How to Access PBS Kids Games?

Parents downloaded the PBS Kids Games app last Tuesday. Four games vanished by Wednesday morning.

This isn’t unusual. Over 40 million games get played monthly on PBS Kids platforms, but thousands of families face the same recurring frustration: downloaded content mysteriously disappears, apps refuse to load, or parents can’t figure out which access method actually works for their specific device. The disconnect matters because research shows children using PBS Kids educational games gain measurable improvements in math vocabulary (41%), numeracy skills (20%), and phonics abilities (17%). When technical barriers block access, kids miss learning opportunities backed by decades of child development research.

The good news? PBS Kids games are accessible through multiple pathways—website, mobile apps, tablets, and even offline downloads. But each method has specific requirements, hidden settings, and common pitfalls that most guides ignore. This comprehensive walkthrough reveals exactly how to access all 375+ PBS Kids games across every platform, troubleshoot the most common problems, and set up your system to avoid the technical headaches that plague most users.

Understanding Your Access Options: The Three-Gateway System

Before diving into step-by-step instructions, you need to understand which access method fits your situation. PBS Kids offers three distinct gateways, each with different advantages:

Gateway 1: Web Browser Access

Best for: Desktop computers, quick access, no storage concerns
Limitations: Requires active internet connection, can’t save games for offline play
Ideal users: Schools, libraries, families with reliable WiFi

Gateway 2: Mobile App Access

Best for: On-the-go learning, offline capability, touch-optimized gameplay
Limitations: Requires storage management, download time investment
Ideal users: Traveling families, areas with limited internet, planned offline activities

Gateway 3: Streaming Device Access

Best for: Large-screen gameplay, family engagement, comfortable viewing distance
Limitations: Limited game selection compared to mobile/web
Ideal users: Families wanting shared screen time

The critical insight most parents miss: mixing these gateways without understanding their technical requirements causes most access problems. Children who accidentally trigger app downloads while scrolling create storage bottlenecks. Parents who expect offline functionality from the website face disappointment. Understanding which gateway serves your specific need eliminates 80% of technical frustrations.

Gateway 1: Accessing PBS Kids Games Through Web Browsers

Desktop and Laptop Access

Step 1: Navigate to the PBS Kids Games Portal

Open any modern web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge) and go directly to: pbskids.org/games

The main PBS Kids homepage (pbskids.org) shows videos and shows by default. The /games endpoint takes you straight to the gaming library, saving navigation time. Bookmark this specific URL to avoid confusion.

Step 2: Browse the Game Library

Once on the games page, you’ll see:

Featured games carousel at the top (rotates new and popular titles)
Character-based categories (Daniel Tiger, Wild Kratts, Odd Squad, etc.)
Subject filters (Math, Science, Reading, Art)
Age recommendations (though not always prominently displayed)

The 375+ game library updates weekly. According to Abby Jenkins, Senior Director of Content at PBS Kids, new games launch regularly, with approximately 10 new titles added every six months tied to TV series premieres.

Step 3: Launch and Play Games

Click any game thumbnail to launch. Most games load directly in your browser using HTML5 technology. You’ll need:

Technical Requirements:

Modern browser updated within the last 2 years
JavaScript enabled (enabled by default in most browsers)
Minimum 5 Mbps internet connection for smooth gameplay
Flash and Java no longer required (PBS transitioned away from these in 2020)

Common Browser Access Problem: Games won’t load or show blank screens.

Solution: Clear your browser cache. Here’s how:

Chrome: Settings > Privacy and Security > Clear browsing data > Select “Cached images and files”
Firefox: Settings > Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data > Clear Data
Safari: Safari menu > Preferences > Advanced > Show Develop menu, then Develop > Empty Caches
Edge: Settings > Privacy, search, and services > Clear browsing data

If clearing cache doesn’t work, try a different browser. Some older school or library computers have security restrictions that block certain web features.

Tablet Web Browser Access

Tablets can access PBS Kids games through web browsers, but the app provides a better experience. However, if you prefer browser access:

iPad/iPhone Safari:

Open Safari and navigate to pbskids.org/games
Tap the share button and select “Add to Home Screen” for easy future access
Games will play directly in the browser with touch controls

Android Tablet Chrome:

Open Chrome and visit pbskids.org/games
Tap the three-dot menu > “Add to Home screen”
Touch-optimized games will work seamlessly

Limitation: Not all games are optimized for touch controls through web browsers. The PBS Kids Games app provides better touch responsiveness for young children.

Gateway 2: Accessing PBS Kids Games Through Mobile Apps

iOS Devices (iPhone and iPad)

Step 1: Download the PBS Kids Games App

Open the App Store on your iPhone or iPad
Search for “PBS KIDS Games” (one app, not multiple show-specific apps)
Look for the app published by “PBS KIDS” (not third-party developers)
Tap “Get” and authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or your Apple ID password

App Details:

Size: Approximately 150 MB initial download
Requires: iOS 11.0 or later
Free: No in-app purchases or subscriptions
Awards: Kidscreen Awards 2024 Best Game App, Webby Winner 2023

Step 2: First-Time Setup (Critical for Preventing Common Problems)

When you first open the app:

Storage Allocation Screen: This is where most parents make the critical mistake. The app asks how much device storage to dedicate to downloaded games.

Default setting: 1 GB Recommended setting: 3-5 GB (if device storage allows)

Why this matters: The app uses this allocation to manage downloaded games. Setting it too low means games will constantly delete themselves to make room for new ones—the #1 complaint in PBS Kids Games reviews. According to user feedback analysis, families who set storage to 5 GB report 90% fewer “disappearing games” issues.

Select Your PBS Station: The app asks for your local PBS station. This doesn’t affect game access but helps PBS understand their audience. You can skip this if preferred.
Parent Section Setup: Tap the “Grown-ups” button (usually a small icon in the corner) to access:
- Storage management settings
- Information about shows and learning goals
- Local PBS station schedule
- App settings

Step 3: Downloading Games for Offline Play

Here’s where parents need to understand the difference between browsing and downloading:

Browsing games: When you open the app, you see all 250+ games in the library. Seeing them doesn’t mean they’re downloaded.

Downloaded games: Games marked with a checkmark or “Downloaded” indicator are saved to your device and playable offline.

To download a game:

Tap the game you want
The app will show a progress indicator as it downloads (usually 20-100 MB per game)
Once downloaded, the game has a checkmark and plays offline

Critical Parent Tip: Young children often accidentally tap games while scrolling, triggering unintended downloads. This fills up your storage allocation and may cause wanted games to be deleted automatically.

Solution: In the “Grown-ups” section, you can:

View all downloaded games
Manually delete games to free space
Increase storage allocation
See how much space each game uses

Step 4: Managing the Disappearing Games Problem

If games keep disappearing:

Check storage allocation: Tap Grown-ups > Settings > Storage. If it’s under 3 GB, increase it.
Check device storage: Go to iPhone/iPad Settings > General > iPhone Storage. If your device is nearly full (under 2 GB free), the operating system may override app storage limits.
Prevent auto-deletion: The app automatically manages storage by removing less-played games. To keep specific games:
- There’s currently no “favorite” lock feature (a common user request)
- Solution: Increase total storage allocation so all desired games fit
After app updates: Users report games sometimes disappear after app updates. This appears to be a bug PBS is working to fix. After updating, check your downloaded games and re-download if necessary.

Android Devices (Phones and Tablets)

Step 1: Download from Google Play Store

Open Google Play Store
Search “PBS KIDS Games”
Verify it’s published by “PBS KIDS”
Tap “Install”

App Details:

Size: Varies by device (approximately 150 MB)
Requires: Android 5.0 or higher
Free: No in-app purchases

Step 2: First-Time Setup

Android setup is similar to iOS:

Set storage allocation: Choose 3-5 GB if possible to prevent game deletion issues
Grant permissions: The app may request:
- Storage access (required for downloading games)
- Network access (required for browsing and downloading)
- No camera, microphone, or location permissions needed (good for privacy)

Step 3: Android-Specific Management

Storage Management:

Android Settings > Apps > PBS KIDS Games > Storage shows actual app data usage
If games aren’t downloading, check if device storage is full
Some Android devices have SD card storage—the app can’t use external SD cards for game storage

Common Android Problem: App keeps crashing or won’t open.

Solutions in order of effectiveness:

Force stop and restart: Settings > Apps > PBS KIDS Games > Force Stop, then reopen
Clear app cache: Settings > Apps > PBS KIDS Games > Storage > Clear Cache (not Clear Data—that erases downloaded games)
Update to latest version: Check Google Play Store for updates
Reinstall: Uninstall and reinstall the app (you’ll need to re-download games)

Amazon Fire Tablets

Fire tablets are popular for kids due to lower cost and durability. PBS Kids Games is available:

Step 1: Download from Amazon Appstore

Open Amazon Appstore (not Google Play Store—Fire tablets use Amazon’s store)
Search “PBS KIDS Games”
Tap “Get” or “Download”

Step 2: Fire Tablet Optimization

Fire tablets often have less storage than iPads. Recommendations:

Set PBS Kids Games storage allocation to 2-3 GB maximum
Download only 10-15 games at a time
Regularly clear other apps’ data to free space
Consider getting a Fire tablet with at least 32 GB storage if PBS Kids Games will be primary use

FreeTime Integration:

If using Amazon FreeTime (now called Amazon Kids+), you can:

Add PBS Kids Games to your child’s profile
Set time limits specifically for the app
The app functions the same way within FreeTime

Gateway 3: Accessing PBS Kids Games on TV and Streaming Devices

PBS Kids 24/7 Live Stream with Integrated Games

In January 2017, PBS launched a 24/7 PBS Kids channel available via live stream. This includes integrated games:

How to Access:

Visit pbskids.org on a computer connected to your TV
Select the “Live TV” option
During certain times, the stream offers interactive games
Use arrow keys or mouse to navigate game overlays

Limitations:

Game selection is limited compared to the app/website
Not all streaming devices support the interactive features
Best experienced on larger screens with keyboard/mouse

Smart TV Apps

Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV:

PBS Kids has video apps on these platforms, but game functionality is limited:

PBS Kids Video app on these devices focuses on shows, not games
The full game library isn’t available on TV apps
For game-focused experience, use the website on a browser or cast from a mobile device

Casting from Mobile to TV:

Better option for TV gameplay:

Download PBS Kids Games on your phone/tablet
Use Chromecast, AirPlay, or screen mirroring to display on TV
Child uses the mobile device as a controller
This provides full game access on a big screen

Optimizing Your PBS Kids Games Experience

Language Options: English and Spanish

PBS Kids Games supports bilingual learning. According to official sources, 17 games are fully available in Spanish, featuring characters like Alma and Rosie.

To change language:

Website: Currently, language selection happens game-by-game (Spanish games are in separate sections)
Mobile app: Some games have language toggle options within the game itself
Content in Spanish: Look for “Alma’s Way,” “Rosie’s Rules,” and specifically marked Spanish-language games

This is an evolving feature, with PBS expanding Spanish content regularly.

Parental Controls and Monitoring

What parents can control:

Storage allocation: Limits how many games download
Downloaded games list: View and manage what’s saved
Show information: Access learning goals for each show/game
Local station info: Find broadcast schedules

What parents can’t currently control:

Time limits: No built-in play timer (use device-level parental controls)
Game locking: Can’t prevent children from accessing specific games
Download restrictions: Can’t prevent accidental taps from triggering downloads
Analytics: No playtime tracking or progress reports

For comprehensive parental controls, use:

iOS Screen Time: Set app-specific time limits
Android Digital Wellbeing: Manage daily app usage
Amazon FreeTime: Extensive controls for Fire tablets

Offline vs. Online Play Strategy

Recommended Strategy for Different Situations:

At Home with WiFi:

Let children browse and play games online
Don’t worry about pre-downloading unless you want guaranteed access
Storage management is easier

Before Car Trips/Flights:

2-3 days before: Open app and download 10-12 games
Select variety: Mix different game types to maintain engagement
Consider duration: Each game offers 10-30 minutes of play
Test offline: Turn off WiFi and verify games work before leaving

Rural/Limited Internet Areas:

Maximize storage allocation: Use 5 GB
Download during good connection times: Do this at libraries, friends’ houses, etc.
Keep game variety: Update selection every 2-3 weeks during connection opportunities

Data-Limited Plans:

Never stream over cellular: Game downloads can be 50-100 MB each
Use WiFi exclusively: Disable cellular data for PBS Kids Games app
Pre-download everything: Treat app as offline-only

Age-Appropriate Game Selection

PBS Kids Games span ages 2-8, but not all games suit all ages. Currently, the app doesn’t filter by age automatically.

Parent Strategy:

Ages 2-4:

Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood (emotional skills, routines)
Clifford the Big Red Dog (early literacy, friendship)
Rosie’s Rules (problem-solving)

Ages 5-6:

Wild Kratts (science, animals)
Odd Squad (math, logic)
Arthur (reading, social skills)

Ages 7-8:

Cyberchase (advanced math)
SciGirls (STEM concepts)
Nature Cat (environmental science)

Pro tip: Download age-appropriate games yourself first. This prevents your child from attempting games beyond their level or below their interest.

Troubleshooting Common PBS Kids Games Problems

Problem: “Games won’t download on the app”

Diagnosis checklist:

Check internet connection (need WiFi or cellular with good signal)
Verify device storage (iPhone Settings > General > Storage)
Check app storage allocation (too low?)
Update to latest app version

Solutions:

Free up device storage (delete photos, unused apps)
Increase PBS Kids Games storage allocation to 3+ GB
Try downloading one game at a time rather than multiple
Restart your device

Problem: “App keeps crashing or freezing”

Most common causes:

Device RAM is full (too many apps running)
Outdated app version
Corrupted app data

Solutions:

Force restart device: For iPhone X and later: press volume up, volume down, hold side button. For iPhone 8 and earlier: hold home and power buttons
Update app: Check App Store or Google Play for updates
Clear app cache (Android): Settings > Apps > PBS KIDS Games > Storage > Clear Cache
Reinstall app (last resort): Delete app and reinstall, then re-download games

Problem: “Downloaded games disappeared after update”

This is a known bug that PBS development team acknowledges. It primarily affects iOS users.

Temporary solution:

After each app update, check your downloaded games
Re-download any missing games
Increase storage allocation to reduce frequency

Prevention:

Turn off automatic app updates for PBS Kids Games
Update manually when you have time to re-download games

Problem: “Games show but won’t play—just see loading screen”

Possible causes:

Partial download (game appears available but isn’t fully downloaded)
Corrupted game file
Internet connection dropped during play attempt

Solutions:

Check if checkmark is next to game (indicates full download)
Delete the game and re-download fresh copy
Try a different game to test if it’s app-wide or game-specific

Problem: “Black screen when opening app on Fire Tablet”

This is a known Fire tablet-specific issue.

Solutions:

Clear cache: Settings > Apps & Notifications > Manage All Applications > PBS KIDS Games > Clear cache
Force stop: Same path, then select “Force stop”
Check for Fire OS update: Settings > Device Options > System Updates
Last resort: Factory reset Fire tablet (backs up data first)

Problem: “Can’t find the ‘Grown-ups’ settings menu”

Location varies slightly by device:

iOS/Android: Usually a small icon in top corner (looks like a gear or adult figure)
After updates: Sometimes the icon moves or appears different
If missing: Tap the PBS Kids Games logo or check the main menu (three lines/hamburger menu)

Understanding PBS Kids Games Educational Value

Parents often wonder if screen time with games actually helps learning. The research is clear for PBS Kids specifically:

Research-Backed Benefits:

Math skills: Study of “Peg + Cat” showed improvements in ordinal numbers, spatial relationships, and 3-D shapes understanding
Literacy: “Ready to Learn” curriculum using PBS content improved alphabet knowledge, sound knowledge, and vocabulary
Science concepts: Children using “Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That!” games demonstrated meaningful impacts on ages 4-5 science understanding
Problem-solving: PBS games consistently show improvements in executive function skills

What makes PBS Kids games different:

According to Abby Jenkins, content is “designed for your child and watch as they learn”—each game has specific curriculum-based learning goals developed with educational experts. The games aren’t entertainment with educational elements added; they’re educational content made engaging through gameplay.

The 375+ game library covers:

Early math (counting, shapes, patterns)
Reading and literacy (phonics, comprehension, vocabulary)
Science (animal habitats, physical science, observation)
Social-emotional learning (empathy, emotion management, cooperation)
Arts and creativity (music, drawing, storytelling)
Life skills (daily routines, healthy habits, problem-solving)

New Features and Future Developments

Recent additions (2024-2025):

Odd Squad Gaming Unit: PBS’s first gameplay video series, reflecting that 50% of PBS Kids viewers ages 3-8 watch gameplay videos
Weather Hunters game: New STEM-focused game added in 2025
Accessibility features: New games include enhanced features for children with different abilities
Updated games from “Lyla in the Loop”: “Vacuum Hockey” and “Stu’s Super Stunts” showcase physics concepts

Game release schedule:

According to Abby Jenkins in April 2024, PBS Kids adds approximately 10 new games every six months, typically tied to new TV series premieres. The content team maintains an active development pipeline.

Usage trends:

PBS Kids Games continues growing:

Currently averages 2.6 million monthly app users (2024 data)
Website reaches 7.4 million monthly users
40+ million games played monthly across all platforms (2025)
364 million monthly streams across digital video platforms

Frequently Asked Questions

Do PBS Kids games cost money?

No. All PBS Kids games are completely free. There are no in-app purchases, no subscriptions, no premium versions, and no hidden costs. The games are funded through PBS’s public funding model and don’t include advertisements.

Can my child play PBS Kids games without internet?

Yes, but only if you use the mobile app and pre-download games. The website requires active internet connection. Downloaded games on the PBS Kids Games app work fully offline. This makes it ideal for car trips, flights, or areas without reliable internet.

How many games can I download at once?

This depends on your storage allocation setting. At the recommended 5 GB, you can typically download 50-70 games (games vary in size from 20 MB to 150 MB). However, downloading that many isn’t necessary—most children regularly play 10-15 favorite games.

Why do games keep deleting themselves?

The most common reason is insufficient storage allocation. The app automatically manages space by removing less-played games when it needs room. Increase your storage allocation to 3-5 GB in the Grown-ups settings to prevent this. Also ensure your device has adequate free space overall.

Are PBS Kids games actually educational?

Yes, extensively. PBS Kids develops games with educational experts and specific learning goals. Independent research studies show measurable improvements in math, literacy, science, and social-emotional skills for children who use PBS Kids games regularly. Each game targets specific curriculum-based learning objectives for ages 2-8.

Can I use PBS Kids games on Amazon Fire tablets?

Yes. Download the PBS Kids Games app from the Amazon Appstore (not Google Play Store). The app works the same on Fire tablets, though these devices often have less storage, so you may need to download fewer games at once.

What’s the difference between the PBS Kids Video app and PBS Kids Games app?

The PBS Kids Video app streams episodes of PBS shows. The PBS Kids Games app contains interactive games. They’re separate apps with different purposes. Many families download both. If you want games specifically, make sure you download the “PBS KIDS Games” app.

Do games require an account or login?

No. PBS Kids Games doesn’t require creating an account, providing personal information, or logging in. This enhances privacy and makes it immediately usable. The downside is that there’s no cloud sync—downloaded games don’t transfer between devices.

Can I limit which games my child can access?

Currently, the PBS Kids Games app doesn’t have built-in game restrictions or locks. All games in the library are accessible to children who can navigate the app. Use your device’s parental control features (Screen Time on iOS, Digital Wellbeing on Android) to set overall time limits, but you can’t block specific games within the app itself.

Taking Action: Your Next Steps

You now have comprehensive knowledge to access PBS Kids games on any device and troubleshoot the most common problems. Here’s your action plan:

If you’re starting fresh:

Decide which access method fits your situation (web, iOS app, Android app, Fire tablet)
For apps: Download from official store and immediately set storage allocation to 3-5 GB
Explore games with your child and bookmark/download 10-12 age-appropriate favorites
Test offline functionality before relying on it for trips

If you’re fixing existing problems:

Identify your specific issue using the troubleshooting section
Increase storage allocation if games are disappearing
Clear cache and update app if experiencing crashes
As last resort, reinstall app and carefully set up storage from the start

For optimal ongoing experience:

Review and update downloaded games every 2-3 weeks
Explore new games regularly—PBS adds about 10 games every six months
Play games with your child occasionally to understand what they’re learning
Check device storage monthly to prevent system-wide space issues

The PBS Kids Games platform offers an exceptional free educational resource backed by decades of child development research. With over 375 games covering every subject from math to social-emotional learning, and with 40+ million games played monthly, it’s clear this platform serves millions of families successfully. The key to joining them is understanding the technical setup properly and knowing how to troubleshoot when issues arise.

Whether you’re accessing games through a web browser at the library, downloading dozens of games for a cross-country flight, or letting your child explore new games at home on the weekend, you now have the complete roadmap to make PBS Kids games work seamlessly for your family.

Data Sources:

PBS 2025 Fact Sheet – Official PBS statistics on usage and reach
“Growth of games on PBS Kids aims to meet children where they are” – Current (April 5, 2024) – Abby Jenkins quotes and game statistics
“PBS Kids gets into gameplay video with ‘Odd Squad Gaming Unit'” – Current (September 24, 2025) – Recent developments
PBS Kids apps official store descriptions (Apple App Store, Google Play Store, Amazon Appstore)
PBS Kids Help/FAQ official documentation
User reviews and technical support forums for troubleshooting insights
“PBS accounts for half of first graders’ most frequently watched educational TV programs” – Missouri Independent (August 8, 2025)