PBS KIDS
Free, curriculum-based games, videos and apps for ages 2–8 starring characters from PBS KIDS shows like Daniel Tiger, Wild Kratts and Alma's Way. The PBS KIDS Games app alone has 280+ free games in math, reading, science, art and social-emotional skills.
What is PBS KIDS?
PBS KIDS is the children's arm of the Public Broadcasting Service. Online, it offers free games and videos for ages 2 to 8, built around shows like Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood, Wild Kratts, Alma's Way, Odd Squad and Lyla in the Loop. PBS describes its games as curriculum-based, and each show has its own learning goals.
The free PBS KIDS Games app lists more than 280 games as of October 2026, with new ones added often. The PBS KIDS Video app streams full episodes and clips.
How it works
Kids open pbskids.org or the Games app, tap a favorite character and play. Each game is short and targets one idea, such as counting with Peg + Cat, sorting animals with the Kratt brothers, or practicing kindness with Daniel Tiger. Some games are in Spanish, and newer games include accessibility features like voice instructions and captions.
There are no accounts, levels or progress reports. Parents can download favorite games for offline play and use the device's own screen-time controls. Young preschoolers may need a hand picking games that fit their age.
What it covers
| Area | Examples |
|---|---|
| Math | Counting, shapes, patterns, measurement, early problem solving |
| Reading and language | Letters, rhyming, vocabulary, story building |
| Science | Animals, weather, engineering, nature |
| Social-emotional | Kindness, feelings, mindfulness, routines |
| Creativity and coding | Art games, music, PBS KIDS ScratchJr |
Who it's best for
PBS KIDS fits families who want free, trustworthy screen time for preschoolers, kids who light up for familiar characters, and bilingual households looking for Spanish games.
Look elsewhere if you want a guided path that builds skills in order or reports on progress. Khan Academy Kids is also free and adds an adaptive path, and Starfall is more systematic for phonics.
Pricing at a glance
Free. The website, Games app and Video app cost nothing. A few standalone show apps have a small one-time price.
Can a scholarship or ESA pay for it?
There is nothing to pay for. Families who use scholarships and ESAs usually spend funds on paid curriculum, tutoring or preschool programs and use free tools like PBS KIDS alongside them. Each program sets its own rules; check your state, such as Arizona or Florida. Save PBS KIDS and the paid programs you are considering to your wishlist, then apply once on Edulist.
How it compares
- Khan Academy Kids is free with a guided, adaptive path.
- ABCya offers free games for older grades too, with ads.
- ABCmouse is a paid program with a structured learning path.
- GoNoodle adds free movement and mindfulness videos for active breaks.
Browse more early learning programs and preschool homeschool curriculum. Read PBS KIDS games reviews, compare sites like PBS KIDS, or see the best learning apps for kids.
Who PBS KIDS is for (and who it isn’t)
Best for
- Free, safe screen time for ages 2–6
- Kids who are motivated by favorite PBS characters
- Bilingual families who want some Spanish games
Look elsewhere if
- Families who want a structured learning path
- Kids past 2nd grade
- Parents who want progress reports
PBS KIDS pros and cons
Pros
- Completely free with a huge game library
- Curriculum-based games from trusted shows
- Safe, kid-friendly interface
- Spanish-language games and accessibility features
- New games added often
Cons
- No learning path or progress tracking
- Game quality and difficulty vary
- Young kids may need help choosing age-appropriate games
- Downloaded offline games can occasionally disappear
What’s included
- 280+ free curriculum-based games in the PBS KIDS Games app
- Full episodes and clips in the free PBS KIDS Video app
- Math, reading, science, art and social-emotional games
- 50+ games playable in Spanish
- Accessibility features in newer games
- Show-specific apps such as Daniel Tiger, Wild Kratts and PBS KIDS ScratchJr
How much does PBS KIDS cost?
PBS KIDS games, videos and the main PBS KIDS Games and Video apps are free, funded by public broadcasting. Some separate show-themed apps in the app stores have a one-time price; check each listing.
| Plan | Price | Billed | Per month |
|---|---|---|---|
| PBS KIDS Games and Video apps | Free | Monthly | Free |
Prices from the provider, checked 2026-10-13. Always confirm on the official site.
Future opening updates
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View wishlistWhat parents say
A summary of public parent feedback we read on forums, app stores and review sites. It is not a set of Edulist family reviews.
Common Sense Media calls PBS KIDS Games a great choice for preschoolers, praising familiar characters, clear instructions and a wide range of skills, while noting some games have uneven messaging or stray mouse-based instructions. App Store reviews praise that it is free, safe and ad-free; some parents report offline downloads disappearing.
Common praise
- Free and safe with beloved characters
- Wide range of skills and simple controls
- No ads or outside links, per parent reviews
Common complaints
- Uneven or heavy-handed educational messaging
- Some instructions do not fit touchscreens
- Offline downloads sometimes vanish
Sources: commonsensemedia.org · pbs kids games · apps.apple.com · id1050773989
PBS KIDS family reviews
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PBS KIDS FAQs
Are PBS KIDS games free?
Yes. Games on pbskids.org and in the PBS KIDS Games app are free. Some separate show-themed apps cost a small one-time fee.
What ages are PBS KIDS games for?
PBS KIDS serves children ages 2 to 8. Common Sense Media rates the Games app 3+ and notes the games range from early preschool to early elementary.
Do PBS KIDS games have ads?
The games are built for a safe, kid-friendly experience, and parent reviews in the App Store praise the lack of ads and outside links. The app does link to other PBS KIDS apps and local station information in a grown-ups area.
How many games are in the PBS KIDS Games app?
As of October 2026, the App Store listing says 280+ free games, with new games added frequently and 50+ playable in Spanish.
Can PBS KIDS games be played offline?
The Games app lets you download games to play offline. Some parents report downloaded games occasionally disappearing after updates, so re-download favorites before a trip.
Is PBS KIDS good for homeschool preschool?
It is a great free supplement for preschool at home, especially paired with the shows and read-alouds. For a guided path, pair it with Khan Academy Kids or a phonics program.
Sources and last checked
Checked 2026-10-13 against these sources: