Listen up, kids! There is a world of entertainment out there. No need to be glued to the screen.
This is what we call podcasts, and just like in the world of books, there is a wide range of audio programming available, from fictional stories to STEM programs to keep kids occupied, transported to dreamland, and fun to listen to. Includes trivia series and more designed to.
Sure, kids (or their parents) might use their phone or table to start their favorite podcast, but once they press play, all they have to do is lower the screen, turn up the volume, and listen to a new world. That's all.
Here are 20 podcasts perfect for kids, from bedtime scents and road trip distractions to fun everyday music and immersive brain teasers.
“Wow in the World”
In this long-running podcast, hosts Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz provide curious kids with an in-depth look at STEM-related topics with engaging and entertaining stories. Why can't robots use whips? What is a mummy bee? What would a reality show about the mating habits of turkeys look like? All of the above have been explored in over 700 “Wow in the World'' episodes. Check back Mondays for new episodes packed with science fun for kindergarten through sixth graders.
Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, tinkercast.com
“Story Pirates”
Not just “Story Pirates” for The kids.Sketch comedy podcasts are a source of inspiration from Children too. Young listeners write stories for the show, and comedians, songwriters, and various performers (including celebrity guests like Emily Deschanel, Cecily Strong, and Sara Bareilles) turn them into knee-slapping skits. They even take the time to talk to the young writers behind the bits.
Listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify
“Who was smart?”
As the name suggests, Who's Smart? is an educational podcast that doesn't take itself too seriously. In fact, its description reads, “The funniest educational show kids love, parents love, and teachers use in their classrooms.” With four new episodes each week (approximately 4 to 20 minutes each), the pod provides plenty of fresh content for kids who want to combine learning with laughter.
Listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify
“Big Five”
“The Big Five” takes kids deep into a variety of topics to help them navigate a world where fiction is often presented as truth, but there are pitfalls. A game of wits, each episode interviews two of her experts, but only one is the real one. The other cannot be trusted. And it's up to a little investigator to figure it out.
Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and gzmshows.com
“Tumble”
Science journalist Lindsay Patterson and educator Marshall Escamilla take kids on a journey of STEM exploration. You'll definitely stay the course long after listening to the pods. Each entertaining and informative episode helps kids understand the science behind specific situations through expert consultation and easy-to-understand evidence.
Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and sciencepodcastforkids.com.
“Circle Round”
WBUR's “Circle Round” podcast is aimed at children “ages 3 to 103” and features carefully selected folk tales from around the world, broadcast as radio plays packed with important messages. Episodes are typically less than 30 minutes long, offer life lessons about virtues like kindness and generosity, and include starters for parents to continue the conversation after the show ends.
Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wbur.org
“Brains On!”
American Public Media's Brains On! Another fun, science-focused podcast that gives kids (and the adults who listen along) answers to questions about how the world works. Molly Bloom is joined by a different young co-host each week, and together they learn about things like why feet smell and where lightning comes from.
Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, brainson.org
'but why'
How do birds fly? Why are pandas white and black? How is cheese made? Why are there left-handed people? Why aren't babies little adults? What is eel? That means kids have a lot of questions, which is why Vermont Public's podcast “But Why” aims to give little listeners the big scoop. Each episode tackles children's questions, ranging from the mundane to the existential.
Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, vermontpublic.org
“Smash Boom Best”
The studio group that produced American Public Media's “Brains On” also produces “Smash Boom Best,” a debate show that pits two things against each other to determine a winner. Smash-ups include Scooby-Doo vs. Snoopy, Cereal vs. Toast, and Capybara vs. Komodo Dragon. Professional debaters resolve seemingly subjective competitions with objective information. The facts alone are fun.
Listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify
“Past and Curiosity”
Since 2016, host and podcast creator Mick Sullivan has proven that “history can be amazing, inspiring and meaningful for everyone, especially children.” Ta. He does this by telling historical stories, often filled with well-polished songs, that make the past as interesting and entertaining to listeners as the present world.
Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and thepastandthecurious.com
“What if world”
The premise of “What If World” is simple. Children ponder fantastical “what if” situations, and storyteller Eric turns their musings into stories. The result is an imaginative, funny-bone-tickling series that doesn't turn ashes and cats into astronauts, but turns mythical phoenixes into tacos.
Listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify
“spooky”
This is not for children who are easily frightened or prone to nightmares. “Unspookable” is aimed at his audience ages 8 and up and features spooky urban legends, chilling myths, and classic scary stories. As you explore Krampus, ghosts, Bloody She Mary, the Boogeyman and more, host Elise She Parisian offers a helpful twist on spooky information. Adults will appreciate this just as much as children.
Listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify
“Super Great Kids Story”
Sometimes funny, sometimes touching, “Super Great Kids Stories” presents a storyteller's yarn that will keep listeners ages 5 and up hooked. Quick and entertaining episodes, typically around 10 to 25 minutes long, are the perfect length to keep kids from getting bored while waiting for the action.
Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube
“Girls Tales”
“Girl Tales” features uninteresting fairy tales about princesses waiting for a brave knight to save them. The heroines of these stories have unique courage to face and overcome the challenges that lie ahead. This series is recommended for ages 5 to 10, with new girl power episodes added every Monday.
Listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify
“Short & Curly”
It's never too early to start tackling life's ethical challenges. On “Short & Curly,” hosts Carl Smith and Molly Daniels join ethical philosopher Matt Beard to do just that. An Australian pod ponders “twisted questions” such as whether it's good to colonize another planet or whether music lovers should listen to good songs made by bad people. This subtle gem will get kids thinking.
Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and abc.net.au
“Little stories for little people”
Parents can now play pinch hitter with the bedtime story game “Little Stories for Little People.'' Told in soothing voices, this story focuses on brave and kind characters and transports children to dreamland. With nearly 150 episodes, there's no shortage of naptime material.
Listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify
“Story Podcast”
Another source of G-rated stories for tired youngsters and woke kids is Starglow Media's Story Podcast. From original content to popular classics like “Snow White,” you'll find a variety of stories for families. New episodes drop weekly.
Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, storypodcast.com
“Ear Snack”
Andrew Barkan and Polly Hall, also known as Andrew & Polly, are a Grammy-nominated children's music duo that shines a spotlight on art, science and culture with “Ear Snacks.” Experts and well-crafted catchy songs make learning fun in each episode.
Listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify
“A story that will help you sleep well”
Sleep Tight Stories is another podcast created to appeal to kids of all ages. The stories, typically less than 20 minutes long, offer simple yet complete fables to fill children's minds as they arrive at their bedside, adding what the program calls “a little bit of euphoria” to children's bedtime routines. do.
Listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify
“Fact Detective”
Kids never seem to get tired of trivia, and the “fact detectives” never get tired of telling us new facts about all sorts of things. Australia's Museum Victoria has teamed up with Kinderling Kids Radio to create this pod that features interesting information about the world around us.
Listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify
