In this house, we don’t have a lot of sitting-still time. My kids are very active – exploring outside, pretending inside – and we love that! The more they can use their imaginations and learn about the world around them in a hands on way, the better.
Our TV time is limited, so shows that encourage imaginative play and make believe adventures once the screen goes black are a big hit here. Octonauts, from Disney Junior, hits that sweet spot of fun TV time that gets them pumped up to go play. Every episode explores marine life with a new adventure, and all of my kids just love the ocean!
The premise of each adventure is the rescue of a real animal, with plenty of facts and things to learn. The show is based on a book, and the CGI animation is blended with original illustrations for a pretty unique look. I really love how the animals are realistic, so that they aren’t just learning about a cartoon but a real animal. On top of that, Octonauts includes foundations of real concepts like mapping and navigation. Why, yes, I’ll take some Science with my screen time!
A futuristic setting means the Octonauts have a super cool Octopod, GUPs, and Octogear – because all good pretend play needs spiffy gadgets.
At the end of each show, a musical “Creature Report” recaps the highlights against a tune that always makes Vivian dance – which of course makes the rest of us laugh! Who could resist a silly little toddler dancing?
Octonauts is geared for ages 2-6, but clearly we are all enjoying it! If you and your little explorers want to join the Octonauts as they “explore the world’s oceans, rescue the creatures who live there and protect their habitats – above and below the waves,” you can catch it on Disney Junior each day at 6:30 AM EST/5:30 AM CST. Don’t miss them on Facebook, either!
What inspires pretend play in your house?
UntrainedHousewife is an Octonauts Blog Ambassador. This post is part of a sponsored campaign, but my review and opinions – and super cute ninjas and dancing babies – are all my own!
Catherine says
I’ve never seen the Octonauts. Pretend play seems to happen in my house when I let my kiddo play with whatever random things that grab her attention. Be it an empty toilet paper roll or a roll of tape.
Natalie says
We love that show!
BrannanS says
We limit TV time, too, and keep it pretty restricted because the boys mimic EVERYTHING. (Seriously. Everything. They have even been known to play real life Angry Birds, “sling shotting” themselves into walls.) I’d much rather have them mimicking undersea rescue adventures and real life science than something obnoxious or rude.
Jessica @Bkeepsushonest says
My boys love the Octonauts and of course they never sit still. They are always jumping around and acting out the scenes with the characters on the TV.
Andria says
Just to add to the mix here: My two girls, ages 4 and 5, LOVE the Octonauts and all things that have to do with the ocean. I feel good about them watching this program because they learn about new and interesting sea creatures, and then incorporate them into their pretend play once the TV is off. Highly recommended!
Christiane Marshall says
Your post brings back happy memories of imaginative kiddos creating a new world and story around the house and yard! Thanks for the smile!