Entertaining, educational, and kid-friendly podcasts for road trips, car trips, bedtime, downtime, and more. What I love the most? They’re screen-free and the whole family will enjoy them!
As parents, we have all been told to limitscreen time.But, seriously. There’s a compromise between outlawing screens and just having your kids read books all the time.
And that wonderful middle ground (or compromise, to some), is podcasts. Not only are they screen-free,butpodcastsare a great way for kids to explore new subjects and learn about something new!
What Are Podcasts?
Think of podcasts as going back to a simpler time (nevermind the technology being used to hear them). Back to the days of radio when families would enjoy programs together in the evenings.
Several years ago families started listening to audiobooks as a way to get kids to enjoy books and stories without reading them.
You could even think of podcasts as a shortened version of audiobooks. And with the hugevariety in podcasts, they can be powerful learning tools. Plus, they are generally short (10-20 mins per episode), so they are perfect to listen to while winding down for bed or in the car driving across town.
Why Listen to Podcasts with Kids?
To that, I must ask ‘why not listen to podcasts with kids‘?
Podcasts cover such a broad range of topics and interests that you are sure to find something for everyone. They are a great way to build on your child’s interests and expose them to different ideas and topics for unlimited learning opportunities.
Podcasts aren’t only learning tools though, because there are plenty of podcasts that tell stories, too. Your kids can use their imaginations when listening to the podcaster weave a fairy tale or ghost story. They are just super fun!
Podcasts are great because you get a new episode every week (or month, depending on the podcast) so it’s like following a series on tv – there is always a new episode.
I love podcasts because they understand that children are smart, capable, and deserving of quality entertainment. The world of podcasts brings diversity, inclusivity, education, and entertainment.
Exactly what I want for my kids!
We love listening together, and I always learn something new along with my kids.
How Can You Use Podcasts for Kids?
As we have increased our time in the car (longer commutes, more activities, road trips, etc), we have started looking for ways to entertain our kids and broaden their horizons without listening to questionable music lyrics in popular songs.
We use podcasts to help our kids relax before sleep, to encourage a quiet bedtime activity that won’t disturb their siblings, during family fun nights when we are playing games, on long road trips, or any time they have to wait for long periods and are not able to be active.
Teachers are even using them in the classroom!
How Do We Listen to Podcasts?
Simply search for and download an app onto any device that plays podcasts. Some great examples include:
- iTunes
- Spotify
- Google Podcasts
- Castro
- Pocket Casts
- Castbox
- Podcast Addict
- Podbean (what I use)
- Stitcher Radio for Podcasts
We’ve listened to quite a few different podcasts in the last few months so my kids and I have come up with a list of what they think are the best podcasts for kids. Check them out!
Tools Needed to Listen to Podcasts
- Headphones – I recommend the noise blocking-type of headphones for younger kids, while older kids may prefer the earbud-type of headphones.
- Tablet or another device that can connect to wi-fi and has the ability to have the apps to listen to podcasts. My kids have Kindle Fires, and I love them because they are way cheaper than iPads and have grown immensely in their capabilities.
The Best Podcasts for Kids and Families
Related Post:17 Laugh-Out-Loud Mom Podcast Options That Every Mom Needs
1. Story Pirates Podcast
This podcast is a group of world-class actors, comedians, improvisers and musicians who adapt stories written by kids into sketch comedy and musical theater.
You may even hear one of your favorite actors on the podcast. Funny and entertaining, you just may find yourself laughing right along with your kids! Listen here.
2. Short and Curly Podcast
A fun-filled ethics podcast for kids and their parents that asks those curious moral questions. Was Robin Hood right? How do you make the best kinds of friends? Would robot soldiers make armies better? Short & Curly covers it all.
Short and Curly is a fun podcast about ethics for kids that grownups will enjoy listening to as well. It has started many great thoughtful debates conversations between us and our kids. Listen here.
3. What if World Podcast
Could you imagine cats ruling the world? What if a tiny dragon lived in my closet? What if there were a never-ending bowl of ice cream? Enjoy listening to Mr. Eric take your questions and spin them to tell wacky stories! Move over, tv…What if World lets your imagination run wild! Listen here.
4. Eleanor Amplified Podcast
Eleanor Amplified is an adventure series for the whole family. Listen together as radio reporter Eleanor foils devious plots and outwits crafty villains, taking kids on adventures in pursuit of the big story.
Eleanor will spark laughter and conversation the whole family can enjoy while preparing kids to appreciate journalism and make smart media choices in the future.
Geared towards kids 8-12 years, the humor is top notch and the adventures are amazing.Listen here.
5. Smash Boom Best Podcast
From the makers of Brains On,Smash Boom Best is real science, real information, and real debating in a fun, entertaining and sometimes hilarious format.
Every episode takes two cool things, smashes them together and lets you decide which is best. Castles vs caves. Books vs movies. Great for teaching family members how to debate and defend their opinions!Listen here.
6. Circle Round Podcast
Geared towards kids 4-10 and their parents, this wholesome podcast features celebrities sharing folktales from around the world covering lessons on important topics like persistence, kindness, and generosity. The overall focus is inclusivity in these stories ranging from 10-20 minutes long.
The coloring sheets, musical instruments, and follow-up questions/activity are also really thoughtful ways to get the stories and lessons to stick. Listen here.
7. Sparkle Stories Podcast
There is such a wonderful variety of stories for a large range of ages and interests. A great podcast for the whole family to listen to together to start great conversations and spark inspiration for your own life. Listen here.
8. The Radio Adventures of Dr. Floyd
This podcast has been running for over 14 years, so there are a lot of Dr. Floyd adventures piled up to get you across those boring parts of Kansas (or Arizona). And each episode is only 5 minutes long!
This family-friendly twist on “old time radio” features the adventures and exploits of the World’s Most Brilliant Scientist, Dr. Floyd! Join Dr. Floyd as he tries to thwart the plans of his evil arch nemesis, Dr. Steve, all the while learning about the people and events that shaped the history of the Earth (like Annie Oakley’s gun or the Wright brother’s plane). So much fun!Listen here.
9. Cool Facts About Animals Podcast
Kids love animals, and learning super cool facts about animals is right up just about any kid’s alley…ever heard a kid start spouting off facts about animals at random times? No? Just me?
Hmmm, I’m ready to go learn about blue-ringed octopus, condors, little blue penguins and more! Listen here.
10. Wow in the World Podcast
Wow in the Worldhosts take listenersa journey into the wonders of the world (and space) around them.
This funny NPR kids podcast makes learning fun while covering a huge variety of science topics for curious kids. Want to learn why horses can’t wear flip flops? Or how to solve the problem of disposable water bottles? Want to know when we will be able to vacation in space? Or about the dinosaur that had dandruff? Listen here.
11. Kids Like You and Me Podcast
A unique and nurturing place to hear stories from children about how it feels to be excluded, mocked, and bullied because you’re different, in color or ability – or how it feels to be accepted despite those differences.
I love this NPR podcast! It covers diseases and syndromes both common and uncommon. Listening to this episodes helps my kids focus on 1) what they have in common with people who have these issues and 2) having compassion for their difficulties and a heart of service towards helping them.
Kids are curious – feed their curiosity with answers so they can focus on the important stuff rather than just staring at someone when we come across them in our lives. Listen here.
12. TED Talks: Kids and Family Podcast
This podcast is amazing! So many topics, so little time. There are episodes on why schools should start later for teens, DIY projects for kid engineers, why kids lie, glow in the dark sharks, female superheroes and so much more. Listen and learn crazy cool stuff.Listen here.
13. Stuff You Should Know Podcast
More stuff you should know. I’ve learned something new every time I’ve listened to this podcast. From what were human zoos, to was Atlantis a real place, to how yo-yos work.Your brain will be blown away by this podcast.
Not all episodes are appropriate for young ears, so you will have to filter to the episodes that are appropriate and your kids will enjoy. Consider skipping the one on how rape kids work.Listen here.
14. Pants on Fire Podcast
In today’s times, kids need to learn to be able to tell what’s true from what’s false. And what better way to do that than a game show that puts kids in the driver’s seat and adults in the hot seat?
Each week, a kid interviews two expertsin a particular topic, one of which is a real, genuine expert; the other is a liar. Hilarious and short (most episodes under 15 minutes – perfect!), the show teaches kids toask thoughtful questions, examine the evidence presented to them, and trust their guts. I’m off to listen to the next episode! Listen here.
15. Brains On! Podcast
How do you cook for an alien? Where do our poop and pee go? How do spiders and ants walk on walls? Do dogs know they are dogs?Kids get to submit questions for the hosts to explore on this American Public Media podcast. So many questions…so many answers!
It’s aimed at kids, but let’s face it, this these gems would smarten up plenty of adults too. Listen here.
16. Stories Podcast
On the Stories Podcast, the hosts perform a new story for your children every week. There is something for everyone, as the stories range from retellings of fairy tales to classic stories and even completely original stories.
Made specifically for busy families, these fun, fictional stories are perfect for car rides as well as bedtime stories. The episodes are so good, you can use them to entertain your kiddos while also limiting screen time! G-rated entertainment that kids, as well as parents, will love.Listen here.
17. The Alien Adventures of Finn Caspian Podcast
The Alien Adventures of Finn Caspian is a running sci-fi story for kids about Finn Caspian, an 8-year-old boy aboard The Famous Marlowe 280 Interplanetary Exploratory Space Station. He and his friends explore uncharted planets, help the occasional alien, and solve a mystery.
Start with Episode 1 and follow the story from the beginning. Each episode is 15-20 minutes long, making them perfect to list to on the way across town or marathon through them on road trips. You can even use it as a bedtime story!Listen here.
18. Tumbles Science Podcast for Families
Exploring stories of science discovery. The hosts conduct interviews with real scientists. Who would win: a hamster or bacteria? What would Earth be like if Volcanoes didn’t exist? What would happen if there was no moon? Dinosaur poop. How to build a robotic eel. How we learn language. Excuse me, I’m just going to go download this one now. Listen here.
19. Storynory Podcast
Fiction at its finest. From classic fairytales to modern-day stories with a sprinkling of history,Storynoryhas something for everyone. The podcast brings the stories to us from all over the world and each episode is short and sweet to match the attention spans of even the littlest ones. Go get lost in a story.Listen here.
20. Dream Big Podcast
The Dream Big Podcast is a family-friendly podcast inspiring kids (and adults!) to pursue their passions in life and take action to make their dreams a reality.
9-year-old Eva Karpman and her mom interview celebs, award winners, and experts in a range of fields each week who do what they love and live their dreams each and every day. Relatable and fun, this podcast is perfect for kids and parents to listen to together.
The short 15-20 minute format is the perfect length to listen to an episode in the car with your kids. Listen here.
21. The Past & The Curious Podcast
One of the best history podcasts for kids! It’s crazy good. So well done that kids, parents, and teachers all love it. Learn about and historical events and figures through exciting and interesting stories.
The perfect blend of fun, humor, and education, The Past & The Curious will have your kids falling in love with history. Learn about spies, President Roosevelt, the Statue of Liberty, shipwrecks and so much more! Listen here.
22. But Why Podcast for kids
It’s a big interesting world out there. NPR podcast But Why, tackle topics posed by kids. No topic is too big or too small. You will find episodes about nature, words, even the end of the world.
Learn about why days start at 12 o’clock, giraffes’ purple tongues, whether skunks like their own smell, why fire is orange, why people get cancer and so much more. It’s really the perfect podcast for curious kids (like my son)! Listen here.
23. Peace Out Podcast for Kids
Peace Out releases short stories that help children calm down and relax by guiding them through visualization and breathing exercises. Their episodes are perfect for parents or teachers who want to teach mindfulness and self-regulation. Great for both children and adults alike. Listen here.
24. Little Stories for Tiny People Podcast
Little Stories for Tiny People is a children’s podcast featuring original audio stories that will delight the tiny people in your life. Perfect for bleary-eyed parents, innovative teachers, and at-wits’-end babysitters looking for an alternative and non-annoying way to engage the toddlers and young kids they love at bedtime or any time! Each story is lovingly written and performed with attention to the whimsical senses of humor children often possess. Listen here.
25. Ear Snacks
Ear Snacks is a musical podcast for kids about the world. Andrew & Polly and their friends combine informational teaching with an infectious soundtrack. It’s learning at its best with this fun-filled family-friendly podcast that parents enjoy and younger kids eat right up. Listen here.
26. The Unexplainable Disappearance of Mars Patel
The Unexplainable Disappearance of Mars Patel is a high-quality serial mystery story for 8-12 year olds, and performed by actual kids.
Listen along as eleven-year-old Mars Patel and his pals JP, Toothpick, and Caddie set out on an audacious adventure in search of two missing friends. The mysterious tech billionaire Oliver Pruitt might have a thing-or-two to say about their quest. Listen here.
27. Book Club for Kids Podcast
This podcast is what it sounds like. But unlike the classic bookclub, this club doesn’t make your kids read stuffy old classics.The show includes a celebrity reading from the book. Plus, the author joins us to answer your questions.
Instead, it’s meant for kids who can comfortably read chapter books ranging fromJames and the Giant Peachto YA novels likeBeautiful Creatures.Book Club for Kidsdoes release episodes regularly, but your kids can choose which episodes appeal to them most. Maybe they don’t want to read one book but do want to read another.
This will empower them to discuss the books they’re reading and learn to enjoy reading outside of the classroom.Listen here.
28. Saturday Morning Theater Podcast
Fashioned in the vein of old-time radio broadcasts, the series gives listeners short imaginative, adventures featuring superhero tales, westerns, comedy, and mysteries. Their catalog runs back to 2013. Whew! That’s a lot of Saturdays! Listen here.
This list of podcasts will get you well on your way to finding your favorites, but remember that there are tons more out there. Which one will you start listening to first?
Whether you are looking for something your kids can do in the car, on road trips, instead of tv, or to encourage learning, podcasts have you covered. Expand your imaginations together and explore the world of podcasts for families!
