PBS programming has housed some of the most iconic kids’ shows out there—from Sesame Street to Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood to Arthur. As a child, these shows taught me about kindness, broadened my vocabulary, strengthened my love for reading, and so much more. And now that I’m a mom, I’ve made it my mission to make sure my kids are exposed to the best PBS Kids shows I grew up with (and the newer ones, too!).
I’ve considered myself a PBS kid for as long as I can remember. It’s safe to say that PBS Kids raised me. From my early childhood watching Barney & Friends to my elementary school days of watching Bill Nye the Science Guy and The Magic School Bus, it’s undeniable that these educational shows made learning so much fun. So, I was elated when my son discovered Ms. Frizzle and her class aboard The Magic School Bus. If you were a PBS kid growing up and want to share these beloved series with your kids, too, I’ve tracked down some of the best PBS Kids shows—available to stream online today.
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Why PBS Kids Shows Are Still the Best Educational Content
There’s a reason why PBS Kids shows continue to be the best educational content. Since 1969, the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) has intentionally positioned its programming as America’s largest classroom. According to the non-profit organization, “PBS’s educational media helps prepare children for success in school and opens up the world to them in an age-appropriate way.”
PBS launched PBS Kids in 1999, specifically for children’s programming. So kids who grew up in the ‘90s and 2000s, like me, have a sense of nostalgia tied to its shows. To this day, PBS Kids continues to provide shows geared towards little ones’ development with research-backed programming. Newer shows like Lyla in the Loop promote enhancing social-emotional skills. And the show, SciGirls, focuses on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Where to Stream PBS Kids Shows
Although Congress cut funding for the Corporation of Public Broadcasting (CPB) in 2025—which supports PBS—it’s here to stay, along with its television channel, apps, and website. While many of these kids’ shows are available to stream for free on the PBS Kids website, older shows like The Magic School Bus are available on Netflix. In fact, PBS Kids on Prime Video gives subscribers access to full seasons of popular series. Other streaming services that have PBS shows available on their site include HBO Max, YouTube, AppleTV, Hulu, and Peacock. Keep in mind that a subscription or payment may be required to watch them.
PBS Kids shows have my stamp of approval for what I let my kids watch during screen time. If you’re new to PBS or trying to find the best shows to watch, look no further. I’ve broken down the best PBS Kids shows based on kids’ age and development, what they teach, and where to stream them.
Best PBS Shows for Toddlers (Ages 2–4)
For little learners, PBS shows are designed to spark imagination, build routines, and encourage play while supporting emotional development.
1. Sesame Street
Where to Stream: PBS Kids, Netflix, and HBO Max | Rating: TV-Y | Run Time: 26m
Learn everything from the ABCs, 123s, how to make friends, empathy, grief, and more with our favorite puppets like Elmo, Cookie Monster, Big Bird, Abby Cadabby, and more. This classic PBS Kids show has been a kid (and family) favorite since it premiered almost 60 years ago.
2. Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood
Where to Stream: PBS Kids and PBS Kids on Prime Video | Rating: TV-Y | Run Time: 28m
Since 1968, Fred Rogers has made a long-lasting and positive impact on his viewers. This cherished show explores the themes of kindness, love, what it means to be a good neighbor, and so much more. Rogers takes you to the Neighborhood of Make-Believe on his iconic red trolley, where you get to meet his puppet friends, like King Friday XIII and Lady Elaine.
3. Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood
Where to Stream: PBS Kids and PBS Kids on Prime Video | Rating: TV-Y | Run Time: 26m
If you grew up watching the beloved Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, you’ll be happy to hear that the cutest spin-off with Daniel Tiger was created in 2012. Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood helps little ones learn social-emotional skills. From learning how to navigate their first visit to the dentist to welcoming a new sibling to the family, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood is a hit for tiny tots!
4. Donkey Hodie
Where to Stream: PBS Kids and PBS Kids on Prime Video | Rating: TV-Y | Run Time: 23m
Another show created from Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood—perfect for preschoolers—is Donkey Hodie. Join Donkey Hodie, Purple Panda, Bob Dog, and Duck Duck as they learn how to problem-solve, while having fun in the land of “Someplace Else.”
5. Rosie’s Rules
Where to Stream: PBS Kids and PBS Kids on Prime Video | Rating: TV-Y | Run Time: 25m
Learn how to be part of a community with 5-year-old Rosie Fuentes. This adorable show explores the world around Rosie and her Mexican-American roots.
6. Alma’s Way
Where to Stream: PBS Kids and PBS Kids on Prime Video | Rating: TV-Y | Run Time: 23m
This adorable show follows Puerto Rican-American Alma Rivera from the Bronx. Alma encourages kids to “think through” problems and build their critical thinking skills.
7. Elinor Wonders Why
Where to Stream: PBS Kids and PBS Kids on Prime Video | Rating: TV-Y | Run Time: 25m
Being curious is a wonderful thing, and curious bunny rabbit Elinor encourages little observers to ask the question “Why?” This show is perfect for little ones from ages 3 to 5.
8. Barney & Friends
Where to Stream: Peacock | Rating: TV-Y | Run Time: 25m
Sing and dance along with this popular kids’ show from the ‘90s. A lovable purple T. Rex named Barney and his friends teach kiddos to use their creativity and imagination while exploring themes of friendship and kindness. This show truly “shows us lots of things like how to play pretend!”
9. The Big Comfy Couch
Where to Stream: PBS Kids on Prime Video | Rating: TV-Y | Run Time: 26m
Loonette the clown and her cute clown doll, Molly, get creative making crafts, telling stories, and dancing on the big comfy couch. If you’re looking for a low-stimulation show for toddlers, add this classic ‘90s PBS show to your list.
10. Curious George
Where to Stream: PBS Kids and Hulu | Rating: TV-Y | Run Time: 24m
A young monkey named George explores the world with his curiosity. His cute and funny antics sometimes get him in trouble, but this beloved series is all about learning and embracing the beauty of curiosity. Get to know Curious George and The Man in the Yellow Hat in this series.
11. Thomas & Friends
Where to Stream: PBS Kids on Prime Video | Rating: TV-Y | Run Time: 11m
If you have a train-obsessed kiddo, there’s more to Thomas the choo-choo train than how he gets from point A to B. This show is all about teamwork and how they solve problems on the Island of Sodor.
Best PBS Shows for Little Kids (Ages 4–6)
As kids enter Pre-K and kindergarten, the focus shifts to building early reading skills, storytelling, and understanding basic science concepts. We’re breaking down this list of the best PBS shows for little kids into sections for learning and literacy and science and curiosity.
12. Jim Henson’s Wowsabout!
Where to Stream: PBS Kids and PBS Kids on Prime Video | Rating: TV-Y | Run Time: 27m
Explore the great outdoors with Roxy the hedgehog and Ronald the pig with this short film—clocking in at under 30 minutes. While Ronald has the goal of earning his Junior Ranger badge, Roxy is on a mission to show him that taking in all the beauty of Sequoia National Park is what exploration is all about. Sing along to catchy tunes and soak in the breathtaking scenery (and adorable storyline) that will have you wanting to take your next family vacay to a national park.
13. Reading Rainbow
Where to Stream: PBS Kids on Prime Video | Rating: TV-Y | Run Time: 28m
Host LeVar Burton has captivated the hearts of young readers over the past 30 years. This beloved PBS classic takes kids on a journey through some of our favorite books by bringing them to life. For parents who grew up watching this classic kids’ show, watch the Reading Rainbow reboot, hosted by Mychal Threets.
14. Super Why‘s Comic Book Adventures
Where to Stream: PBS Kids and PBS Kids on Prime Video | Rating: TV-Y | Run Time: 26m
Super Why‘s Comic Book Adventures is perfect for little ones who are learning how to read. With a wide variety of storybook characters, kids seem to love the character, Whyatt, and his secret clubhouse, called “The Book Club.” Each episode incorporates letter identification, spelling, reading comprehension, and more.
15. Word World
Where to Stream: PBS Kids and PBS Kids on Prime Video | Rating: TV-Y | Run Time: 27m
Words come to life and turn into animals in Word World! This Emmy Award-winning animated show follows Duck and his friends as they find the words to get him out of the silliest situations.
16. Sid the Science Kid
Where to Stream: PBS Kids and PBS Kids on Prime Video | Rating: TV-Y | Run Time: 26m
It’s never too early to learn science, and Sid the Science Kid explores how science shows up in everyday life. Young Sid uses his curiosity and humor to discover the scientific world.
17. Dinosaur Train
Where to Stream: PBS Kids and PBS Kids on Prime Video | Rating: TV-Y | Run Time: 27m
For a dino-loving kid, Dinosaur Train may be perfect for your kiddo. Travel through the Mesozoic Era on a magical train with a T. Rex named Buddy and his Pteranodon family.
18. The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That!
Where to Stream: PBS Kids and PBS Kids on Prime Video | Rating: TV-G | Run Time: 25m
Besides reading all of The Cat in the Hat books, add the PBS show to your kid’s lineup of educational shows that are full of adventure and fun.
19. Clifford the Big Red Dog
Where to Stream: PBS Kids and PBS Kids on Prime Video | Rating: TV-Y | Run Time: 26m
Emily Elizabeth and her Big Red Dog, Clifford, are always off to new adventures filled with laughter and kindness. Introduce your little one to this kid-favorite children’s television series.
Best PBS Shows for School-Aged Kids (Ages 6–8)
Take a deeper dive with shows that reflect the everyday experiences of real school-aged kids, like Arthur and the Englewood crew. These PBS favorites blend academic learning with rich storytelling—sparking imagination, nurturing curiosity, and modeling thoughtful problem-solving along the way.
20. Arthur
Where to Stream: PBS Kids and PBS Kids on Prime Video | Rating: TV-Y | Run Time: 27m
Arthur the aardvark has been a beloved book character since 1976, making him a multi-generational classic. And kids and parents have been watching the hit TV series since it first debuted in 1996. From learning how to write a story to getting a library card to experiencing camp for the first time, join Arthur and his friends on their childhood adventures in the town of Englewood.
21. Lyla in the Loop
Where to Stream: PBS Kids and PBS Kids on Prime Video | Rating: TV-Y | Run Time: 23m
This cute animated series follows Lyla Loops and her blue sidekick, Stu. In each episode, the pair uses their creativity and problem-solving skills to tackle everyday problems with fun and humor.
22. Hero Elementary
Where to Stream: PBS Kids and PBS Kids on Prime Video | Rating: TV-Y | Run Time: 25m
Get out your kid’s superhero capes! Hero Elementary isn’t an ordinary elementary school. It’s filled with superheroes who are learning to hone in on their powers to solve problems and make the world better.
23. Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum
Where to Stream: PBS Kids and PBS Kids on Prime Video | Rating: TV-Y | Run Time: 23m
Xavier, Yadina, and Brad travel back in time to meet historical figures who made an impact on the world.
24. Odd Squad
Where to Stream: PBS Kids and Netflix | Rating: TV-Y | Run Time: 26m
My 5-year-old loves this oddly fun kids’ show. It promotes critical thinking and problem-solving based on mathematical concepts, like indirect reasoning and algebra. It is one of those shows that you don’t mind watching with your kids.
25. Cyberchase
Where to Stream: PBS Kids and PBS Kids on Prime Video | Rating: TV-Y | Run Time: 27m
Motherboard, the protector of Cyberspace, is subject to being overthrown by a villain, The Hacker. With the help of Inez, Jackie, Matt, and their cyberpal, Digit, Motherboard may be able to defeat this cyber villain. In this brainy show, kids can enjoy math and solving problems.
26. Wild Kratts
Where to Stream: PBS Kids and PBS Kids on Prime Video | Rating: TV-Y | Run Time: 27m
The Kratt brothers are fun and engaging, and the show does a great job of providing a realistic perspective about how our world is shaped by the animal kingdom. The show touches on real-life aspects like the life cycle (including death), the food chain, and concepts of prey and predators. It also brings up ways that humans disrupt the animal world and destroy habitats, and how we can all work to correct that in the future.
27. WordGirl
Where to Stream: PBS Kids and PBS Kids on Prime Video | Rating: TV-Y | Run Time: 26m
Fifth grader Becky Botsford is fighting crime with her vocabulary. Under her secret identity, she and her monkey sidekick fight villains with new words!
28. Martha Speaks
Where to Stream: Netflix and PBS Kids on Prime Video | Rating: TV-Y | Run Time: 27m
Based on the book by Susan Meddaugh, Martha, a family dog, suddenly gains the power to speak words after she eats a bowl of alphabet soup. Who knew that learning words and vocabulary could be so fun with a talking pup?
Best PBS Shows for Tweens and Teens (Ages 8+)
These shows are ideal for kids interested in science, technology, engineering, and math. Series like SciGirl follow real tween girls as they bring STEM projects to life through hands-on, real-world experiences.
29. The Magic School Bus
Where to Stream: Netflix and Peacock | Rating: TV-Y | Run Time: 25m
Dive deep into science with Ms. Frizzle and her entire class as they load up into The Magic School Bus to learn about everything and anything through the wildest of adventures. For the ‘90s and 2000s kids who grew up on this treasure of a series, you’ll be happy to know it made a Netflix revival with a new series in 2017 called The MagicSchool Bus Rides Again.
30. Bill Nye the Science Guy
Where to Stream: Apple TV and PBS Kids on Prime Video | Rating: TV-Y | Run Time: 23m
Since 1993, Emmy Award-winning Bill Nye the Science Guy has been one of the most-favored science shows for kids. Scientist and educator Bill Nye explains science in a way that kids (and parents) can easily understand. Immerse yourself in all-things science—from learning about earthquakes to magnetism and more.
31. Fetch! with Ruff Ruffman
Where to Stream: PBS Kids on Prime Video | Rating: TV-G | Run Time: 27m
Game show host (and animated dog) Ruff Ruffman sends real-life tasks to kid contestants. From training a cat for a commercial to performing stand-up comedy, your kiddo will be laughing (and learning) along with Ruff the dog.
32. SciGirls
Where to Stream: PBS Kids and PBS Kids on Prime Video | Rating: TV-G | Run Time: 27m
In SciGirls, real tween girls are highlighting how science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) are used every day. This inspiring show is perfect for your aspiring scientist or engineer.
33. Design Squad
Where to Stream: PBS Kids and PBS Kids on Prime Video | Rating:TV-14 | Run Time: 27m
Competing real-life teens work together to complete engineering projects for real clients. Working under time constraints and set tasks, one hard-working teen is awarded a scholarship at the conclusion of the competition.
FAQs About PBS Kids
What is the most popular PBS Kids show?
Sesame Street is considered to be the most popular and most iconic PBS Kids show.
Are PBS Kids shows educational?
Yes, PBS Kids shows are educational with research-backed programming.
Are PBS Kids shows free?
A select number of PBS Kids shows are available for free on the PBS Kids website. Streaming platforms that require a subscription or payment are Prime Video, Netflix, HBO Max, YouTube, Apple TV, Hulu, and Peacock.
Does PBS Kids still exist?
Yes, PBS Kids still exists, along with its television channel, apps, and website. However, Congress cut funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) in 2025, which supports PBS.
Patty Schepel, Associate Editor
As the Associate Editor, Patty works with The Everymom’s team on pitches, creating original articles, updating existing content, photo sourcing, writing shopping product descriptions, editing freelance articles, and more. With Patty’s passion for writing, experience as a mother of two, and expertise as a pediatric nurse, she brings a thoughtful and informative perspective to The Everymom.
