Banner Image
Section Branding
Header Content
Let's Explore America With PBS KIDS Across America
Primary Content
This summer, PBS KIDS invites kids and families to come along on an unforgettable cross-country road trip with the PBS KIDS Across America initiative. From May through July 2026 and beyond, PBS KIDS will showcase amazing places and real kids throughout the 50 states and U.S. territories, as well as some of the American figures who have had an impact on the nation’s history. Leading the way on May 1 is "Wowsabout", a new special from The Jim Henson Company, followed by the launch of "America's Awesome Kids", a series of live-action shorts from GBH KIDS on May 22.
June will bring "City Island: USA!", a miniseries of shorts from the producers of "City Island". Subsequently, stacked episodes of "Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum" will make up four specials "Xavier Riddle Celebrates American Heroes".
“We’re excited to embark on this fun and learning-filled adventure with kids and families across the U.S., its territories, and beyond,” said Sara DeWitt, Senior Vice President and General Manager, PBS KIDS and Education. “PBS KIDS is uniquely positioned to share content that reflects the lives of our young audience, while also introducing them to the wide array of places and stories from across our country.”
Premiering May 1, The Jim Henson Company’s "Wowsabout" is a family-friendly adventure set in Sequoia National Park. The vibrant half-hour special, featuring live-action puppets shot on location, follows Roxy, an artistic and musical hedgehog, and Ronald, a fastidious, city-raised pig, as they explore the emotion of awe on their first camping trip together. Roxy’s free-spirited creativity and Ronald’s structured love of natural sciences set the stage for lots of humor, heartfelt moments, and of course music, as the duo learns to navigate friendship and discover the natural wonders of America, meeting real kids along the way.
On May 22, "America's Awesome Kids" premieres. The series of 25 mini-docs showcases kids from coast-to-coast, sharing what is special about where they live, their hobbies and passions, and how they are making a positive impact in their communities. Each featured kid highlights a range of interests, activities, and experiences that celebrate what is awesome about America. Viewers will visit Mahry from Iowa, who takes care of llamas on her family’s farm and introduces viewers to their community event called Llamaween; they’ll meet Sahana from Georgia, who shares her love of Georgia peaches, Bollywood dancing, and helps organize a park clean up; and they’ll learn about Cajun culture from Jacob of Louisiana and join him on a holiday-themed swamp tour with Papa Noel, and so much more, showing us “all kinds of awesome kids, one awesome country.”
On June 12, PBS KIDS brings young viewers on an unforgettable cross-country adventure with "City Island: USA!", a dynamic new miniseries of six 2-minute shorts with real live-action locations across the country. The series follows Watt, the little lightbulb with big ideas, and his breezy best friend, Windy the kite, as they soar from City Island into real-life America. Guided by their teacher Mr. Rubric, the trio visits landmarks in each of the five U.S. regions. In true "City Island" fashion, the landmarks speak for themselves, sharing first-hand accounts of their history and special contributions to the United States.
Launching June 22, "Xavier Riddle Celebrates American Heroes", is a series of four hour-long packaged specials from "Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum" that celebrate ordinary American kids throughout history who went on to do extraordinary things. Episode compilations spotlight numerous American heroes such as Julia Child, Mark Twain, Jackie Robinson, Billie Jean King, The Wright Brothers, and more. The themed specials center on leaders, athletes, artists, and innovators.
Rounding out the initiative are additional content premieres, including “Happy Birthday Qyah,” a special two-part "Molly of Denali" episode on June 15; and an "Alma's Way" short celebrating America’s 250th birthday on July 2.
PBS KIDS will also curate compilations of videos and games from fan-favorite series that support civics and broader social studies learning. Watch for compilations of "Arthur", "Cyberchase", "Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood", "Donkey Hodie", "Sesame Street", and more! A "Wild Kratts" collection will feature animals seen across America such as bald eagles, bison, beavers, wolves, rattlesnakes, and much more.
Watch PBS KIDS Across America specials on GPB and PBS KIDS!
Are you are preparing for a real life trip with kids? Check out these tips from PBS KIDS to make the journey enjoyable and stress-free.
Secondary Content
Author
Bottom Content
