PBS Kids Video – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

PBS Kids Video

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

app2014

94%

WISE Score

4.3

App Store

The gold standard for guilt-free screen time: 600+ PBS Kids episodes, zero ads, zero chaos, maximum learning.

PBS Kids Video

app

Everyone, 2014

94%

WISE Score

4.3

App Store

The gold standard for guilt-free screen time: 600+ PBS Kids episodes, zero ads, zero chaos, maximum learning.

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Where to Find

App Store

Google Play

Screenwise Verdict

This is it. This is the app you hand to other parents at pickup when they ask for screen time recommendations.

PBS Kids Video is what happens when public television's 50+ years of educational expertise meets modern streaming. Every show is curriculum-based, every episode has learning goals you can actually look up, and the app itself is designed with zero dark patterns—no manipulation, no ads, no purchases, no rabbit holes.

Is it perfect? Well, it's still passive viewing, so you'll want to balance it with active play. And yes, some shows are more engaging than others (your mileage may vary on Caillou-adjacent content). But compared to the algorithmic chaos of YouTube Kids or the overstimulation of most kids' apps, this is practically a public service.

The offline download feature alone makes it worth installing before your next flight. The fact that it's completely free and ad-free is borderline miraculous in 2025. If your kid is in the 2-8 range, this should be on your device.

Age Fit

Designed specifically for ages 2-8, with shows spanning the developmental range from toddler emotional learning (Daniel Tiger) to early elementary STEM content (Odd Squad, Wild Kratts). Older kids will age out naturally as they seek more complex narratives.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Curates exclusively from PBS Kids' library of educational shows designed with child development experts. Content emphasizes kindness, cooperation, emotional regulation (Daniel Tiger), problem-solving, and social-emotional learning. Zero toxic behavior, age-appropriate pacing, and consistently models positive values across 40+ shows.

Imaginative

Hosts imaginative shows like Wild Kratts (animal science adventures), Odd Squad (math mysteries), and Elinor Wonders Why (scientific inquiry). Content encourages curiosity and exploration of concepts, though as a video streaming platform it's inherently passive consumption rather than active creation. The shows themselves spark imagination, but the app doesn't facilitate building or creative expression.

Safe

Exceptionally safe app design: completely ad-free, no in-app purchases, no social features, no comments, no user-generated content. Brief corporate sponsor messages at episode starts (acknowledged transparently). Offline download capability gives parents full control. Content is pre-screened PBS Kids programming. Geographic restriction to US only. Parents consistently praise it as worry-free.

Enriching

Gold standard for educational screen time. Every show is curriculum-based with explicit learning goals (accessible via Grownups Button). Covers literacy, STEM, social-emotional skills, problem-solving, and cultural awareness. Webby award winner multiple years. Dual-language support (English/Spanish) with captions. Research-backed content from the #1 educational media brand for kids ages 2-8.

Parent Info

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Why It Might Be Great

Every single show is curriculum-based and designed by child development experts—you're getting Daniel Tiger's emotional regulation lessons, Wild Kratts' science adventures, and Sesame Street's literacy building
Completely ad-free with no in-app purchases, no social features, no comments—just pure, safe content you never have to monitor
Download episodes for offline viewing (planes, road trips, doctor's waiting rooms—you know the drill)
Dual-language support with English and Spanish audio and captions, plus a 'Grownups Button' that shows learning goals for each series
Multiple Webby awards and universally praised by parents as the one app they actually trust

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What to Watch For

It's still screen time—PBS Kids recommends co-viewing when possible and balancing with active play, outdoor time, and hands-on activities
Brief corporate sponsor messages play at the start of some full episodes (PBS is transparent about this funding their mission)
US-only geographic restriction due to licensing—won't work if you're traveling internationally
Some kids find certain shows more engaging than others—Daniel Tiger's slower pace works great for toddlers but may bore older kids who prefer Wild Kratts' action

Conversation Starters

"What did Daniel Tiger do when he felt frustrated? What do you do when you feel that way?"
"The Wild Kratts learned about [animal]—what was the coolest creature power you saw today?"
"Which character solved a problem in a smart way? How would you have solved it?"
"Want to try making something or playing a game based on what we just watched?"

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