast Alaskan wilderness with her friends and family. Episodes feature the rugged Alaskan forests, rivers, tundra, and wildlife. Molly of Denali also leans into Native heritage, blending outdoor adventure with cultural storytelling. The show incorporates real-world informational segments that reinforce the facts learned during the episode.
What Molly of Denali Teaches Kids About Nature And The Outdoors: Molly of Denali explores themes of environmental respect, cultural awareness, and curiosity. Kids are taught how Indigenous knowledge connects people to the land and how observation and storytelling help preserve nature. It also reinforces problem-solving, community values, and appreciation for diverse environments.
Audience Age Group: Ages 4â8
U.S. Rating: TV-Y
Streaming Platform: PBS Kids
The Deep
Photo Credit: Netflix
Set in the 22nd century, The Deep follows the Nektons, a family of adventurous underwater explorers who live aboard a state-of-the-art submarine, the Aronnax, and venture into unknown areas of Earthâs oceans. The show features coral reefs, underwater caves, and marine life, blending science fiction with real-world oceanography. Each episode introduces unique aquatic environments and species while delivering exciting adventure narratives.
What The Deep Teaches Kids: The Deep promotes marine conservation, scientific curiosity, and teamwork. Even though it is set in the future, each episode offers enough to make the lessons and concepts relatable to todayâs kids. The show teaches about ocean ecosystems and the importance of protecting them. It encourages exploration, problem-solving, and respect for the delicate balance of underwater environments, as well as occasional glimpses into what might be in the future if we donât steward nature today.
Audience Age Group: Ages 6â10
U.S. Rating: TV-Y7
Streaming Platform: Netflix
Nature Cat
Photo Credit: PBS Kids
Nature Cat stars Fred, a formerly lazy house cat who transforms into the adventurous Nature Cat whenever his family leaves home. Alongside his animal friends, he explores backyards, parks, forests, and waterways while learning about nature firsthand. Episodes focus on outdoor play, exploration, and problem-solving, often involving simple science concepts. The showâs upbeat tone, musical elements, and humor make it especially engaging for preschoolers.
What Nature Cat Teaches Kids About Nature And The Outdoors: Nature Cat promotes outdoor exploration, curiosity, and confidence with a superhero twist. Through the charactersâ learning experiences, this series aims to encourage children to engage with and understand nature. Nature Cat is set in a suburban area, so it shows âcityâ kids how nature is all around them. The show reinforces persistence, teamwork, and the idea that learning happens everywhereânot just indoors or in classrooms.
The show is about spending time outdoors and engaging in outdoor play, so itâs no wonder it made my list of cartoons about nature. I think your kids will love it, especially if theyâre in the three- to six-year-old range.
See also The Best Science In Cartoons That Teach Kids Important Lessons Audience Age Group: Ages 3-6
U.S. Rating: TV-Y
Streaming Platform: PBS Kids
Big City Greens
Photo Credit: Disney
Big City Greens follows a country farming family who moves to the city but maintains a strong connection to nature through gardening, outdoor adventures, and rural values. Many episodes highlight fish-out-of-water antics in urban nature, parks, and environmental responsibility, blending humor with thoughtful, family-oriented storytelling. The show contrasts city life with country life in a fun, relatable way that doesnât talk down to either side.
What Big City Greens Teaches Kids About Nature And The Outdoors: Big City Greens teaches environmental responsibility, adaptability, and appreciation for nature. Kids learn that nature exists even in cities and that caring for the environment is everyoneâs responsibility. Big City Greens also reinforces family bonds, kindness, and the importance of finding balance between modern life and the outdoors.
If your child is a bit older, Big City Greens might top the list of cartoons about nature thanks to its mix of educational and humorous material.
Audience Age Group: Ages 6â11
U.S. Rating: TV-Y7
Streaming Platform: Disney+
DuckTales (2017)
Photo Credit: Disney
While it may not seem like it at first glance, DuckTales is a very environmentally conscious show. Scrooge McDuck and his grandnephews travel the globe in search of lost treasures in jungles, mountains, deserts, and remote islands, blending adventure storytelling with exploration of natural landscapes. Episodes often focus on survival skills, ethical exploration, and respect for ancient environments.
What DuckTales Teaches Kids: Above its family and teamwork themes, DuckTales promotes curiosity, perseverance, and respect for the natural world. Kids learn about exploration, real-life natural areas, and the consequences of greed versus responsibility. It reinforces critical thinking and problem-solving while demonstrating that adventure should go hand in hand with respect for history and nature.
Growing up with DuckTales, I had to add this reboot to my list of the best cartoons about the outdoors because itâs a fun nostalgic reboot and a great animated series for teaching kids about adventure and the great outdoors.
Audience Age Group: Ages 7â12
U.S. Rating: TV-Y7
Streaming Platform: Disney+
Paddington
Photo Credit: Nickelodeon
Paddington follows the beloved bear as he navigates city life while maintaining a deep love for nature and exploration. Many episodes take place in parks, gardens, and outdoor settings where Paddingtonâs curiosity leads to gentle adventures. The showâs calm pacing and warm storytelling make it ideal for younger viewers.
What Paddington Teaches Kids About Nature And The Outdoors: The series teaches kindness, curiosity, and appreciation for everyday nature. Kids learn how small outdoor momentsâlike tending a garden or exploring a parkâcan spark joy and discovery. It emphasizes empathy, problem-solving, and caring for the world around you.
As an added bonus, you can move from cartoons about nature to live-action movies about nature with this beloved series.
Audience Age Group: Ages 4â8
U.S. Rating: TV-Y
Streaming Platform: Amazon Prime Video
Earth To Luna!
Photo Credit: Netflix
Earth to Luna! follows Luna, a curious young girl with a deep love for science and the natural world. Alongside her younger brother Jupiter and their pet ferret Clyde, Luna explores outdoor environments such as beaches, forests, parks, and snowy landscapes. Each episode begins with a simple question about natureâlike why waves crash or how plants growâand unfolds as an imaginative investigation. Through observation, experimentation, and playful reenactments, Luna seeks answers grounded in real scientific principles.
What Earth to Luna! Teaches Kids About Nature And The Outdoors: Earth To Luna! teaches scientific curiosity, critical thinking, and respect for nature. Kids learn that asking questions is the first step toward understanding the natural world around them. By observing natural phenomena outdoors, Luna models how exploration and experimentation lead to learning. The show reinforces patience, perseverance, and problem-solving while encouraging children to see nature as a place full of wonder and discovery. The showâs gentle pace, colorful animation, and outdoor-focused settings make complex ideas approachable and engaging for young viewers while celebrating curiosity and discovery in the natural world.
Audience Age Group: Ages 4â8
U.S. Rating: TV-Y
Streaming Platform: Netflix
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