I am a bit of a podcast addict. I subscribe to more podcasts than I have time to listen to, and they keep me company while I am working, exercising, driving, or doing dishes. Podcasts have become my go-to, whether I want to learn something new, or I just want to laugh.
It wasn’t until my kids got into audiobooks that I thought about finding some podcasts that they would love. As it turns out, there are some excellent podcasts for kids that are both informative and entertaining. We love listening together, and I always learn something new.
I love these podcasts because they don’t talk down to kids; they understand that children are smart, capable, and deserving of quality entertainment. They’re diverse, inclusive, and fun — the way all good children’s entertainment should be.
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13 Best Podcasts for Kids
Brains On! — This was the first podcast we started listening to together, and it’s still my favorite. Brains On! explores science in a way that is interesting and kid-friendly. They cover everything from boogers to bats, and they let kids do most of the talking, with a little help from grown-ups. Episodes average about 30 minutes long, but can be shorter longer depending on the topic. This show is excellent for kids ages 7 and up, but younger kids may enjoy as well!
Story Pirates — Some of my favorite actors and comedians come together to make stories written by kids into sketch comedy, complete with catchy songs. In addition to the actual Story Pirates, look for appearances from Patton Oswald, Sasheer Zamata, and other awesome talents. I promise you’ll enjoy this one as much as your kids do!
Story Story — This podcast features professional storytellers sharing folktales from around the world. If your child loves fairy tales, this pod cast is a great choice. Episodes are are generally about 20-30 minutes long, and I’ve found they work well for my kids to listen to as they fall asleep. Even younger children will enjoy the beautiful storytelling on Story Story.
But Why? — Is your child constantly asking questions about how things work? But Why? is the podcast for you. This “podcast for curious kids” takes questions submitted by kids and finds the answers. They cover everything from “Why is Money So Important?” to “Why Do People Get Cancer?” Listening to this podcast will lead to all kinds of great discussions with your kids. I’d recommend But Why? for kids ages 8 and older.
Grim, Grimmer, Grimmest — I absolutely adore this podcast! Each episode retells a classic Grimm fairy tale with a modern twist. A class of elementary-aged students share their take on the story as well, and offer up opinions and questions that will get your kids thinking and discussing. This is a great listen for kids ages 5 and up, but be advised that Grimm fairy tales can get a bit spooky at times.
Book Club for Kids — This podcast is exactly what it sounds like: kids talking books. Middle-grade students discuss a different book each podcast, and the kids really do lead and drive the discussion. This show is smart and insightful, and it’s such a brilliant reminder of how books can take us around the world and into the experiences of others. I’d recommend this one for kids in grades 3 to 6, and I highly recommend reading the book being discussed before you listen!
What If? World — What if it rained candy? What if Lego were alive? What if sharks had legs? This storytelling podcast takes real questions from kids, and the host, Mr. Eric, builds engaging and often hilarious stories that answer their “What If?” Some funny characters join in to make the stories even more enjoyable. This is really a fun listen for younger and older kids, and your little ones can even submit their own “What If” question.
Tumble — Tumble is an excellent, bite-sized science podcast. Episodes are 10-15 minutes in length, and they explore interesting topics like dinosaurs, space exploration, animal habitats, and more. The shorter length makes Tumble a great podcast for younger kids, but the content is enjoyable for all ages, including adults.
The Past and the Curious — This podcast explores funny and fascinating stories in history. Museum educator Mick Sullivan hosts, and his passion for history comes through with every episode. This is another show that the whole family can enjoy together, and I love this quote from the mission statement on their website: “We hope our audience discovers – or rediscovers – that we are all human; and we always have been.”
Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls: The Podcast — Stories about amazing women, told by amazing women. If you love the Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls book, you’ll love this podcast that features amazing women who have done incredible things. Each story is about 15-20 minutes long, so they’re perfect to listen to before bedtime or on a quick drive. The stories are narrated by a diverse cast of women who are impressive in their own right.
The Radio Adventures of Eleanor Amplified — Eleanor is a smart, strong girl who also happens to be a world-famous radio reporter. Listeners follow Eleanor as she travels all over the world to get The Big Story, and along the way the learn about what makes high-quality journalism. Not only is this podcast entertaining; it’s also a great tool in teaching kids about media literacy and how to evaluate if what you’re hearing or reading is true.
Short and Curly — This podcast dives into tough ethics questions, and discusses them from all sides. The hosts address topics like “Is a Child’s Life More Valuable Than an Adults?” or “Would You Donate Your Kidney to a Stranger?” and the goal is to foster discussion between kids and adults. I enjoy this podcast because it doesn’t endorse one view or another as right or wrong, it simply leaves room for discussion and growth. I’d recommend this one for older kids.
Forever Ago — Another awesome history podcast! This one is from the makers of Brains On!, and it focuses on the history of one thing: sandwiches, skateboards, cameras, and more. My kids love learning how some of their favorite things came to be. There’s a great mix of humor and history, and each show is about 30 minutes long. Appropriate for kids of all ages, but I think those ages 7 and up will get the most out of Forever Ago.
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