Discover What Is Popular With Kids Right Now

Kids today are growing up in a world packed with rapid trends, fast-shifting interests, and endless forms of entertainment. If you’re a parent, teacher, or brand trying to keep up, this article breaks down exactly what’s capturing the attention of kids in 2025 from games and fashion to digital habits and school obsessions.

What Kids Are Watching?

TV Shows & Cartoons

Kids are gravitating toward shows that mix humor, adventure, and emotional relatability.

Top trending shows:

• Bluey – Still the reigning champion for kids 6–10. Its wholesome humor, imaginative play, and family-centered lessons resonate deeply.
• Wednesday – Popular among tweens and young teens. The quirky dark aesthetic and mystery/supernatural themes hit the sweet spot for older kids.
• Marvel animations (like Spidey and His Amazing Friends) – Action, teamwork, and bright visuals keep younger kids hooked.
• Pixar’s new series releases on Disney+ – Tween-friendly stories with strong emotional arcs and school-life themes.
• Anime (Pokémon, Demon Slayer, My Hero Academia) – Teens especially love the character-driven storytelling and fandom culture.

Influencers & YouTubers

YouTube is still the #1 platform for American kids under 16. Their favorites include:

• MrBeast – The king of challenges, giant-scale games, and feel-good videos.
• PrestonPlayz, Unspeakable, Aphmau – Gaming YouTubers specializing in Minecraft and Roblox.
• Nastya & Kids Diana Show – For younger kids, these remain family-friendly staples.
• Sports & lifestyle creators – Teens lean into creators who share basketball tricks, aesthetics, fashion hauls, and vlogs.

What Kids Are Playing Right Now?

Roblox Trends

Roblox continues to dominate ages 7–14 with new viral modes every month. Current favorites include:

• Dress to Impress – A competitive outfit-building game where players show off fashion skills.
• Obby challenges – Simple obstacle courses that kids use for short, high-energy sessions.
• Roleplay worlds (Brookhaven, Adopt Me) – Kids socialize, build identities, and let imagination drive the experience.

Minecraft

Still huge, especially for ages 8–13. Creative mode, building challenges, SMP content (inspired by YouTubers), and new updates keep the world fresh.

Console Games

• Fortnite – Zero Build mode, crossover skins, and fast-paced gameplay attract both tweens and teens.
• NBA 2K and Madden – Popular among sports-loving teens.
• Mario Kart, Super Smash Bros, Animal Crossing – Nintendo Switch remains a family favorite.

Mobile Games

• Subway Surfers, Toca Boca world building, 8 Ball Pool, and Stumble Guys dominate quick play sessions.

Why these games hit big

• Open-ended creativity
• Social play (even remotely)
• Fast feedback loops and customization

• FOMO-driven seasonal updates

Fashion Trends

Kids’ fashion in the US is heavily influenced by TikTok aesthetics, comfort culture, and vibrant self-expression.

Popular Styles

• Oversized hoodies and graphic tees – Comfort is king for Gen Alpha.
• Wide-leg pants & joggers – Trendy but functional.
• Pastels + neon accents – Colors like lavender, mint, hot pink, and lime green dominate.
• Character apparel – Sonic, Pokémon, Bluey, Minecraft, and anime characters appear on shirts, hoodies, backpacks.

Shoes Kids Want

• Nike Air Force 1s
• Adidas Sambas
• Crocs with Jibbitz charms
• Slip-on Vans

Accessories

• Backpack plush charms (Labubu, Jellycat minis)
• Beaded bracelets and name bracelets
• Trendy water bottles (Stanley-style cups becoming kid-friendly)

What drives these trends? Kids want items that feel expressive, collectible, and “share-worthy” on social media or at school.

Toys & Merchandise Kids Love

Top Trending Toys

• Squishmallows – Still extremely popular thanks to their collectible nature and cozy designs.
• Pokémon cards – Trading is HUGE in lunchrooms again.
• LEGO sets – Especially themes like Minecraft, Star Wars, Disney, and sports stadiums.
• Blind boxes & mini collectibles – Mini brands, surprise packs, and mystery plushies fuel excitement.
• STEM toys – Coding robots, electronic building kits, experiment sets.

Why toys like these thrive

• Collectibility creates excitement and social interaction.
• Kids love physical items that tie to their digital interests.
• STEM toys appeal to parents who want entertainment + learning.

School & Lifestyle Trends

After-School Activities

• Sports: Soccer, basketball, cheer, gymnastics, and swimming remain top picks.
• Creative hobbies: Drawing tablets, journaling, DIY crafts, slime making.
• Technology clubs: Robotics, beginner coding, video editing, and small YouTube-style projects.

Stationery Obsessions

American kids love:

• Scented markers and pastel highlighters
• Stickers for laptops, phones, and notebooks
• Plush pencil cases
• Color-coded folders and aesthetic school supplies

These are less about functionality and more about expressing identity.

Digital Behavior of Kids

What They Watch

• Short-form videos (TikTok-style content via YouTube Shorts)
• Gaming highlight clips
• Satisfying/ASMR content
• Challenges, pranks, and creative “mini-vlogs”

What They Share

Kids don’t typically post personal content. Instead, they share:

• Screenshots of game achievements
• Outfit ideas
• Edits of their favorite characters or shows
• Art, drawings, or Minecraft builds

Social Media Use

Full social networks are age-restricted in the US, so younger kids gravitate toward:

• YouTube Kids
• Messenger Kids
• Roblox chat
• Gaming platforms with parental controls

Teens (13–16) typically use:

• TikTok
• Instagram
• Snapchat
  But with strong peer influence and heavy trend cycles.

Why These Trends Are So Popular: The Psychology Behind It

Identity exploration

Kids express themselves through clothes, Roblox avatars, playlists, and school supplies.

Social belonging

Trends give kids shared language — a way to connect, trade, laugh, and bond.

Low-pressure creativity

Games like Minecraft or Toca Boca let kids build worlds without fear of losing.

Collectibility & dopamine

Surprise toys, unlockable game items, and seasonal updates create anticipation and reward.

Comfort + familiarity

Shows like Bluey and Squishmallows offer emotional comfort in a fast-changing world.

Influencer culture

Creators make trends feel “peer-driven,” even when kids view them from a distance.

Kids today are more expressive, connected, and creative than ever , blending online and offline worlds in ways that feel natural to them. Understanding these trends helps adults communicate better, support healthier habits, and create products or content that truly resonate.

Whether you’re a parent trying to decode Roblox slang, a teacher wondering why Squishmallows are suddenly everywhere, or a brand wanting to design kid-approved experiences, these trends offer a clear window into what inspires and excites the next generation.