Parents face a real challenge when it comes to free streaming for kids: the best-known free services like Tubi and Pluto TV have massive libraries that include mature content alongside family-friendly options. Without careful navigation, a child browsing independently could stumble onto content that isn't appropriate for their age.
The good news is that there are several excellent free Roku apps specifically designed for kids, plus strategies for using general free streaming apps safely. This guide covers the best options for every age group.
For Toddlers and Preschoolers (Ages 2-5)
PBS Kids
PBS Kids is the gold standard for free preschool programming. The app provides free access to beloved educational shows including Sesame Street, Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood, Curious George, Wild Kratts, and many more. All content is commercial-free (PBS Kids shows no ads to children), age-appropriate, and designed with educational goals in mind. The interface is colorful and simple enough for young children to navigate with minimal adult help. This should be the first app installed on any Roku used by young children.
Tubi Kids
The dedicated Tubi Kids app provides a safe, curated streaming environment for young children. It features a large selection of family-friendly movies and shows in a kid-friendly interface, completely separated from Tubi's main library. The content includes classic animated films, educational shows, and family movies. The interface uses large, colorful thumbnails that are easy for young children to browse. Ad breaks are present but age-appropriate.
For Elementary-Age Children (Ages 6-12)
Pluto TV Kids Channels
Pluto TV includes several dedicated kids channels that run family-friendly programming 24/7. These include channels focused on cartoons, family movies, and educational content. The live channel format means children can tune in and watch whatever is currently airing, similar to traditional Saturday morning cartoons. Parents should note that Pluto TV's main interface includes adult content channels, so supervision is recommended when children are browsing.
YouTube Kids
The YouTube Kids app (separate from the main YouTube app) provides a curated, safer version of YouTube designed specifically for children. Parents can set content filters based on age (Preschool, Younger, Older) and enable a restricted mode that only shows content that has been manually reviewed and approved. The library is enormous — virtually every popular children's YouTube channel is available. Parents can also create custom profiles for each child with different content settings.
Tubi (with Parental Controls)
The main Tubi app includes a robust parental controls system that allows parents to set content rating limits and require a PIN to access mature content. With parental controls enabled, Tubi becomes a safe environment for older children to browse independently. The kids section within Tubi includes hundreds of family-friendly movies and shows that are clearly labeled and easy to find.
For Teenagers (Ages 13+)
Tubi
For teenagers, the full Tubi library (with appropriate parental controls if desired) is an excellent free streaming resource. The library includes popular movies and TV shows across all teen-appropriate genres, from action and adventure to comedy and drama. Teenagers can browse and watch independently, and the recommendation algorithm learns their preferences over time.
Peacock Free
Peacock's free tier includes a good selection of content appropriate for teenagers, including NBC shows, some sports content, and a selection of movies. The free tier is more limited than the paid version, but it provides access to popular shows that teenagers are likely to be interested in.
Parental Control Tips for Free Streaming Apps
Even with kid-focused apps, parental involvement is important. Here are some practical tips:
- Enable Roku's parental controls at the device level — this adds a PIN requirement for accessing apps rated above a certain level
- Set up a separate Roku profile for children if your Roku device supports multiple profiles
- Review the content of any app before letting children use it independently
- Check content ratings — all apps on this site clearly label content ratings so you know what to expect
- Use the kids-specific apps (PBS Kids, Tubi Kids, YouTube Kids) rather than the general versions when possible
- Watch together when introducing new apps or content to younger children
Content Rating Guide
When browsing free Roku apps, look for these content rating indicators:
- TV-Y, TV-Y7, G — Appropriate for all children
- TV-G, PG — General audiences, suitable for most children
- TV-PG, PG-13 — Parental guidance suggested, may not be suitable for young children
- TV-14, R — Not suitable for children under 14/17
- TV-MA, NC-17 — Mature audiences only
The free streaming landscape for kids is genuinely excellent in 2026. Between PBS Kids, Tubi Kids, YouTube Kids, and the kids sections of major free services, there's more quality free content for children than ever before. With the right apps and appropriate parental controls, Roku can be a safe and enriching entertainment platform for the whole family.