It’s summer time. School is out of session and kids are free to enjoy their days without the worries about homework and tests.
I remember my summers. I was never home as a youth. Back in the day people didn’t worry about safety like they do these days. As a parent I wouldn’t let my kids get the mail from downstairs without watching from the top of the stairs. When I was their age I would hop on my bike early in the morning and not be seen again until the sun went down. We didn’t have cellphones or GPS trackers back then, so all my parents could do it rely on me coming home before it got dark.
I was always on the go! go! go! when I was a child. I felt like I couldn’t pack enough fun into every day during the summer. I’d go to bed at night thinking about all the things I could have done that day.
I will admit that there were some days (most especially Saturday mornings) when all I wanted to do was sit in front of the television all day. Of course back then we only had the one television for the whole family, so that wasn’t possible. But I did try and watch as much television as possible because there some days I was too tired from all the fun and adventures I had outside. It’s OK for kids to spend some time during the summer enjoying television. Sometimes television can transport you to another time or location and provide you with an indoor adventure.
What if your child can take a break from summer activities and enjoy visiting a far off location? They can with Netflix.
Netflix has A LOT of wonderful documentaries that can not only entertain your child, but they can also squeeze in some educational elements too.
Here are just a few examples of some of the fun, adventurous documentaries you child (and yourself!) can enjoy this summer.
- Human Planet
- Africa
- Wild Alaska
- Growing Up Wild
- Cosmos (the ultimate travel destination)
- Life Below Zero
- Galapagos
- South Pacific
- Earth’s Natural Wonders
- Madagascar (not the cartoon… the real place)
- Dinotasia (go back in time for an incredible adventure)
- Columbia: Wild Magic
- Frozen Planet
- Wild China
- Forces of Nature
- Wildest Latin America
These are just a FEW great documentaries that can transport your child (or you!) into far off lands and to places most people will never get to experience in person during their lifetime.
Netflix even has a fun printable you can download and turn into a passport that your child can put together and mark off the far off lands they visit this summer (via Netflix of course). To download and print out the passport printable, click on the text link (below).
Of course, Netflix offers kids A LOT more than just cool documentaries. They offer plenty of series, family friendly movies and so much more.
An interesting new addition to Netflix is Puss in Book: Trapped in an Epic Tale.
Spielberg. Lucas. Burton. Your child.
Netflix unveiled a brand new technology that provides families yet another way to enjoy entertainment—by allowing kids to climb into director’s chair and giving them the power to determine what adventures unfold on screen. With the launch of Puss in Book: Trapped in an Epic Tale, Netflix is introducing interactive watching capabilities and putting the storytelling power in the hands of the most important audience member—kids.
How cool is this! I love this idea. I hope this is the start of something new with other programs on Netflix.
I haven’t had the opportunity to give it a “test drive” yet. Between end of the school/work year stuff, our son’s senior prom and graduation and relatives up from Florida, I haven’t had the chance. Now that things are settling down I plan on trying out Puss in Book: Trapped in an Epic Tale for myself.
Speaking of new, check out what is new on Netflix this month.
Watch the ladies of wrestling enter the ring with GLOW and buckle up for a mind-bending ride in the psychological thriller Gypsy. Then make way for the scene-stealing Okja and for the kids, class is back in session with Degrassi: Next Class, and Dawn of the Croods.
I am especially excited about Okja. I watched the trailer for it and it looks really good.
Below is the trailer for your enjoyment.
Do YOU allow your kids to take a break during the dog days of summer and enjoy some television time? What type of shows/movies do you allow your child to watch? Do any of the above suggestions sound interesting to you?
Feel free to share your thoughts. I always love to hear from readers.
Kimberly
*I have partnered with Netflix to bring you this information. I have received free service and promotional products in exchange for my participation. There is no compensation. The opinions expressed are my own and not influenced in any way.