Introduction
The 2010s were a golden era for PBS Kids games, offering children a perfect blend of entertainment and education. PBS Kids, the children's programming brand of the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS), has long been a trusted source for high-quality, educational content. During the 2010s, their online games became a staple for young learners, combining beloved TV show characters with interactive, curriculum-based gameplay.
In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the best PBS Kids games from the 2010s, exploring their educational value, memorable characters, and why they remain popular today. Whether you're a parent looking for safe, enriching games for your child or a nostalgic adult reminiscing about your favorite childhood games, this guide has you covered.
Why PBS Kids Games Were So Popular in the 2010s
PBS Kids games stood out in the 2010s for several reasons:
Educational Value – Each game was designed with input from educators to reinforce skills like math, reading, science, and problem-solving.
Beloved Characters – Kids could play games featuring their favorite PBS Kids stars like Arthur, Curious George, and the Wild Kratts.
Safe & Ad-Free – Unlike many online gaming platforms, PBS Kids provided a secure, ad-free environment.
Accessibility – Games were free to play on the PBS Kids website, making them available to all families.
Top PBS Kids Games from the 2010s
Let’s explore some of the most memorable PBS Kids games from the 2010s, categorized by their educational focus.
1. Math-Based Games
Cyberchase: Buzz and Delete (2011)
Show: Cyberchase
Skills: Math, logic, problem-solving
Gameplay: Players help the villain Hacker’s robots, Buzz and Delete, solve math puzzles to fix their malfunctioning circuits.
The Cat in the Hat: Bridge-a-Rama (2013)
Show: The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That!
Skills: Engineering, measurement, physics
Gameplay: Kids build bridges to help the Cat and his friends cross obstacles, learning about balance and structure.
2. Reading & Language Arts Games
WordGirl: Synonym Toast (2012)
Show: WordGirl
Skills: Vocabulary, synonyms, reading
Gameplay: Players help WordGirl catch pieces of toast with the correct synonyms to defeat the villain.
Super Why! Storybook Creator (2010)
Show: Super Why!
Skills: Reading comprehension, storytelling
Gameplay: Kids create their own digital storybooks by selecting characters, settings, and plot elements.
3. Science & Nature Games
Wild Kratts: Creature Power (2011)
Show: Wild Kratts
Skills: Biology, animal adaptations
Gameplay: Players unlock creature powers by completing missions and learning about different animals.
Dinosaur Train: All-Star Sorting (2014)
Show: Dinosaur Train
Skills: Classification, paleontology
Gameplay: Kids sort dinosaurs by size, diet, and habitat while riding the Dinosaur Train.
4. Problem-Solving & Critical Thinking Games
Arthur: Buster Baxter’s Lunch-O-Matic (2010)
Show: Arthur
Skills: Logic, pattern recognition
Gameplay: Players help Buster Baxter beechamwhiteglass.com assemble the perfect lunch by solving food-based puzzles.
Odd Squad: Agent Academy (2016)
Show: Odd Squad
Skills: Math, detective skills
Gameplay: Kids complete missions as junior agents, solving odd mysteries using math and logic.
The Impact of PBS Kids Games in the 2010s
The PBS Kids games from the 2010s had a lasting impact on children's education and digital entertainment:
Boosted Early Learning – Studies show that interactive games improve retention and engagement in young learners.
Encouraged Screen Time with Purpose – Parents appreciated that these games were both fun and educational.
Paved the Way for Modern Edutainment – Many current educational apps and games draw inspiration from PBS Kids’ successful formula.
Where to Play PBS Kids Games from the 2010s Today
While some older games have been retired, many classic PBS Kids games from the 2010s are still available:
PBS Kids Website (pbskids.org) – Some older games remain in the archives.
Wayback Machine (archive.org) – A few discontinued games can be found through web archives.
Mobile Apps – Some games were adapted into apps available on iOS and Android.
Conclusion
The PBS Kids Games of the 2010s were more than just fun—they were a cornerstone of childhood learning. Combining beloved characters with interactive, curriculum-based gameplay, these games made education exciting. Even today, they hold a special place in the hearts of those who grew up playing them.
If you're looking for educational, safe, and nostalgic games for your kids (or yourself!), revisiting PBS Kids games from the 2010s is a fantastic choice.
FAQs About PBS Kids Games from the 2010s
Q: Are PBS Kids games from the 2010s still available?
A: Some are still on the PBS Kids website, while others can be found through web archives or mobile apps.
Q: Were PBS Kids games really educational?
A: Yes! Each game was designed with input from educators to teach math, reading, science, and problem-solving.
Q: What was the most popular PBS Kids game in the 2010s?
A: Games like Wild Kratts: Creature Power and Super Why! Storybook Creator were fan favorites.
