Keeping children off screens is a challenge. We do not follow a zero screen policy but as much as we can, we try to limit it. That said, it is not easy to limit screen time especially on weekends or vacations. That’s where Podcasts for kids are of a great help!
Podcasts for kids are engaging, entertaining, educating and of course, screen-free!
Podcasts are digital audio files that you can download or just listen on an online platform. Think of them as an audio series delivering one episode every week.
Table of Contents:
Best Podcasts for Kids
These podcasts are undoubtedly the best in the category. They will not just hook your kids but also inspire them, nudge their creative side and help them explore beyond their horizons. All this while providing serious wholesome entertainment!
Sure to delight children, these Best Podcasts for Kids are perfect for quiet time, relaxing or just about anytime! Sue to inspire, we best adults too will enjoy listening to these awesome podcasts for kids.
1. Dream Big
Let your kids soak up some real-life inspiration as hosts Eva Karpman (currently 7-years-old in 2nd grade) and mom Olga Karpman interview world-class performers and achievers like Tim Ferris, Taylor Swift, Neil DeGrasse Tyson, Oprah and many more in a similar league.
Its short 20 minutes format works well for young listeners to inspire them to follow their dreams and work hard.
Besides, it gives children real role models to follow from varied fields spanning from arts, entrepreneurship, sports and science.
Related: Also check out Biographies for Kids to add inspiration stories to their reading routine.
2. Five Minutes With Dad
What could be sweeter than listening to heart-warming, day to day conservations of a dad and his two kids? This is what this audio show is about – genuine conversations!
The brainchild of a 4-year-old boy named Palvos, Five Minutes with Dad is great for seizing those small teachable moments throughout the day and learning about kindness, love, courage and compassion.
3. Saturday Morning Theatre
Welcome the old world charm of radio broadcasts with this audio show that takes its young listeners to short, exciting adventurous tales. A sure shot delight for the entire family, this is a must listen to podcast.
Related: Club these podcasts with Hands-on Preschool Activities that are easy to set-up and will keep your tiny tots happily learning.
4. Fierce Girls
This Australian audio show showcases inspiring Australian girls who have made their mark and rubbished gender stereotypes.
From spies to aviators – your kids will listen to inspiring stories for adventurous women and get inspired in turn to believe in the power of their dreams.
Related: Explore books for kids that challenge gender norms.
5. Book Club for Kids
Book Club for Kids is hosted by award-winning public radio journalist Kitty Felde and is the winner of Literacy in Media Award.
A great podcast for tweens and teens, it offers a platform for discussing young adult books much like a book club.
But unlike the usual book clubs, it does not make its members read boring old classics but rather encourages interesting YA books.
6. Warrior Kid
Certainly, one of the best podcasts to teach young kids about discipline and leadership, Warrior Kid is hosted by decorated Navy SEAL Jocko Willink.
Based on a question-answer format, this audio show guides its listeners through various challenges kids face. Definitely, a podcast parents will be glad their kids are listening to!
Podcasts For Kindergarteners
Especially designed for young listeners, these podcasts for kindergarteners offer screen-free entertainment and are a clever way to polish your kiddo’s listening skills.
These kid-friendly podcasts will get your kids hooked right from the beginning and have them listening to the same episodes over and over again! They are your perfect companion for a long road trip and an easy way to keep kids happy while traveling.
7. Disney Story Central
You cannot go wrong with Disney and Pixar stories. They are simply great at keeping children happy.
Instead of having your child watch over the same movie again, put on a podcast and let them enjoy their favourite Disney stories read aloud along with lovely music!
What could be better than that!
8. Story Pirates
Looking for silly stories podcasts for kindergarteners? Search no further, Story Pirates is just for you.
It brings world-class actors, comedians, improvisers and musicians who then turn an original story written by kids into a funny, comedy podcast for kids.
Their renditions are silly and humorous that is certain to keep children engaged and laughing out loud.
Story Pirates is a suitable Podcast for 3 year olds and above.
Related: Make sure to add some Interesting and Fun Indoor Activities to your child’s routine along with these exciting podcasts.
9. Stories Podcast
Another great podcast for younger children, Stories Podcast feature classical stories, fairy tales, popular myths, folk tales as well as original stories to capture the attention of young minds.
It comes with a new story every week from varied genres and styles. The stories can be one-off episodes or a long-running series. Depending on the age and interest of your child, you can pick the story you wish to listen to.
Most of the stories fall within 20 minutes time range and are perfect to keep little ones engaged on a dull road trip.
10. Peace Out
Peace out offers mindful brain breaks for kids through visualization and breathing exercises.
Aimed at calming and relaxing children, the audio show is a good way to bring mindfulness to your child’s routine. Works well as a bedtime routine to calm down little minds.
11. Little Stories for Tiny People
This podcast for kindergarten is perfect for bedtime when your kid begs you for another story and you are too tired from the day yet don’t have the heart to say no.
Stories are categorised by theme, making it easier to search for that perfect original story for your children.
12. Story Time
Story Time is a wonderful podcast for bedtime stories. The stories are just long enough to nudge your kids to sleep and are read in a soothing, calming voice by the host Rob Griffiths.
Each episode brings in a new original story that little kids will enjoy. Updated fortnightly, Story Time is one of the most friendly podcasts for little kids.
13. The World Of Buddy Pegs
These free audio stories are excellent for kids and families who share the love of bicycling.
It features original stories that start at the local bike shop Buddy Pegs, which is run by two dogs who are passionate about cycling and want every animal character to enjoy and explore the power of bicycling.
14. Be Calm on Ahway Island
This audio show features original stories to relax and unwind kids before nap time or any other time during the day.
Its stories and meditations touch upon the significance of kindness, compassion inclusion, empathy, emotional intelligence, self-regulation, mindfulness and many other life virtues without sounding preachy.
Story Podcasts For Kids
If you have run out of stories to narrate to your kids or are simply too tired for yet another story, we suggest trying Story podcasts for Kids.
These podcasts bring the story alive with their beautiful narration and are certain to keep your kids mindfully busy when they are in no mood to read to themselves.
Griping and captivating, these podcasts are a must try!
15. Storynory
Storynory has been entertaining children and families since November 2005 and is certainly one of the best story podcasts for kids.
Storynory features a wide range of free content ranging from original works, classical stories, folklore, education to poems & music to enchant its listeners.
There is a story for each one of us here.
Related: Help your kids master typing skills and ace the keyboard with Fun Typing Games for Kids.
16. Sparkle Stories
Fun, simple stories to listen to and enjoy while munching on popcorn, Sparkle Stories feature original content for children that imparts values of respect, empathy and kindness.
You can choose a story based on your child’s age or filter the podcast according to a topic, length of stories and one-off episodes or ongoing series to match your child’s interest.
Further, you can pair the stories with recipes, crafts and games for a family that the app offers for a complete family engagement and experience.
This is a fun podcast for 3 year olds and above.
Related: Looking for stories that teach valuable life lessons? Check out Short Moral Stories for Kids to sneak in values and ethics the fun way.
17. Radio Adventures of Dr Floyd
The Radio Adventures of Dr. Floyd is the longest-running (10 years!), professionally produced audio drama podcast for kids.
Similar to radio shows you must have heard while growing up, this is one of the kid-friendly podcasts that takes its young listeners on the exploits of the World’s Most Brilliant Scientist – Dr Floyd.
The episodes are 5 mins long and are just perfect for entertaining children on a long road trip. Its a fun story podcast for 5 year olds and above. Available on iTunes.
18. Cramazingly Incredifun Sugarcrash Kids
Let your child’s imagination stretch as they listen to interviews of fictional characters, pirates, robots and even real kids.
This wonderful podcast blends captivating story-telling with elements of science seamlessly to make it hit with children as well as grown-ups.
It even features a catchy new Sugarcrash Kids song each time that you will surely find your little ones humming to.
Suitable podcast for 5 year olds and above.
19. The Unexplainable Disappearance of Mars Patel
Got a mystery lover at home? We bet your budding Elona Holmes (or Sherlock Holmes) will absolutely love this mystery podcast performed by real kids.
This audio show is about an 11-year-old searching for his missing friends is packed with intrigue and is gripping enough to leave its audience wanting for more. Perfect for little detectives in the making.
20. Story Seeds
This is the best podcast for kids who have a creative flair for writing and are wanna-be authors. Each episode features a well-known children’s author and a kid who collaborate to make their very own story.
A brilliant way to teach budding authors the tenets of story writing and inspire creativity.
21. The Alien Adventures of Finn Caspien
This is an interesting serialised science fiction podcast that will take your kids on a space adventure. It is a story about an 8-year-old boy Finn Caspien and his friends exploring the depths of space and on their way helping aliens and solving mysteries.
Timed between 15-20 minutes, the episodes are just long enough to build the suspense and keep listeners hooked. Great for long road trips.
22. Flyest Fables
This serialised podcast takes its listeners on a magical journey to a world where they can find the strength to overcome any challenge they face.
It brings to life hopepunk fables of the 21st century in child-friendly, sensitive manner. Suitable for tweens and teens.
23. Live From Mount Olympus
This story podcast for kids is perfect for children who love Greek Mythology and are Percy Jackson fans. The show sticks to Greek stories and follows the adventures of young Perseus, who is on a quest to save his mother from an evil king.
Educational Podcasts For Kids
There is a lot more to podcasts than just stories. These educational podcasts for kids mean serious business and are highly entertaining.
From dinosaurus to current affairs, there is a wide range these podcasts cover to bring fun to learning. Great for curious minds who are always buzzing with questions, these educational and fun podcasts are a great resource for teachers and the classroom.
24. FunKids
This one offers a variety of choices and interest areas to pick from…Science, Stories, News, Cooking, Engineering, History, Languages and much more!
Just find the one that intrigues your child and you are all set for wholesome, educational, screen-free fun. One of the best podcasts for kids, it can be enjoyed with the whole family.
Educational podcast for 5 year olds and above.
Related: Also indulge in these Fun, Free Field Trips for Kids to travel far and wide from the comfort of your home.
25. Wow In The World
Wow In the World is one of the most loved science educational podcasts for kids (and parents!). Basically, every question your child has asked about STEM can be found here! Browse topics by grade, standard or interest for a complete learning experience.
Produced by the leaders in radio and audio series – NPR, you can expect nothing but the best here. WOW in The World is an educational show for kids that makes learning truly fun and entertaining.
Related: Check out Outdoor STEM Activities for Kids for hands-on learning.
26. Stuff You Missed in History Class
As the name suggests, this show picks about various topics from history from the haunted Disney mansion to the first candy cane!
The episodes are on the longer side – 20 mins plus owing to the discussion at hand and thus suitable podcasts for 8 year olds and above.
We bet both you and your kid will learn loads from this kid-friendly history podcast.
27. Brains On!
Here is an award-winning kid podcast that answers kid-submitted science questions with the help of experts.
A perfect way to entertain your curious child who loves science, this one is packed with fun facts that your child (and you!) will love!
What’s exciting is the fact that the show is co-hosted by a new kid every week along with Molly Bloom to answer intriguing everyday questions.
Educational podcast for 6 year olds and above!
28. The Past & The Curious
This history podcast for kids makes learning history really interesting and far from boring. The Past and The Curious features captivating, little-known stories from history featuring spies, early inventions and much more.
Each episode is spiked with professional music to make the show entertaining and fun. What’s more, it even has a fun quiz segment to keep children (and adults) hooked.
29. Tumble
Tumble is a science podcast that aims at building and nurturing the love for everything science. Creative storytelling meets science in this kid-friendly podcast that truly and sincerely tries to get children interested in science.
And the best part, it approaches the topics with a beginner’s mindset so that even those with little science knowledge can understand. Truly fascinating and captivating!
Related: Indulge in science hands-on with these super fun, easy Science Activities for Kids
30. What If World
This is one podcast where kids will find answers to nearly all their ‘What if…’ questions. What if Sharks had legs? What if cats ruled the world? And many more what if submitted by young listeners.
Certainly a boon for parents who are constantly bombarded with these crazy, nerve testing questions. Kids can simply call in and leave a voicemail to get featured on the show.
31. But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids
For all the curious kids, this podcast is simply the best. Made for the curious kid, it is where kids pop the question and a dedicated team finds the answer to sate their never-ending curiosity.
From finding answers to Why the sky is blue to why the seawater tastes slaty, this podcast for kids tackles all topics, Big or Small.
32. KiDNuZ
This audio show offers its young listeners five minutes of kid-friendly, age-appropriate news covering science, politics, current events, sports and much more each day, five days a week. To keep its listeners hooked, it also features a short quiz at the end of every episode.
Keeping children updated couldn’t get any easier.
33. Smash, Boom, Best
Here comes a debate podcast for kids from the award-winning makers of Brains on! In this kid-friendly debate audio show, a kid judge listens to the arguments of the contestants and scores on basis of facts.
A wonderful and fun way to teach children how to debate and put their points forward, this show is loved by all.
34. Aaron’s World
This is one show that is dedicated entirely to dinosaurs, so obviously your dinosaur crazy kid will love it!
And those who don’t really fancy these ancient creatures will definitely fall in love with them with this audio series.
The plot follows the adventures of a boy named Aaron as he travels through the age of the dinosaurs, discovering a specific prehistoric creature in every episode.
Aaron along with his computer INO, brings in a lot of fun and sneak in a bundle of information in a captivating plot that keeps its listeners hooked till the end.
35. Earth Rangers
This podcast is for kids who love nature and wish to learn all about biodiversity. It is an inspiring show that will encourage listeners to adopt sustainable behaviours and empower them to become directly involved in protecting animals and their habitats.
Funny Podcasts For Kids
These Funny Podcasts for Kids bring light hearted humour home and are a great way to unwind together as a family. The conversations in these podcasts hit the right spot and deliver valuable life lessons but through the medium of humour.
We assure you and your kids will absolutely love this collection of funny podcasts. They are sure to bring cheer to any dull day and make your children laugh.
Related: Also check out Silly Jokes for Kids to get them laughing!
36. Spare The Rock, Spoil The Child
Children can enjoy rock and roll with this musical show for kids that features artists like They Might Be Giants, Elvis Costello and John Legend. This indie music podcast for kids is entertaining for the whole family and a far cry from cheesy kid’s music.
37. Sophie & Sebastian
Sophie and Sebastian is a collection of funny and fuzzy stories that will warm up the child inside every grown-up and will certainly appeal to the younger audience.
The stories incorporate the innocence of childhood and are a pure delight to listen to.
38. Short and Curly
Short and Curly offers a rather brilliant way to engage in ethical questions and still keep the conversations light-hearted. It features simple questions all ages might ask, covering ethical topics to even Harry Potter.
Hands-down, Short and Curly is one of the very best podcasts for kids.
Musical Podcasts
Music Podcasts are a wonderful way to delight kids and add music to their routine. Music is a wonderful tool for brain stimulation, especially for young children.
Engage your kids with these musical gems on a rainy day or on a boring car ride for pure fun.
39. Ear Snacks
Award-winning musical duo Andrew & Polly bring their talents to this music podcast for kids. Ear snacks is an award-winning kids music audio show that explores the wonder of everyday life through humour and of course kids music.
Related: Also check our Musical Activities for Kids to enhance your child’s learning experience.
Certainly one of the very best family podcasts that are entertaining and exciting for both children and adults. Also, a fun way to keep children entertained on a long road trip.
40. Saturday Morning Cereal Bowl
This is a 2-hour music show for the whole family that offers the best kindie music in the world along with music news.
Simply the best podcast for kindie music, it is sure to make your Saturday mornings entertaining.
Related: Did you know Music works wonder for young children? Learn all about the Benefits of Music In Early Childhood, here!
41. Noodle Loaf
Noodle loaf is an education musical podcast for kids that teaches little kids science through music.
What could be more fun than that! Appropriately timed at 10 mins or so, the episodes are perfect for little minds and ends well before their attention dwindles.
42. Planet Storytime
Planet Storytime is a story narration and musical podcast for kids that features fully original content as well as adaptations of timeless classics.
The show aims at building confidence, tolerance and virtues like hard work, perseverance in its listeners through its stories.
Great for bedtime or a car trip, this podcast can be enjoyed by the entire family.
Related: Also read Best Bedtime Stories for Kids for a fun read aloud session at home!
Why Podcasts Are So Great?
Podcasts need children to sit quietly and listen, thus working on their listening skills. The no video content, Podcast keep sensory overload at bay.
They are an excellent resource to ignite the imagination. While you hear the podcast, it is almost natural for your brain to visualize what you hear.
Podcast keeps children engaged without fancy devices and touchscreens. As Podcasts are essentially audio series, they also help your children build patience. They cannot do anything but wait for the next episode.
Podcasts cover a gamut of topics, providing great exposure to new, different ideas. They are great for vocabulary building, listening, comprehension skills and offer a host of educational benefits.
Podcasts also greatly aid elocution and story narration skills. Besides all the above, Podcasts also give parents some alone time to help them relax with zero guilt.
FAQ
1. Story Podcasts – Fictional, Non-Fictional, Mythological
2. Educational Podcasts – Science, History, Geography, Current affairs
3. Musical Podcasts
There are various platforms where you can access a great variety of podcasts in addition to the above mentioned podcasts for kids. You can explore Google Podcast, Apple Podcast, Stitcher or Spotify to listen to different genres of podcasts for kids and family.
1. Improve listening skills
2. Break from screen time
3. Ignite imagination and comprehensive skills
4. Works on elocution and narration prowess
5. Enhances knowledge
1. Dream Big
2. Storynory
3. Wow in the World
4. Stuff you missed in history class
5. Ear Snacks
6. Sophie & Sebastian