Need ideas to keep your kids busy these holidays? Showmax has 220+ children’s titles they’ll love!

The school holidays are upon us, and the dreaded question arises, “How am I going to keep my (lovely and super-well-behaved) kids from transforming into wild-eyed crazy creatures rampaging through my clean house?!” Sjoe. Well, here’s the good news. We’ve got a few suggestions to keep kids entertained while learning over the winter break.

Those of you who caught our previous article on edutainment and our expert advice on children’s TV habits will already know that there are many proven benefits to educational TV, especially for toddlers and pre-schoolers. Reliable studies show that it increases literacy and numeracy, sound-letter recognition and that it enlarges a child’s vocabulary. It’s a win-win: kids learn while enjoying fun-to-watch programmes. Fortunately, Showmax hosts a large number of these shows, but some are worth particular mention:

Bubble Guppies is immensely popular, and uses engaging characters, exciting plot-lines, an underwater classroom and lively songs to educate kids about the world we live in, numbers and words. (Ages 2-6) Watch now >>

Super Why is just what the doctor ordered – a high dose of literacy learning. Whyatt and his fairytale friends converge on their secret club, “The Book Club”, where they transform into literacy-powered superheroes. (Ages 3+) Watch now >>

Monster Math Squad is a colourful and highly entertaining example of how little ones can learn about shapes and numbers in a creative and interesting setting. (Ages 3+) Watch now >>

The Planes, Trains and Wheels Boxset will teach your kids all about the solar system, dinosaurs, palaeontology, and the “scientific method”. Titles included in the box set are Ready, Jet, Go!, Dinosaur Train and Space Racers. (Ages 3+) Watch now >>

The value of these educational programmes is very real, but, of course, kids also need some time to relax and simply be entertained by the worlds, characters and storylines dreamt up by incredibly inventive imaginations. Showmax offers a wide variety of options suited to all ages – and who knows, as a mature adult you might still find yourself asking, “What will those ponies in Equestria get up to next?” Yes, even you, Dad.

Interested in finding out more about Showmax’s 220 children’s titles? Feel free to visit Showmax or browse through some of their offerings below:

My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

Join Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, Fluttershy and Princess Celestia in Equestria for fun, a few lessons about the value of friendship, and a battle against the bitter Princess Luna. (Ages 3+) Watch now >>

Paw Patrol

Ryder and his puppy pack are always ready to help those in need. Trouble? Paw Patrol to the rescue! (Ages 2-6) Watch now >>

Mr Bean

After all the talk of education, perhaps it’s time to indulge a bit of, well, stupidity. This animated series about the antics of the world’s most absent-minded grown-up will be a favourite among kids for years to come. (Ages 2+) Watch now>>

The Marvel Collection Boxset

Time for villains, superheroes, explosions, mutants and the on-going sagas of the imaginative Marvel universe. Titles included within the boxset are, amongst others: Ultimate Spider-Man, Super Hero Squad, Avengers Assemble, Wolverine and the X-Men, and Iron Man: Armored Adventures. (Ages 6+) Watch now>>

Go, Diego, Go!

Diego, with the help of his friends, high-tech gadgets, and viewers at home, is off on adventures to help animals in need. Kids get to learn all about the animals Diego saves from disaster. (Ages 2-6) Watch now >>