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Couch Busters: Interactive YouTube channels that get kids moving, thinking, & creating

You’ll feel good letting the kids watch these YouTube channels.

Summer is here, and with it comes the familiar chorus from kids: “Can I have more screen time?” While screens are often seen as the enemy of active play, what if they could actually be part of the solution?

Studio 5 Producer Harlee Frodsham has uncovered a treasure trove of interactive YouTube channels that keep kids engaged—not just passively watching, but moving, thinking, and creating.

 

Here are five fantastic YouTube-based activities that strike the perfect balance between screen time and real-world interaction.

  1. Cosmic Kids Yoga: Storytelling Meets Stretching

If your kids love dinosaurs, jungles, or magical adventures, they’ll love Cosmic Kids Yoga. This channel combines imaginative storytelling with guided yoga poses, led by a vibrant and engaging instructor. Whether your child is pretending to hatch dinosaur eggs or exploring a jungle, they’re also learning how to move their bodies and calm their minds.

Each video runs about 15 minutes—perfect for a morning movement break or a calming afternoon activity.

  1. Art for Kids Hub: Drawing Made Delightful

Think of this as a virtual Animation Academy from California Adventure, right in your living room. Art for Kids Hub offers step-by-step drawing tutorials for hundreds of characters and objects—from Stitch to pineapple pirates. All you need is a screen, some paper, and a few markers or pencils.

This is a great way to:

  • Encourage creativity
  • Build fine motor skills
  • Create a summer-long art collection

Pair it with a themed movie night for extra fun—watch a cartoon, then draw the characters together!

  1. Bright Side: Brain Teasers and Learning Adventures

For older kids who love a challenge, Bright Side offers riddles, math puzzles, and even historical storytelling. These videos are designed to keep young minds sharp during the summer slump.

All you need is a notebook and a curious mind. These videos are perfect for quiet time or road trip entertainment for your older kids – tweens and teens.

  1. PE with Mr. G: Video Game Vibes, Real-World Movement

This one’s a hit with younger kids who love video games. PE with Mr. G creates interactive videos that mimic the feel of a video game—complete with jumping, dodging, and racing—but without the controller. Kids follow along with on-screen prompts, moving their bodies as if they’re inside the game.

It’s a great indoor option for hot or rainy days when outdoor play isn’t ideal.

Bonus: DIY Color Step Game

This DIY game involves cutting out colored paper and placing it on the floor. Kids then watch a video that prompts them to step on the matching color—like a simplified version of “Dance Dance Revolution.” It’s easy to set up and perfect for toddlers and preschoolers.

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