The clearest answer is the PBS KIDS Video app, which lets you download select shows for offline viewing at no cost, with no subscription and no login. For a much larger archive of classic and public-domain cartoons, the Internet Archive offers direct file downloads that work on any device, though you will need to check each item's page for the download button.
PBS KIDS Video: The Best App for Offline Viewing
If you want a dedicated app that handles downloads for you, this is the one. The PBS KIDS Video app is free, requires no account, and works entirely within the United States. You can browse shows like Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood or Wild Kratts, and for a selection of those shows, you will see a download icon. Tap it, and the episode saves to your device for offline watching.
The catch is that not every episode is downloadable, only "select shows" are marked. Also, the app checks your location, so it will not work if you are outside the U.S. or using a foreign app store. The downloads are locked inside the app itself; you cannot move the video files to a USB drive or play them in another player. That is fine for a tablet on a long car ride, but it means you are stuck with the app's interface.
Who it suits: parents with young kids (ages 2-8) who want a simple, reliable, and totally free way to keep children entertained offline. It is not for older kids who want a broad catalog or for anyone outside the U.S.
Internet Archive: The Big Free Library of Public-Domain Cartoons
For a much wider selection of classic cartoons, archive.org is the place. It hosts thousands of films and TV episodes that are in the public domain or have been cleared for free distribution. You will find collections labeled "Public Domain," "Public Domain Mark 1.0," or simply "Public Domain stuff." These include old Popeye cartoons, early Disney (pre-1927), Betty Boop, and many one-off theatrical shorts.
Unlike the PBS app, these are actual video files. On each item's page, you will see a "Download" section with options like MP4 or Ogg. You can save those files to a phone, tablet, or computer, and play them in any video player. No account is needed to download from these specific pages, and there is no geo-restriction mentioned on the item pages themselves, so it works worldwide, as far as the pages show.
The trade-off is that you are getting old material. The video quality is often from VHS or 16mm film, and the sound may be scratchy. Also, the Internet Archive's search is clunky, so you need to know what you are looking for. Searching "public domain cartoons" is a good start, but you will wade through a lot of junk before finding a gem.
Who it suits: parents who want a huge, free, and legal library of vintage cartoons, and who are comfortable downloading files and managing them on their own devices. It is also great for homeschoolers or anyone studying animation history.
What "Download" Really Means (And Why It Matters)
Here is the thing most people get wrong: "download" does not always mean you own the file. In apps like PBS KIDS Video, the download is a cache. It is encrypted and tied to your account (even if you do not have a login, the app itself is the key). You cannot copy it, share it, or play it outside the app. It is more like a "save for later" button than a true download.
On the Internet Archive, "download" means what you expect: you get a real file (usually MP4) that you can copy, back up, or convert. That is the difference between "streaming with offline access" and "owning a copy." For most parents, the PBS app is enough. But if you want to build a permanent collection that works on any device, the Archive is the better bet.
Another thing to check: does the service require an account? PBS KIDS Video does not. The Internet Archive does not require one for downloading from the specific public-domain pages mentioned here, though it may ask for one if you want to upload or review items. Always look for the "Download" button on the right side of an Archive item page, if you do not see it, the item may be streaming-only.
What to Check Before You Commit
Before you spend an hour setting up a new app or downloading a dozen files, ask yourself three questions.
Is it legal where I am? PBS KIDS Video is U.S.-only. If you are in Canada, the UK, or anywhere else, the app will not work. The Internet Archive's public-domain items are legal everywhere, but the specific collection you pick might have regional restrictions that are not obvious. When in doubt, stick to items labeled "Public Domain Mark 1.0", that is the most permissive license.
Does my device have enough storage? A 30-minute PBS episode might be 200-400 MB. A full-length public-domain movie could be 1-2 GB. If you are downloading for a long flight, check your free space first. The PBS app lets you manage downloads in its settings, but the Archive does not have a built-in manager, you will need to use your phone's file manager.
Is the content actually good? Not all public-domain cartoons are worth your time. Some are historically interesting but boring for kids. Read the comments on the Archive item page, other parents often note which ones are watchable. For PBS, the quality is consistent, but the selection is limited to a rotating set of shows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I download PBS KIDS videos to a computer?
No. The PBS KIDS Video app is for phones and tablets only. There is no desktop version, and the downloads are locked inside the app. If you want to watch on a laptop, you will need to stream it online or use the Internet Archive instead.
Do I need to create an account to download from the Internet Archive?
No, not for the public-domain items. You can click the download button and save the file directly. Some collections might ask for an account if they are part of a special project, but the standard public-domain cartoons do not require one.
Are the Internet Archive downloads safe for my device?
Yes, as long as you download MP4 or Ogg files. Avoid the "Torrent" or "ZIP" options unless you know what you are doing. Stick to the direct MP4 links and you are fine.
What if I am outside the U.S. and want PBS KIDS?
You cannot use the app. Your best bet is the Internet Archive for public-domain cartoons, or you can check if your local public broadcaster has a similar free app. The BBC in the UK, for example, has its own iPlayer, but that is a different service with its own rules.
Can I put Internet Archive videos on a DVD for my kids?
Yes, if the item is marked "Public Domain Mark 1.0," you can do whatever you want with it, including burning it to a disc. Just check the license on the specific item page first, some items are "Public Domain" but have restrictions on commercial use.
More on kids
This is one of the guides in Where to Watch Free Kids Shows and Videos Online. The others:
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