PBS Kids apps offer an inclusive space for little ones to watch and play—with over 40 family-friendly series and 250 educational games, all completely free. Stream favorites like Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood and Sesame Street, then dive into adventures with Curious George, Clifford, and more in PBS Kids Video and PBS Kids Games.

We spoke with vice president Sara DeWitt about how designing for inclusion has shaped PBS Kids into a constant families can rely on.

Every detail—from the size of the icons to the vibrancy of the visuals—is carefully considered to make independently navigating the app easy for kids. Accessibility features—like closed captioning, strong color contrast, adjustable text, enhanced audio for dialogue, and the option to turn off background music—make PBS Kids apps welcoming to kids of all abilities.

See it in action: PBS Kids Video recently introduced American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation in popular shows. The interpreters are integrated into each show’s world—for example, the Arthur interpreter wears Arthur’s signature yellow shirt and glasses, while Pinkalicious & Peterrific’s interpreter (naturally) appears in pink.

Why it matters: DeWitt recalls a parent who shared that before the app’s ASL integration, her deaf child understood only about a third of what they watched. “She doesn’t need to be that bridge anymore,” DeWitt says. “They can just enjoy the show together.”

Children notice who gets to be the hero long before they can articulate why it matters, DeWitt says. Which is why representation isn’t a special episode—it’s woven into the storytelling. In Arthur and Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, kids can find characters with anxiety, asthma, and other conditions often stereotyped in other media.

See it in action: Carl the Collector is the network’s first series with a central character on the autism spectrum. Carl isn’t defined by a diagnosis; he’s defined by his curiosity, loyalty, and creative problem-solving. The show centers on collaboration and friendship, portraying Carl’s difference as his superpower.

Why it matters: “One family shared that their son recognized himself in Carl before they’d even discussed his diagnosis,” DeWitt says. “He saw there were other people out there like him. The show gave them a doorway to have that conversation.”

While many children’s games are designed to stretch play sessions indefinitely, PBS Kids Games takes a different approach. Games are built with clear levels, natural stopping points, and satisfying endings.

See it in action: In Curious George’s Flower Garden, after players plant and count their flowers, The Man in the Yellow Hat pops in—not to upsell the next task, but to share encouragement. It’s a small moment that offers a natural pause in gameplay.

Why it matters: “It’s hard to put a game down if you’re always so close to finishing,” DeWitt says. “Clear levels help parents find stopping points—and they support kids’ executive functioning skills.”

PBS Kids apps are free by design—a decision that shapes everything from technical development to editorial priorities. Many apps work offline, run on older devices, and are built for homes with limited connectivity or access to learning materials.

See it in action: In Elmo’s Dress Up Time, simple animations and limited effects keep the experience lightweight. Simple layouts and interactions built around single taps (rather than complex gestures or multitasking) make the activity easy for kids to navigate.

Why it matters: Free, accessible design allows PBS Kids to reach the broadest number of children. “We have an opportunity to level the playing field and give kids a boost with free resources,” DeWitt says. Studies have linked improved literacy outcomes to kids who played Molly of Denali games and stronger science knowledge to those who played The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That!