Weekends don’t need to be expensive when you have all this free content to keep the kids happy! Now sit back and relax as your children discover some of your favourite shows as well as some excellent new films! From TV shows for the littlest ones to exciting books brought to life, we’ve rounded up some of our absolute faves!
For the little ones | Books brought to life | Films for all
TV shows for the little ones
Shaun the Sheep
Watch now on BBC iPlayer
Appropriate for all ages, Shaun the Sheep follows the hilarious life of a cute little sheep called Shaun who lives on a remote rural farm under the watchful eye of sheepdog Bitzer! From helping Susie the sheep loose weight to rescuing Timmy the sheep’s favourite toy, Shaun gets up to all sorts!
Wallace and Gromit
Available now on BBC iPlayer
A timeless classic that everyone must see! This series centres of Wallace, a warm-hearted, cheese-loving inventor and his loyal human-like beagle Gromit! This clever show with its deep moral messages is suitable for all ages!
Pocoyo
Available now on ITVX
This show is perfect for the very little ones! Join little Pocoyo the curious toddler as he enjoys exploring the world around him with Pato the yellow duck, Elly the pink elephant, Loula the dog and many other friends! Loved by children up to six!
Thomas and Friends
Available now on My5
Located on the imaginary island of Sodor, Thomas the blue steam locomotive and his friends face the most exciting of adventures! From pulling tricks on new engines to playing in the snow, the trains have the best time! Suitable for all ages!
Arthur
Available now on BBC iPlayer
This series is perfect for children ages 4 to 8! Arthur follows the life of intelligent eight-year-old Arthur the aardvark who lives in the exciting town of Elwood City with his chef father David, accountant mother Jane and two little sisters Dora Winifred and Kate, oh and you mustn’t forget his dog Pal!
If you are looking for a show to pop on while you get some chores done or even just to have some time to yourself, Arthur is the perfect show for learning and growing!
Polly Pocket
Stream now on ITVX
Perfect for all ages! There’s no dream too big for Polly! Every time Polly is told she is ‘too little’ to do what she wants, she proves what every kid knows, being little isn’t a limitation! Suitable from five plus!
Books brought to life
Famous Five
Stream now on BBC iPlayer
Based on the world-famous books by Enid Blyton, The Famous Five tells the tale of four children and their dog Timothy as they solve mysteries and battle sinister forces all whilst having the most magical summer of their lives! For ages 6 and up!
Mallory Towers
Stream now on BBC iPlayer
Another Enid Blyton classic, this series is all about young Darrel Rivers and her exciting adventures at the boarding school Mallory Towers! With a midnight feast or two, many pranks thanks to trickster Alicia and a lot of drama due to drama queen Gwen, Darrel’s first term at Mallory Towers certainly has a lot in store! Age 7 plus!
The Worst Witch
Available now on BBC iPlayer
Broomsticks at the ready? Dive into the magical world with Mildred as she enters her first term at the magical Gradstein’s academy! With an excellent talent for attracting mischief and trouble and not much talent with magic, Mildred manages to create chaotic situations for herself and her friends! Age 6 and up!
His Dark Materials
Available now on BBC iPlayer
For the older ones aged 12 plus, this fantasy drama is based on the trilogy of novels by Phillip Pullman. In a parallel world ruled by the sinister Magisterium, a battle rages over a mysterious particle called dust. Can orphan Lyra stop the fight from spilling into our time?
For fans of the books this is a must see!
Movies for the whole family
Minions (2015)
Watch now on ITVX
Did someone say BANNANA? Join minions Kevin, Stuart and Bob as they embark on a worldwide trip to find a new master and find Scarlett Overkill, the world’s first-ever super-villainess! After convincing her of their use, together they hatch a plan to rule the world! Age 5+
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (2001)
Available now ITVX
The 1st of September is coming up and we’re sure young wizards across the country have started receiving their owls! What better way to get ready for the new school term than to dive into the world of Harry Potter! Check out the rest of the movies and The Fantastic Beasts franchise all on ITVX! Recommended for children over 8!
Zog (2018)
Watch now on BBC iPlayer
Young Zog is desperate to learn how to fly, roar and breathe fire in his first years at Dragon school and wants to impress his teacher! However, he is an accident-prone dragon and is helped every year by a king young girl who patches up his cuts and bruises. In his fourth year he gets his toughest challenge yet, to capture a princess! Will the young girl help him? Age 5+
Gruffalo
Available now on BBC iPlayer
Based on the children's story books, The Gruffalo follows a mouse as it walks through the woods and deceives many different predators including the Gruffalo! Suitable for all ages!
Madagascar (2005)
Stream now on ITVX
A mooooovie for everyone! Four spoilt zoo animals escape captivity and find themselves stranded on the island of Madagascar and must quickly adjust to life in the wild! Recommened for ages 7+
Did you enjoy our recommendations? Why not check out our best family films and tv shows article for the slightly older children! And if you want to stay even moreee in the loop then sign up to our Freely Press newsletter!
