Top DISH Family Channels for Wholesome Entertainment

TV opens the world to you—which, if your household has kids, can create challenges as well as benefits. DISH is here to help, not only with plenty of options for safe, joyful, and inspiring entertainment, but also with multiple settings to keep viewing within safe, healthy limits.

Below, explore top DISH family channels and learn about other tools DISH has to keep television a safe environment for kids, a tailored experience for adults, and an easy way to access your entertainment.

All channel numbers, package information, and pricing are valid as of date of publication. Call 1-833-923-5252 to confirm the latest information and get started with DISH TV.

What Is the Family Channel on DISH?

The Family Channel on DISH could refer to two channels:

1. Freeform, originally founded in the 1970s as the Family Channel, airs on DISH Network channel 180. The network once had a family focus but has since shifted to youth-focused dramas, comedies, and original series with a more modern edge.
2. The network known today as the Family Channel is a small operation that works with local affiliate stations to air wholesome shows, reruns of family-friendly classics, and faith-based programming. If it’s available in your area, you’ll find it in channels 2–70.

Does DISH Network Have a Family Package?

While there’s no official DISH Network family package, you’ll find family-friendly channels in all packages starting with America’s Top 120—see a detailed list of channels below.

Want a more curated option for family entertainment? Consider the Heartland Pack from DISH Network, a package add-on featuring 14 channels that offer uplifting stories, clean romances, and rural living. It’s a great value at just $6/mo.

Top DISH Family Channels for Kids and All Ages

The following are some—but not all—of the most popular networks for family entertainment on DISH TV. Don’t see your favorites? Check the latest DISH channels list.

Kids’ Channels on DISH

In America’s Top 120 and Above

• BabyFirst TV, channel 823. Developmental content for babies and toddlers.
• Cartoon Network, channels 166–167. Zany, high-energy cartoons for kids and tweens.
• The Disney Channel, channels 172–173. Sitcoms, movies, and original series for older kids.
• Nick, channels 170–171. Popular kids’ comedies, cartoons, and live action.

In America’s Top 200 and Above

• Boomerang, channel 175. Nostalgic animated content from Warner Bros.
• Disney Junior, channel 168. Animated, educational shows for preschoolers.
• Disney XD, channel 174. Action cartoons and comedies for tweens.
• Nick Jr., channel 169. Pre-K-oriented shows with friendly characters.

In America’s Top 250

• Nicktoons, channel 178. Classic and new animated series for older kids.

All-Ages Family Channels on DISH 

In America’s Top 120 and Above

• Animal Planet, channel 184. Wildlife documentaries, pet shows, and animal rescue realities.
• FETV, channel 82. Classic family sitcoms, wholesome dramas, and timeless feel-good shows.
• Great American Faith & Living, channel 248. Unscripted content celebrating family traditions.
• TV Land, channel 106. Classic sitcoms and retro TV mixed with newer nostalgic comedies.

In America’s Top 200 and Above

• Discovery Family Channel, channel 179. Animal-themed kids’ programming and family-friendly educational content.
• Game Show Network, channel 116. Competitive yet lighthearted game shows, classic and new.
• Great American Family, channel 165. Values-based movies and holiday-themed family programming.
• Hallmark Channel, channel 185. The mother of wholesome content, featuring heartwarming romantic movies, cozy small-town dramas, and seasonal stories.
• Hallmark Family, channel 186. Wholesome series, family movies, and heartwarming storytelling.
• Hallmark Mystery, channel 187. Suspenseful yet upbeat detective dramas with likeable characters.
• Oprah Winfrey Network, channel 189. Daytime and primetime talk shows, relationship dramas, and empowering reality series.
• STARZ Encore Family, channel 347. G-rated family movies and classics for all ages.
• UPtv, channel 188. Uplifting series, family-centered reality shows, and faith-friendly movies.

In Add-On Packs Only

• PixL, channel 388, available only in the Heartland Pack. Commercial-free, family-safe movies to uplift & inspire.
• STARZ Kids & Family, channel 356, available only in the STARZ premium channel pack. Kid-friendly blockbusters, animated films, and PG-rated adventures.

Why DISH Is a Top Provider for Family Entertainment

In addition to a large selection of kid- and family-friendly channels and add-ons like the Heartland Pack, DISH Network provides technical features that ensure safety and enhance the family experience.

Ensures Safety

DISH parental controls let you restrict content by rating, lock specific channels, hide them from the channel guide, set time limits for viewing, prevent purchases, and more. You’ll need to set parental controls on the Hopper and in your DISH Anywhere app to fully guard your subscription.

• On the Hopper, navigate to Settings, then Parental Controls to manage your options. 
• On the DISH Anywhere mobile app, find the More menu, navigate to Profile/Manage Profile, then select Parental Controls. Repeat for each viewer on your account.

Enhances Family Viewing

The advanced features of the DISH Hopper 3—included in the price of all America’s Top packages—make the Hopper a perfect option for flexible family viewing.

• Voice search makes it easy for kids to find their shows and channels, while parental controls protect them from inappropriate content.
• Recording capacity of up to 16 channels and 2,000 hours of storage (SD) means there’s virtually zero need to compete for recording.
• The DISH Anywhere app for mobile devices lets kids stream their shows live or pre-downloaded on the go, preventing interruptions to their routines.
• Separate user profiles in the DISH Anywhere app and separate DVR folders on the Hopper 3 help you easily organize recordings.

Shop DISH Family Channels Today

Through family-focused content in all packages, strong parental controls, and nimble DVR equipment, DISH creates a perfect environment for safe, high-quality, family entertainment. Shop DISH packages now and call 1-833-923-5252 today to ask questions, get recommendations, and start your order.