Introduction
Remember the days when you rushed home from school to play your favorite educational games on PBS Kids? For many millennials and Gen Z kids, PBS Kids was a cornerstone of childhood entertainment, blending fun and learning seamlessly. While many of the classic PBS Kids games have disappeared over the years, some are still available online, offering a nostalgic trip back to simpler times.
Whether you're a parent looking to introduce your kids to the games you loved or an adult seeking a dose of nostalgia, this guide will help you rediscover old PBS Kids games online.
The History of PBS Kids Games
The Early Days of PBS Kids Gaming
PBS Kids launched in 1999 as an extension of PBS’s educational programming for children. The website quickly became a hub for interactive learning, featuring games based on popular shows like:
Arthur
Sesame Street
Cyberchase
Between the Lions
Fetch! with Ruff Ruffman
These games were designed to reinforce reading, math, science, and problem-solving skills while keeping kids engaged with colorful animations and beloved characters.
The Golden Age of Flash Games
During the early 2000s, Adobe Flash powered most online games, including those on PBS Kids. Titles like:
"Lionel’s Talking Gizmo" (Between the Lions)
"D.W.’s Unicorn Adventure" (Arthur)
"The Great Space Race" (Cyberchase)
…became instant classics. Unfortunately, when Adobe discontinued Flash in 2020, many of these games vanished from the internet.
The Shift to HTML5 and Mobile Gaming
As technology evolved, PBS Kids transitioned to HTML5 and mobile apps, phasing out many old Flash games. While some classics were preserved, others were lost—leaving fans searching for ways to play them again.
Where to Find Old PBS Kids Games Online Today
Even though Flash is gone, some old PBS Kids games are still accessible through alternative methods. Here’s where you can find them:
1. The Internet Archive (Flash Emulation)
The Internet Archive has preserved thousands of Flash games, including some from PBS Kids. Using the Ruffle Flash Emulator, you can play classics like:
"Martha’s Dog Party" (Martha Speaks)
"Super Why’s Storybook Creator" (Super Why!)
How to Play:
Visit the Internet Archive’s Flash Games Collection.
Search for "PBS Kids" or a specific game title.
Use the Ruffle emulator (built into the site) to play.
2. Fan-Made Repositories
Some dedicated fans have recreated or archived old PBS Kids games. Websites like:
BlueMaxima’s Flashpoint (A downloadable Flash game preservation project)
PBS Kids Wayback Machine (Check older versions of PBS Kids’ site)
…may have working versions of lost games.
3. Official PBS Kids Website & Apps
While many old games are gone, PBS Kids still offers modern versions of some classics:
"Wild Kratts Creature Math" (Math-based adventure)
"Daniel Tiger’s Grr-ific Feelings" (Emotional learning)
"The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That!" (Science exploration)
Visit PBS Kids Games to see current offerings.
4. YouTube Gameplay Videos
If you can’t play the games, watching gameplay videos on YouTube is the next best thing. Search for:
"Full Playthrough of [Game Name] PBS Kids"
"Old PBS Kids Flash Games Compilation"
Why Old PBS Kids Games Were So Impactful
1. Educational Value
Unlike mindless arcade games, PBS Kids Games taught:
Reading & Spelling (e.g., Between the Lions games)
Basic Math (e.g., Cyberchase puzzles)
Science & Critical Thinking (e.g., Fetch! with Ruff Ruffman)
2. Beloved Characters
Kids connected with characters like:
Arthur & D.W. (From Arthur)
Elmo & Cookie Monster (From Sesame Street)
The Kratt Brothers (From Wild Kratts)
3. Simple, Engaging Gameplay
Before complex gaming mechanics took over, PBS Kids games focused on:
Point-and-click adventures
Puzzle-solving
Interactive storytelling
Modern Alternatives to Old PBS Kids Games
If you can’t find your favorite classics, here are some modern alternatives:
1. PBS Kids Games App
Available on iOS and Android
Features updated versions of educational games
2. ABCmouse & Khan Academy Kids
Subscription-based learning platforms
Similar educational gameplay
3. Scratch (MIT)
Lets kids create their own games
Inspired by PBS Kids’ creative approach
Conclusion: Reliving the Magic of Old PBS Kids Games
While many classic PBS Kids Games are no longer officially available, preservation efforts and fan projects keep the nostalgia alive. Whether you’re revisiting childhood memories or introducing these games to a new generation, the educational charm of PBS Kids remains timeless.
