As a dad of four kids, I’m always looking for shows that keep my younger kids entertained while still giving my older ones something meaningful to think about.
Women’s History Month is a perfect opportunity to introduce children to inspiring women and the qualities that helped them make a difference. PBS KIDS does a great job weaving these ideas into fun stories that never feel like a history lesson. With three daughters at home, I find this particularly important.
Throughout March, several PBS KIDS series are streaming free episodes that highlight strong female characters, historical trailblazers, and themes like fairness, curiosity, confidence, and leadership.
Editor’s Note: Because many PBS KIDS shows often have episodes with two feature stories, you will also find other stories not related to Women’s History Month, all of which are also worth watching with your child to teach them other important life lessons.
Here are some standout episodes families can watch together to spark conversations about equality, perseverance, and believing in your own potential.
Alma’s Way – Episode 207
Episode 207 – “Justice Sonia and Judge Alma / Justice Sonia and Umpire Alma”
In this episode of Alma’s Way, Alma becomes fascinated by the idea of fairness after learning about Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor. Inspired by the role of justice in interpreting the law, Alma imagines herself stepping into similar positions of responsibility. As she pretends to be both a judge and an umpire, Alma helps resolve disagreements among friends while learning that making fair decisions requires careful listening and thoughtful consideration of everyone’s point of view.
What “Justice Sonia and Judge Alma / Justice Sonia and Umpire Alma” Teaches Kids: This episode introduces young viewers to the concept of fairness and justice while celebrating Justice Sonia Sotomayor’s historic role on the U.S. Supreme Court. Kids learn that leadership often involves listening to different perspectives, thinking carefully about what is right, and making decisions that treat people fairly and respectfully.
Donkey Hodie – Episode 301
Episode 301 – “Rock and Roll Feelings Detectives / Speedy Delivery Helpers”
Donkey Hodie and her friends become “feelings detectives” when they notice someone in Someplace Else seems upset. The group sets out to understand what might be causing those emotions and how they can help. Later in the episode, the friends work together to complete an important delivery, discovering that teamwork and patience are sometimes necessary to solve everyday challenges.
What “Rock and Roll Feelings Detectives / Speedy Delivery Helpers” Teaches Kids: The episode focuses on emotional awareness and cooperation. By encouraging kids to recognize feelings in themselves and others, the story helps young viewers understand empathy while reinforcing that teamwork and communication are important tools when solving problems with friends.
Donkey Hodie – Episode 304
Episode 304 – “Art Class Adventure / Danda Ponkey Kindness Day”
Donkey looks forward to art class but begins to worry that her artwork might not be as good as everyone else’s. As the lesson unfolds, she learns that creativity is about expressing ideas rather than competing with others. In the second half of the episode, the community celebrates Danda Ponkey Kindness Day, where everyone looks for ways to help neighbors and friends through small but meaningful acts.
What “Art Class Adventure / Danda Ponkey Kindness Day” Teaches Kids: This episode encourages creativity and compassion by reminding kids that art is about personal expression, not perfection. It also reinforces the importance of kindness and how small, thoughtful actions can strengthen friendships and help build a supportive community.
Donkey Hodie – Episode 305
Episode 305 – “Duck Duck’s Broken Bookcase / Greeble the Treeble”
Duck Duck wants to repair her broken bookcase, but quickly becomes discouraged when a book she reads shows only boys using tools. Doubting whether she can fix it herself, she considers giving up. With encouragement from Donkey and her friends, Duck Duck decides to try anyway and discovers she can solve the problem with determination and a willingness to learn.
What “Duck Duck’s Broken Bookcase / Greeble the Treeble” Teaches Kids: The episode challenges outdated stereotypes by showing that girls can build, fix things, and solve technical problems just as well as anyone else. It encourages kids to believe in their abilities and reminds them that skills are developed through practice and confidence, not limited by gender expectations.
Donkey Hodie – Episode 138
Episode 138 – “Me, Myself, and Donkey / Fashion Donkey”
Donkey explores what it means to be herself while also trying new things. When she experiments with fashion and personal style, she wonders how to express her personality without worrying too much about what others might think. Through playful creativity and conversations with friends, Donkey learns that individuality is something worth celebrating.
What “Me, Myself, and Donkey / Fashion Donkey” Teaches Kids: The episode emphasizes self-confidence and individuality. Kids are encouraged to embrace what makes them unique while understanding that trying new forms of expression—whether through clothing, art, or hobbies—is a natural part of discovering who they are.
Molly Of Denali – Episode 306
Episode 306 – “Puppy Sitting / Big Dreams and Blue Skies”
Molly takes on the responsibility of puppy sitting, quickly discovering that caring for a young animal requires patience, attention, and problem-solving. As the day unfolds, Molly works through the challenges of caring for an energetic puppy while balancing her other activities and responsibilities around the village.
What “Puppy Sitting / Big Dreams and Blue Skies” Teaches Kids: This episode encourages responsibility and perseverance. Molly’s experience shows kids that taking care of others requires effort and planning, while also reminding them that dreaming big about their future is important and that learning new skills helps build confidence along the way.
Xavier Riddle And The Secret Museum – Episode 105
Episode 105 – “I Am Leonardo da Vinci / I Am Amelia Earhart”
Xavier, Yadina, and Brad travel back in time to meet Amelia Earhart when she is still discovering her love for flying. During their adventure, they see how Earhart’s curiosity and willingness to try something new eventually helped her become one of the most famous aviators in history.
What “I Am Amelia Earhart” Teaches Kids: The episode highlights curiosity and perseverance. Amelia Earhart’s story encourages kids to explore their interests, pursue their passions, and keep trying even when something seems difficult or unfamiliar.
Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum is a show that teaches many important history lessons with a focus on representation, which is why the rest of the shows on this list feature episodes from the education-focused series.
Xavier Riddle And The Secret Museum – Episode 109
Episode 109 – “I Am George Washington / I Am Susan B. Anthony”
The kids travel back in time to meet Susan B. Anthony, who is passionate about fairness and determined to help women gain the right to vote. Through their encounter, Xavier and his friends see how Anthony’s determination and willingness to speak up helped inspire a movement for equality.
What “I Am Susan B. Anthony” Teaches Kids: This episode introduces children to the idea of standing up for fairness and equality. Susan B. Anthony’s story shows kids that positive change often begins when people speak up about something they believe is wrong and work together to improve it.
Xavier Riddle And The Secret Museum – Episode 116
Episode 116 – “I Am Theodore Roosevelt / I Am Eleanor Roosevelt”
Xavier and his friends meet Eleanor Roosevelt, who shows deep concern for people facing difficult situations. As they learn more about her compassion and dedication to helping others, the kids begin to understand how empathy and advocacy can make a powerful difference in people’s lives.
What “I Am Eleanor Roosevelt” Teaches Kids: The episode highlights empathy and leadership. Eleanor Roosevelt’s story encourages kids to care about others, stand up for people who need support, and understand that leadership can come from compassion and a willingness to help.
Xavier Riddle And The Secret Museum – Episode 118
Episode 118 – “I Am Nikola Tesla / I Am Nellie Bly”
In this adventure, the kids meet journalist Nellie Bly, whose curiosity and courage push her to investigate stories that others overlook. Through their time-travel journey, they see how Bly’s determination to uncover the truth helped her become one of the most famous investigative reporters of her time.
What “I Am Nellie Bly” Teaches Kids: The episode encourages curiosity and bravery by showing how asking questions and seeking the truth can lead to meaningful discoveries. Kids learn that determination and careful observation can help uncover important stories.
Xavier Riddle And The Secret Museum – Episode 121
Episode 121 – “I Am Harriet Tubman”
The kids travel back in time to meet Harriet Tubman and learn about the courage she showed while helping enslaved people escape to freedom through the Underground Railroad. Through the journey, Xavier and his friends see firsthand how Tubman’s bravery and determination helped guide many people to safety.
What “I Am Harriet Tubman” Teaches Kids: This episode highlights courage, determination, and the importance of helping others. Harriet Tubman’s story shows children that one person’s bravery can make a powerful difference in the lives of many people.
Xavier Riddle And The Secret Museum – Episode 122
Episode 122 – “I Am Kate Warne / I Am Sir Arthur Conan Doyle”
The kids meet Kate Warne, the first female detective in the United States. During their adventure, they see how Warne uses observation and intelligence to solve mysteries while proving that women can succeed in careers traditionally dominated by men.
What “I Am Kate Warne” Teaches Kids: The episode promotes critical thinking and perseverance. Kate Warne’s story shows kids that intelligence, determination, and confidence can help break barriers and open doors in unexpected careers.
Xavier Riddle And The Secret Museum – Episode 128
Episode 128 – “I Am Billie Jean King / I Am Arthur Ashe”
Xavier and his friends travel back to meet tennis champion Billie Jean King as she works toward becoming a great athlete while advocating for equality in sports. Through their adventure, the kids see how King used her platform to push for fairness and equal opportunities.
What “I Am Billie Jean King” Teaches Kids: The episode teaches kids about fairness and standing up for equality. Billie Jean King’s story encourages children to use their voices to support equal opportunities and fairness in sports and beyond.
Xavier Riddle And The Secret Museum – Special Episode
Special – “I Am Madam President”
In this special episode, the kids imagine what it would be like to become president and explore the qualities needed to lead a country. Through their adventure, they discover that leadership requires responsibility, problem-solving, and a commitment to helping others.
What “I Am Madam President” Teaches Kids: The episode encourages kids—especially girls—to imagine themselves as leaders. It reinforces the idea that leadership is about responsibility, fairness, and helping others, while reminding kids that anyone can aspire to positions of influence.
Xavier Riddle And The Secret Museum – Episode 204
Episode 204 – “I Am Ruth Bader Ginsburg”
The kids travel back in time to meet Ruth Bader Ginsburg as she works hard to pursue a career in law despite obstacles and expectations that once limited women’s opportunities. Through their adventure, they see how persistence and dedication helped Ginsburg become a Supreme Court Justice.
What “I Am Ruth Bader Ginsburg” Teaches Kids: The episode highlights perseverance and the importance of standing up for fairness. Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s story shows kids that determination and belief in equality can help create lasting change in society.