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PBS launched the first kids-only streaming stick, and it's adorable

No Wi-Fi requried.

Credit: PBS Kids
TJ Donegan
Written by TJ Donegan, who has covered electronics, TVs, smartphones, parenting for 10+ years.

Updated May 11, 2017

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While cord-cutting is changing the way that we watch TV, the never-ending parade of streaming options has been a real boon to parents. Netflix, YouTube, and HBO all have tons of family-friendly content available to stream, most of which are refreshingly ad-free.

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But accessing the family-friendly versions of those apps can be tricky, especially when streaming options are designed primarily with adults in mind. PBS Kids just turned that on its head with the new PBS Kids Plug & Play, the first kids-only streaming device. It features on-demand episodes of PBS Kids shows, comes pre-loaded with games and other content, and features a child-sized remote control that is simple and easy to use.

The PBS Kids Plug & Play streaming stick is shaped like a racecar and comes with its own simple remote.
Credit: PBS Kids

The PBS Kids Plug & Play streaming stick is shaped like a racecar and comes with its own simple remote.

The stick reportedly costs $49.99 and will debut exclusively at Walmart (where it's currently listed for $59.99), but it otherwise doesn't require any other subscriptions. You don't even need to sign in to anything once you've connected it to your Wi-Fi network; the interface automatically populates with a mix of built-in and streaming content from the PBS Kids service, which updates regularly.

While you can access PBS Kids on just about any other streaming device, the hook here is that you can simply set your child up and go, letting them control the experience without worrying whether they'll stumble onto the latest episode of Game of Thrones when you're not paying attention.

And the fact that the stick has so much built-in content already means you don't need to have an internet connection just to keep them entertained. Just plug the racecar-shaped stick into an HDMI port and you're good to go. That's perfect if you're visiting friends, family, or staying somewhere like a hotel.

The Plug & Play can be ordered from Walmart.com right now for $59.99—we've reached out to PBS about why the price is different on Walmart.com right now—but it will also be in stores later this month and will hit other retailers later this year, according to PBS.

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