This week, my mom group chat is all abuzz on two things—summer camp plans and The Dinosaurs on Netflix. The age ranges on our group chat vary significantly from babies to middle school, so this new TV series has us all wondering what age group should be watching it.
The truth is, kids love dinosaurs. Heck, I love dinosaurs! But these dinosaurs are much more realistic than what little ones might know. And the TV-PG rating doesn’t mean your kid won’t be scared. It’s not Jurassic Park but it’s also not Deano The Baby. So let’s dive in to find out if The Dinosaurs is OK for kids.
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What Is The Dinosaurs on Netflix About?
Netflix just dropped a new dinosaur documentary, and my mom group chat and work Slacks are both all about it. But what is this new series exactly?
Narrated by Morgan Freeman, The Dinosaurs is a 4-episode nature-style documentary on Netflix that tells the story of how dinosaurs came to live and rule Earth. The show brings the prehistoric world to life (starting with the Triassic 235 million years ago) using CGI and a similar style of storytelling to nature documentaries you would see about topics like pandas or oceans.
The visuals are stunning and, at least to me, very realistic. Across the series, audiences see everything from massive predators hunting prey to smaller dinosaurs caring for their babies and navigating dangerous landscapes.
What Age Is The Dinosaurs on Netflix Appropriate For?
The Dinosaurs has a rating of TV-PG. Meaning, with parental guidance, it can reach a broader and younger audience, but it’s appropriate for kids 7 and older.
Because the visuals are highly realistic, The Dinosaurs can feel more intense than many kid-focused dinosaur shows. If your kiddo already loves nature documentaries, this is a no-brainer, but there are many scary moments.
Preschoolers or kids sensitive to watching animals dying on screen might want to use more caution with the episodes. Because one moment you’re watching a cute little baby dinosaur hatch, and the next it’s being chased by a predator with intense music and cloudy skies.
Is The Dinosaurs on Netflix Scary?
Yes, and no. Any documentary about dinosaurs is bound to be scary. There are predators, animal deaths, baby dinosaurs separated from their parents, and one big major extinction to look out for.
For kids 7 and older, I would say it’s probably ok. Though one of our co-workers said it was not at all scary for her 9-year-old, mine would probably be scared of the pending doom the dinosaurs face.
For littles 5-7, I would use your judgment based on your child’s history with things that are a bit more intense. Here are the main scary points to look out for:
Scenes That Might Be Scary for Younger Kids
- Predator scenes: Dinosaurs hunt and eat prey.
- Animal deaths: You see dinosaurs die on screen.
- Extinction event: The asteroid impact is shown dramatically.
- Emotional moments: Baby dinosaurs in danger, separated, or attacked.
- Extreme weather: Volcanoes, a storm that lasts one million years, and lightning all feature prominently.
The Dinosaurs Netflix Parents Guide
Below is a quick and easy-to-digest guide for parents before watching this show on Netflix.
| Category | What Parents Should Know |
|---|---|
| Violence | Dinosaur hunts and deaths |
| Scary imagery | Realistic CGI predators |
| Language | None |
| Educational value | High |
Is The Dinosaurs Educational for Kids?
The short answer: absolutely! It’s a super comprehensive and realistic retelling of prehistoric ecosystems. It’s a great way to introduce kids to concepts like paleontology, evolution, and even climate change.
Should You Let Your Kid Watch The Dinosaurs: Quick Verdict for Parents
In my opinion, this series makes for a great family watch. Especially if you have dinosaur-obsessed kids (which we all do!). If you’re watching it together, it makes it easier to scan through scarier portions and focus on the more educational aspects.
For kids 7-12, it’s ok but be mindful if your child scares easily like mine. The predator scenes are definitely scary, and it all leads up to an extinction-level event, which may make little ones anxious.
The Dinosaurs on Netflix: FAQs
Is The Dinosaurs on Netflix OK for kids?
For many kids, yes. But it depends on their age and sensitivity. The Dinosaurs is rated TV-PG, and while it’s educational and beautifully produced, it does include scenes where dinosaurs hunt and eat other animals. Older elementary-age kids who already enjoy nature documentaries will likely find it fascinating, but younger or more sensitive kids may find some scenes upsetting.
What age is The Dinosaurs on Netflix appropriate for?
I found that The Dinosaurs is best for kids ages 7 and up. Children who are already interested in dinosaurs or science will probably love it, but preschoolers and younger elementary-age kids may find the realistic predator scenes a bit intense.
Is The Dinosaurs on Netflix scary?
It can be for younger viewers. Because the series uses realistic CGI, some moments—especially scenes showing dinosaurs hunting prey or the dramatic extinction event—can feel intense. Kids who are sensitive to animal deaths or suspenseful scenes may need a parent to preview episodes first.
Does The Dinosaurs on Netflix show dinosaurs eating each other?
Yes. Like many nature documentaries, the series depicts the prehistoric food chain, which means some scenes show dinosaurs hunting and eating other animals.
Is The Dinosaurs educational for kids?
Yes! One of the best parts of the series is how much kids can learn while watching. The Dinosaurs explores prehistoric ecosystems, how dinosaurs lived and evolved, and the events that led to their extinction. For kids who are curious about science, fossils, or paleontology, it can be both entertaining and educational.
Should parents watch The Dinosaurs with their kids?
I’d say this is absolutely a family watch. Even if your kids are older, finding TV to watch together is tough so this is a great one.
For littler ones, parents can help answer questions about what’s happening and reassure kids during more intense scenes. You’ll find it sparks great conversations about science, history, and how life on Earth has changed over millions of years.
Roberta Correia, Editor-in-Chief
Roberta is an editor with 10+ years experience in content strategy and brand building. Before joining The Everymom she was Editorial Director at Brides and previously served as Digital Editor at Women’s Wear Daily. She grew up in Brazil and currently calls Brooklyn home with her son, Lucas.
