PBS KIDS Games – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

PBS KIDS Games

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

app2016

68%

WISE Score

4.4

App Store

PBS KIDS' 2013 game collection is the digital equivalent of a trustworthy babysitter—safe, educational, and kind, but definitely showing its age.

PBS KIDS Games

app

Everyone, 2016

68%

WISE Score

4.4

App Store

PBS KIDS' 2013 game collection is the digital equivalent of a trustworthy babysitter—safe, educational, and kind, but definitely showing its age.

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Where to Find

App Store

Google Play

Screenwise Verdict

PBS KIDS Games is the gold standard for what educational gaming should be—safe, wholesome, genuinely educational, and completely free of commercial manipulation. It's basically the Mr. Rogers of digital play.

But here's the brutal truth: it's from 2013, and that's ancient history in kid-tech years. The graphics look primitive, the interactions are clunky, and kids raised on modern touchscreens and sophisticated game mechanics will likely bounce off this within minutes. It's like trying to get a kid excited about a VHS tape when they're used to Netflix.

If you have a very young child (2-4) who's just discovering digital play, this could be a lovely, safe introduction. But for kindergarteners and up, you're probably better off looking for PBS KIDS' newer apps and games that maintain the same values with updated technology. The content is great; the delivery system is just showing its age.

Age Fit

Designed for preschool through early elementary (ages 3-7), but realistically, even kindergarteners today might find the dated interface frustrating. Best for very young kids who aren't yet spoiled by modern gaming experiences.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

PBS KIDS brand is synonymous with age-appropriate, emotionally healthy content that models positive values. The games collection features beloved educational characters in gentle, cooperative scenarios without violence or mean-spirited competition. Pacing is deliberately calm and child-friendly.

Imaginative

PBS KIDS games typically encourage problem-solving, creativity, and exploration through interactive play with characters like Daniel Tiger, Wild Kratts, and Curious George. However, as a 2013 game collection, the mechanics and graphics are dated, limiting the imaginative engagement compared to modern interactive experiences.

Safe

PBS KIDS is a gold standard for child safety—no ads, no in-app purchases, no social features, no user-generated content. The games are designed specifically for preschool and early elementary audiences with strong privacy protections. Zero risk of inappropriate content or predatory monetization.

Enriching

PBS KIDS games embed educational content (early literacy, math, science, social-emotional learning) into gameplay. They're designed by educators and align with curriculum standards. However, the 2013 technology means limited interactivity and engagement compared to modern educational games, reducing the enrichment potential.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Absolutely zero safety concerns—no ads, no purchases, no strangers, just pure PBS wholesomeness
Educational content baked into every game, covering early literacy, math, science, and social skills
Features beloved characters kids already know from PBS shows (Daniel Tiger, Curious George, Wild Kratts)
Perfect for parents who want screen time that's genuinely educational without any commercial manipulation

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What to Watch For

Seriously outdated graphics and mechanics—2013 was a lifetime ago in tech years
May not run properly on modern devices or operating systems
Kids accustomed to Roblox, Minecraft, or modern mobile games will likely find this painfully boring
Limited replay value compared to contemporary educational games

Conversation Starters

"Which PBS KIDS character is your favorite to play with? What do you like about them?"
"What did you learn from that game? Can you teach me?"
"How is this different from the newer games you play on the tablet?"

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