Look, we all know PBS Kids is the gold standard for educational kids' content. It's what we grew up with (shoutout to Reading Rainbow and Arthur), and it's still going strong. But here's the thing: PBS has gone all-in on the app ecosystem, and now there are dozens of PBS Kids apps in the App Store and Google Play.
Some are fantastic. Some are... fine. And some are honestly just taking up space on your device.
The good news? Most PBS Kids apps are free or very cheap, ad-free, and actually educational. The bad news? Your kid wants to download ALL of them, and you're standing there wondering if Daniel Tiger's Grr-ific Feelings is actually different from Daniel Tiger's Stop & Go Potty.
Let me save you some time and phone storage.
PBS Kids Video (Ages 2-8)
This is the mothership. It's basically PBS Kids on-demand, with full episodes from Daniel Tiger, Wild Kratts, Odd Squad, Molly of Denali, and more. No ads, no subscriptions, just quality content. If you're only downloading one PBS Kids app, make it this one.
PBS Kids Games (Ages 3-8)
This is the all-in-one game app with mini-games from multiple shows. It's genuinely well-designed, with games that actually teach stuff (math, reading, problem-solving) while keeping kids engaged. The interface is kid-friendly, and there's enough variety that it doesn't get stale in a week. Solid choice.
Wild Kratts World Adventure (Ages 6-8)
If your kid is into animals and science, this is the best PBS Kids game app, hands down. It's got real educational depth about habitats, animal adaptations, and ecosystems. The gameplay is actually fun (not just "educational fun"), and it encourages exploration. Worth the download.
Daniel Tiger for Parents (Ages 2-5)
Okay, this one's actually for parents, but hear me out. It's got episode guides, song lyrics, and strategies for using Daniel Tiger's social-emotional learning stuff in real life. If you're in the thick of toddler/preschooler feelings, this is surprisingly helpful. Plus it's free.
Nature Cat's Great Outdoors (Ages 3-6)
Solid for the preschool/early elementary crowd. It's got nature exploration games that actually make kids want to go outside (revolutionary, I know). Not essential, but good if your kid is into Nature Cat.
Elinor Wonders Why (Ages 3-5)
Great for the "why" phase kids. The games are about observation, asking questions, and scientific thinking. It's gentle, well-paced, and doesn't overstimulate. Good for younger kids who aren't ready for the Wild Kratts intensity.
Character-Specific Single-Purpose Apps
PBS has a bunch of apps that are hyper-specific: potty training with Daniel Tiger, bedtime with Daniel Tiger, feelings with Daniel Tiger. Look, if you're in crisis mode with potty training, maybe grab that one. But honestly? The main PBS Kids Video app has episodes that cover these topics, and you don't need seven separate apps cluttering your phone.
Older Game Apps
There are some PBS Kids game apps from like 2015 that still exist in the app stores but haven't been updated in years. They look dated, they're clunky, and they crash on newer devices. If an app hasn't been updated in 2+ years, skip it.
The Good Stuff:
- Actually ad-free. Not "ad-free with in-app purchases." Actually free.
- Educational without being preachy. PBS Kids gets the balance right.
- Offline mode. Most of these work without WiFi once downloaded, which is clutch for car rides and flights.
- No data collection weirdness. PBS is a nonprofit and takes privacy seriously.
The Reality Check:
- Screen time is still screen time. Yes, it's educational. Yes, it's better than YouTube rabbit holes. But it's still a screen. Balance matters
. - Some apps are redundant. You don't need 12 PBS Kids apps. Pick 2-3 and call it a day.
- Quality varies. Not all PBS shows translate well to app format. Some games are genuinely engaging; others feel like homework.
Ages 2-4: Stick with PBS Kids Video and maybe one character-specific app if your kid is obsessed. The game apps can be overwhelming for this age.
Ages 5-6: PBS Kids Games is perfect here. Add Wild Kratts or Nature Cat if they're into those shows.
Ages 7-8: Wild Kratts World Adventure, Odd Squad games, and Molly of Denali content. They're ready for more complex gameplay and deeper learning.
Ages 9+: Real talk? Most kids this age have moved on from PBS Kids. If they're still into it, great, but don't force it. There are other great educational games for this age group.
PBS Kids apps are some of the best kids' content out there. They're free, safe, and actually educational. But you don't need to download everything with a PBS logo.
Start with PBS Kids Video and PBS Kids Games. If your kid has a favorite show, grab that specific app. But resist the urge to download 15 apps just because they're free.
And remember: even the best educational app is still screen time. Use them strategically (car rides, waiting rooms, quiet time), not as a default babysitter.
- Audit what's already on your device. Delete apps that haven't been opened in months.
- Set up parental controls even for PBS Kids apps. Screen time limits still apply.
- Check out alternatives to YouTube if you're trying to move away from the algorithm chaos.
- Talk to your kid about why you're choosing certain apps. Even young kids can start understanding intentional media choices.
Need help figuring out which apps work for your specific kid? Chat with Screenwise for personalized recommendations based on your family's needs.