25 Best Dinosaur Cartoons and Shows For Kids (2024)

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Looking for the best dinosaur shows for toddlers? Look into Dinosaur Train. Discover various dinosaur facts, enjoy games, and view videos from Dinosaur Train! Hop on board!

Craig Bartlett created Dinosaur Train, an animated series that chronicles the adventures of Buddy, a young Tyrannosaurus Rex, and his adoptive Pteranodon family.

The show entertains and educates kids by introducing them to various dinosaur species and their habitats.

Buddy and his family ride the Dinosaur Train through different periods of the Mesozoic Era, encountering and learning about diverse prehistoric creatures. The show’s unique blend of humor, engaging storytelling, and emphasis on teaching kids about the fascinating world of dinosaurs contributes to its popularity.

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As a classic 90s dinosaur cartoon show, the Land Before Time has captivated children for generations. Ideal for kids, this timeless animated series takes viewers on a journey to a prehistoric world brimming with wonder and adventure.

The show follows the heartwarming adventures of young dinosaurs, including Littlefoot the Apatosaurus, Cera the Triceratops, Ducky the Saurolophus, Petrie the Pteranodon, and Spike the Stegosaurus, as they face the challenges and excitement of their ancient world.

By blending captivating storytelling, memorable characters, and essential life lessons, The Land Before Time creates an engaging and educational experience for young audiences.

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In 2015, Pixar Animation Studios produced an animated movie called A Good Dinosaur, which takes place in an alternate world where the asteroid that caused the extinction of the dinosaurs missed Earth. As a result, dinosaurs continue to exist.

The film follows the story of a young Apatosaurus named Arlo, who becomes separated from his family after being swept away by a river.

Arlo embarks on a journey to find his way home and meets a young human boy named Spot.

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The Canadian-British-American cartoon dinosaur television series, Dino Ranch, premiered in 2021 and followed a family who runs a ranch for dinosaurs. Siblings Jon, Min, and Miguel care for the dinosaurs and ensure their safety and happiness.

The show’s unique Western theme combines the excitement of dinosaurs with cowboy stories, appealing to young dinosaur enthusiasts and fans of the Wild West. Dino Ranch engages viewers with its colorful animation, lovable characters, and educational content.

It teaches kids about different types of dinosaurs and their behaviors while promoting teamwork, responsibility, and respect for animals. With catchy songs and fun activities, Dino Ranch has gained a following for its ability to entertain and educate young audiences.

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Dinosaurs, a live-action sitcom, stars anthropomorphic dinosaurs in a modern, prehistoric setting. The show centers around the Sinclair family, as Earl, the patriarch, works for the Wesayso Corporation. The sitcom enjoys popularity for its humor, satire, and innovative use of puppetry and animatronics that animate the characters.

Moreover, it addresses social and environmental issues in a manner accessible to children.

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The beloved children’s television show, Barney & Friends, features Barney, a friendly, purple dinosaur. Barney engages children in songs, dances, and educational activities with his friends Baby Bop, BJ, and Riff. This outstanding dinosaur show for kids has captured the hearts of young viewers since its inception.

The show’s unique charm stems from teaching important life lessons like sharing, caring, and friendship in a fun and engaging way. Barney & Friends actively fosters imagination and creativity by encouraging children to explore the world around them and learn through play.

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Gigantosaurus, a popular dinosaur cartoon, captures the attention and imagination of children worldwide. Inspired by Jonny Duddle’s children’s book, this animated series chronicles the adventures of four young dinosaur friends – Rocky, Bill, Tiny, and Mazu – as they traverse their prehistoric world and uncover the mysteries of the legendary Gigantosaurus.

The show’s vibrant and colorful animation, endearing characters, and engaging storylines captivate young viewers while imparting valuable life lessons.

Gigantosaurus promotes curiosity, bravery, and teamwork as the main characters tackle various challenges and discover more about the magnificent creatures inhabiting their world.

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Denver, the Last Dinosaur, leaves a lasting impression on its audience as a fantastic dinosaur show for kids. This classic animated series chronicles the adventures of Denver, a friendly and curious dinosaur whom a group of young friends brings to the present day after discovering his egg.

Denver’s human companions assist him in navigating the modern world, and in return, Denver teaches them about friendship, responsibility, and the importance of protecting the environment.

The show’s appeal stems from its imaginative storytelling, lovable characters, and captivating animation.

Denver, the Last Dinosaur, entertains and educates viewers of all ages as a superb dinosaur show for kids. It introduces children to the wonders of prehistoric creatures while imparting valuable lessons about kindness, teamwork, and problem-solving.

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Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous, which premiered in 2020, is an exciting animated series set in the thrilling universe of Jurassic Park and Jurassic World. The series follows a group of six teenagers who win a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to attend the exclusive Camp Cretaceous on Isla Nublar, the same island as Jurassic World.

As the young campers explore the island and its fantastic attractions, they find themselves caught in the chaos that ensues when the dinosaurs break free from their enclosures, putting their survival skills to the test.

The show blends action, adventure, and suspense as the group works together to escape the island and its dangerous prehistoric creatures.

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Dino Dan is considered one of the best educational dinosaur shows for children. This live-action series focuses on Dan Henderson, a young boy with a vivid imagination and a deep fascination for dinosaurs. Dan uses his knowledge of these prehistoric creatures to solve everyday problems, engagingly combining education and entertainment.

Throughout the episodes, Dan interacts with life-like CGI dinosaurs, allowing children to learn about different dinosaur species, their behaviors, and their habitats. The show teaches essential scientific concepts and encourages critical thinking, curiosity, and problem-solving skills in its young audience.

Dino Dan’s unique blend of live-action, CGI, and captivating storytelling makes it an entertaining show and an excellent educational resource.

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Dino-Riders is one of the great kids’ dinosaur shows that captivated audiences in the late 1980s. This action-packed animated series is set in a prehistoric world where two factions battle for control: the heroic Valorians and the evil Rulons.

The Valorians and Rulons use advanced technology to tame and ride dinosaurs, turning them into powerful weapons in their ongoing struggle.

The show’s appeal lies in its imaginative storytelling, thrilling action scenes, and unique blend of science fiction and prehistoric themes. The series introduces children to various dinosaur species, showcasing their unique traits and abilities as they play a central role in the action.

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Based on the comic book by Robert Kirkman and Jason Howard, Super Dinosaur is an animated series that chronicles the adventures of Derek Dynamo, a genius 10-year-old boy, and his best friend, a genetically engineered Tyrannosaurus Rex named Super Dinosaur. Together, they defend the world against various threats and villains.

The show’s popularity stems from its action-packed storylines, engaging characters, and the unique partnership between Derek and Super Dinosaur.

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Capturing the hearts of children worldwide, Harry and His Bucket Full of Dinosaurs is a charming and imaginative animated series. Inspired by the children’s book series by Ian Whybrow and Adrian Reynolds, the show chronicles the adventures of a young boy named Harry, who finds a magical bucket brimming with toy dinosaurs. When Harry leaps into the bucket, he and his dinosaur friends transport him to a fantastical world called DinoWorld.

While in DinoWorld, Harry and his dinosaur companions—including Patsy the Apatosaurus, Sid the Scelidosaurus, Steggy the Stegosaurus, and Trike the Triceratops—embark on exciting adventures and collaborate to solve problems.

The show highlights the importance of friendship, teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving skills.

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Premiering in 2010, Kung Fu Dino Posse is an action-packed, adventurous, and comedic cartoon dinosaur show.

Set in a world where dinosaurs have been revived and now possess incredible martial arts skills. The series chronicles the adventures of the Kung Fu Dino Posse, a team of five dinosaur warriors determined to protect humanity from the evil Skor and his bumbling minions.

The Posse consists of Kane the T-Rex, their fearless leader; Lucy the Microraptor, clever and agile; Chao the Stegosaurus, street-smart; Jet the Triceratops, wise and witty; and Edgar the Pteranodon, cool and collected.

Together, they employ their unique Kung Fu abilities and teamwork to combat evil forces and ensure the world’s safety.

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Dino Squad, an animated series, follows five high school students who acquire the ability to transform into dinosaurs after exposure to an experimental substance.

They band together as the Dino Squad, working to save the world from an evil scientist intent on turning all living creatures into dinosaurs.

The show’s popularity stems from its unique premise, engaging characters, and thrilling action sequences featuring dinosaur transformations.

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Eon Kid, which aired from 2007 to 2008, is an animated series that, although not primarily focused on dinosaurs, offers an engaging experience for kids who enjoy action, adventure, and futuristic settings. The show follows the story of a young boy named Marty, who discovers a powerful robotic fist that grants him extraordinary abilities. He learns that he is the heir to an ancient legacy, the Eon Kid, and must protect the world from evil forces.

While Eon Kid doesn’t revolve around dinosaurs, it does feature mechanical and robotic creatures reminiscent of prehistoric animals in certain episodes.

These futuristic elements, combined with the compelling storyline, relatable characters, and fast-paced action sequences, make Eon Kid an entertaining show for kids who enjoy elements of science fiction and adventure.

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Dinofroz, an Italian animated series, chronicles the adventures of four friends who uncover a magical portal that whisks them away to a prehistoric world teeming with dinosaurs.

The boys also acquire the power to transform into formidable dinosaur warriors, enabling them to combat the sinister DragonFroz, who plots to conquer both the prehistoric realm and their era.

The show’s captivating storyline, stunning visuals, and unique concept of kids morphing into dinosaur warriors contribute to its popularity.

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Dino Babies, which aired from 1994 to 1996, is a delightful and educational cartoon dinosaur show that has entertained and informed young viewers. The series centers around six baby dinosaurs—Stanley, Truman, LaBrea, Marshall, Dak, and Franklin—who embark on various adventures in their prehistoric world.

One of the unique aspects of Dino Babies is that the characters often engage in storytelling, sharing classic tales and fables but with a fun dinosaur twist.

These stories convey critical moral lessons and values, teaching children about friendship, responsibility, and problem-solving.

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The Japanese anime series, Dinosaur King, portrays Max, Rex, and Zoe’s exploits, who stumble upon enchanted cards that can revive dinosaurs.

Accompanied by their resurrected dinosaur allies, the trio races to prevent the infamous Alpha Gang from exploiting the dinosaur cards.

The show’s popularity is a result of its inventive fusion of dinosaurs and card-based gameplay, action-packed sequences, and endearing dinosaur partners.

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Featuring a group of genetically enhanced dinosaur warriors who team up to thwart evil forces, Extreme Dinosaurs is an animated series that premiered in 1997. The show’s primary characters comprise T-Bone, a Tyrannosaurus Rex; Spike, a Stegosaurus; Bullzeye, a Triceratops; and Stegz, a Styracosaurus, each with unique abilities like T-Bone’s strength and Spike’s spiked tail.

Extreme Dinosaurs combines humor, action, and adventure with a distinct 90s vibe reflected in the characters’ colorful outfits and use of skateboards and motorcycles. The show emphasizes teamwork, bravery, and friendship, which resonates with young viewers who enjoy prehistoric escapades.

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Starring Nigel Marven as a wildlife expert, the British docu-fiction series Prehistoric Park follows his time-travel adventures to rescue prehistoric creatures on the verge of extinction. Despite not being an animated show, it offers kids an educational and entertaining experience.

Prehistoric Park’s popularity stems from its accurate depiction of dinosaurs, compelling storytelling, and innovative concept of establishing a park for prehistoric creatures in the contemporary world.

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Dr. Gabe Santos, a paleontologist and science communicator, created PaleoSteno’s Dinosaur Discoveries. This web series blends animation, live-action footage, and educational segments to teach kids about various aspects of paleontology and dinosaurs. Dr. Santos shares his knowledge and enthusiasm for prehistoric creatures through virtual field trips to dig sites and museums.

The show’s an engaging and accessible approach to teaching science makes it unique. Dr. Santos employs humor, storytelling, and hands-on experiments to explain complex scientific concepts, making learning about dinosaurs interactive and fun. The series covers topics such as dinosaur anatomy, evolution, behavior, and current research in paleontology.

Kids fascinated by dinosaurs and the science behind them will find PaleoSteno’s Dinosaur Discoveries a valuable educational resource.

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The Adventures of T-Rex aired from 1992 to 1993 and follows the anthropomorphic T-Rexes T-Bone, Spike, Stretch, and C.J., who work as secret agents fighting against Dr. Bleeb and his minions who seek world domination.

The show is popular for its action-packed storylines, colorful animation, and educational portrayal of different dinosaur species.

The T-Rexes are portrayed as heroic and intelligent, using their strengths and intelligence to thwart Dr. Bleeb’s plans. Moreover, the series also highlights teamwork, friendship, and problem-solving themes, making it an excellent choice for young viewers who enjoy adventure and learning about the world of dinosaurs.

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The French animated television series Diplodo, which premiered in 1987, features a group of dinosaurs, including Diplodocus, Stegosaurus, Triceratops, and Pterodactyl have survived extinction and now reside in a hidden valley.

The show portrays their daily lives and adventures, including battling the antagonist, the Tyrannosaurus Rex, who seeks to dominate the valley and its inhabitants.

Diplodo offers a perfect combination of action, adventure, and comedy. The charming and colorful animation and endearing and relatable characters make it an excellent choice for young viewers. The show also has educational elements, teaching children about different types of dinosaurs and their habits.

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Mini-Dinos, a Brazilian animated series, engages young audiences with its adorable characters, simple storylines, and educational content about life in the prehistoric world.

The show follows a group of young, small dinosaurs who face challenges and embark on adventures. The show’s focus on teaching children about prehistoric life is evident through its age-appropriate stories and engaging visuals.

Mini-Dinos’ popularity among young viewers is attributed to its combination of cute characters and educational content.