PBS KIDS Preps Two New Specials for Summer

PBS KIDS and PBS LearningMedia are rolling out new activities, resources and content this summer, including new one-hour specials of Molly of Denali and Wild Kratts.

Molly of Denali: Molly and the Great One will see Molly learn about her Grandpa Nat’s dream to climb to the top of Denali in honor of the first person to do so. Inspired, Molly tries to persuade Grandpa and her dad to make the climb—and to let her join them. The special will air on June 7.

Wild Kratts: Cats and Dogs, which premieres on July 12, will follow Chris and Martin as they observe wild cats and dogs interacting with each other on the African savannah.

Both specials will also be available to stream on PBS KIDS digital platforms following their broadcast premiere.

“After a year unlike any other, we recognize that parents and kids are eager to celebrate the potential for learning and fun that each summer day brings,” said Lesli Rotenberg, chief programming executive and general manager of children’s media and education at PBS. “Through PBS’s wealth of flexible, grab-and-go resources, families can approach the upcoming summer months in any way they choose, chasing kids’ curiosities and seeking out new discoveries from the living room to the park, and beyond.”

Beginning June 4, the PBS Kids 24/7 channel will feature PBS KIDS Family Night every weekend for themed programming, including nature, space, family traditions, arts, friends and neighbors, water, animals, storytelling and routines. Each of these ten themes was selected to support key learning areas identified by educators and experts and curated to provide flexible play and learn opportunities. Supplemental resources and games will be sent weekly through the PBS KIDS for Parents newsletter.

Kids can also find curated game collections on pbskids.org and video playlists on the PBS KIDS Video app and the PBS KIDS YouTube channel. PBS KIDS Read-Alongs will continue this summer on PBS KIDS’ Facebook and YouTube.

Further, PBS LearningMedia provides updated collections, including Summer Camp collection (PreK-5); Summer Learning collection (Grades 6-12); Teacher Planning Kits (Grades PreK-12); and Self-Paced Professional Learning (Grades PreK-2).