What is it that can perk up your little one’s time, make long drives less tedious and little chores more enjoyable? Podcasts are entertaining, kid-friendly and educational, all without a screen. It is the rage of the time!
If you are searching for a new means of entertainment during road trips with kids or fun bedtime stories, then check out MomJunction’s list of the best podcasts for kids; from stories to science, we cover them all.
What Is A Podcast?
A podcast is a digital audio file that is available on different websites for download to any audio system like a computer or mobile. The podcasts are usually available as episodes or series and can be either free or paid. They cover several topics from science, music, fun stories, cooking, and meditation to history.
Chosen wisely, podcasts can be beneficial to your children
What Are The Pros And Cons Of Podcasts?
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Podcasts come with its several advantages. Some of them are-
- Encourage learning: The exciting and compelling stories or educative sessions on history, science, ethics and more make learning interesting for children. Listening to stories also help children build vocabulary, and hone their writing and reading skills.
- Less screen time: As podcasts are audios, children can educate and entertain themselves the same way as screen-based shows or activities without the side-effects of staring at the screen.
- Affordable: Podcasts do not cost or need a subscription to download. Some of the podcatcher apps are free.
- Portable: You can carry podcasts anywhere. Your children can listen to them in the car, bus, or anywhere else.
Like we said earlier, your children can enjoy these advantages if you choose the right podcasts for them. A wrong choice can have a few disadvantages such as:
- Too many ads: Podcasts play lots of ads, and because they are read aloud by the host, they may be distracting.
- Age appropriateness: Though most podcasts are labeled as “clean” or “explicit,” it is best to listen to the podcast to confirm age-appropriateness before sharing it with children.
Top 30 Podcasts For Kids
Let us now check out the best podcasts for children on various topics.
1. Story Pirates
Story Pirates is a captivating children’s audio show where actors, entertainers, and comedians have come together to narrate stories written by little children. Each tale is narrated separately as episodes. ‘Eat a Spider Day’ and ‘Princess Lifeguard Camp’ are the most popular ones. These original short stories will bewitch your kids.
Episodes: 105
Source: iTunes
Available here
2. Little Stories For Tiny People
This podcast features original stories about animals. Some stories are extended, while some are shorter. Most of the episodes are around 10 minutes. The collection also has bedtime tales to wind kids down for the night.
Episodes: 52
Source: iTunes
Available here
3. Peace Out
It is one of the most unique podcasts for kids. The stories are relaxing, and teach meditation, self-regulation, and mindfulness to the listeners. In these calming stories, children are prepared to deal with negative feelings such as jealousy.
Episodes: 37
Source: iTunes, Stitcher, Bedtime FM
Available here, here, and here
4. What If World – Stories For Kids
It’s fundamental for every child to ask “what if” questions – What if it rains snow today? What if cars could speak? What if trees could move?
The What If World podcast turns every kid’s questions into reality and goes on to narrate these surreal, imaginative worlds in vivid details.
Episodes: 84
Source: iTunes
Available here
5. But Why: A Podcast For Curious Kids
Curiosity and kids go together. The chances are that your kid also ponders over human existence, how the sun rises, why the sea is salty, or the sky blue. ‘But Why’ podcast narrates stories that answer all these curious questions in a fun way.
Episodes: 69
Source: iTunes, Stitcher
Available here and here
6. Sesame Street
Yes, there is a Sesame Street podcast featuring your kid’s favorite Muppet characters. Your kids can sing songs with Elmo, Cookie Monster, Abby, and Grover. The stories of Bert and Ernie talk of friendship, sharing, and patience. Your kids’ time with Sesame Street is going to be all about funny stories, ABC activities, and songs with the awesome Muppets.
Episodes: 20
Source: iTunes
Available here
7. Brains On!
Brains On! teaches science to kids through exciting stories, facts, and funny jokes. Explore scientific concepts such as, What’s in your water? The science of cooking; Life on other planets, etc., in a cool fashion.
The most exciting part is that in each episode the host is joined by a kid co-host who offers his/her unique perspective on these topics.
Episodes: 100
Source: iTunes
Available here
8. Five Minutes With Dad
Five Minutes With Dad is one of the sweetest family podcasts for kids featuring a dad and his two kids. The episodes encompass genuine conversations between a dad and his kids about everyday qualities like kindness, love, courage, how to be a good sport, etc. This podcast is authentic and allows the audience to listen to the moments of knowledge-sharing as a caring father talks to his kids.
Episodes: 129
Source: iTunes, Stitcher
Available here and here
9. Wow In The World
Wow in the World podcast series focuses on discovering the world with kids, how things function and why they are the way they are. The podcast emphasizes that the wonders of the world are in the everyday aspects of life. The episodes take kids inside the human brain, out in the space, deep in technology, and addresses questions, discusses and satisfies all their queries with answers.
Episodes: 75
Source: iTunes
Available here
10. Short and Curly
Short and Curly deals with ethics. Many complicated questions pop up in young minds. The episodes focus on both milder and serious questions such as, Is it ever OK to lie? Is it ever OK to fight against a bully? These are not easy to answer as they involve ethics.
The unique thing about the podcast is that unlike science, there are no right answers to these questions. It is the kids asking the questions, and the kids answering them from their ethical perspective.
Episodes: 38
Source: iTunes
Available here
11. Story Time
This podcast highlights bedtime stories that are 10-15 minutes long, perfect for lulling children to sleep. There is a new episode update every week, with each episode telling a new story read by a narrator. They are short, sweet and as comforting as picture books.
Episodes: 74
Source: iTunes, Bedtime FM, Stitcher
Available here, here and here
12. Dream Big
Dream Big is an inspirational podcast for kids. It inspires them to follow their dreams and make them come true. Each episode is 15 to 20 minutes long and is perfect to hear even on a road trip.
The hosts are seven-year-old Eva Karpman and her mom Ogla. They interview world-famous celebrities and invite them to speak about their dreams, goals, and achievements. Stars from all backgrounds – Olympians such as Scott Hamilton, musicians like Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga – are invited.
Episodes: 96
Source: Itunes, SoundCloud
Available here and here
13. Stories Podcast
Stories Podcast features kid-friendly renditions of fairy tales, classics, and original stories. The stories are elaborative and contain vivid vocabulary. It is, therefore, best for growing kids who are past the comfort of reading picture books.
Episodes: 136
Source: iTunes
Available here
14. The Alien Adventures Of Finn Caspian
This is a serialized podcast narrating the story of an eight-year-old boy, who lives in a space station. He explores the galaxy, finds cues and solves several mysteries with his friends. There is no violent or loud content. It has two seasons and has over 13 hours of narration. This science fiction adventure story is an ideal podcast to enjoy during road trips.
Episodes: 106
Source: iTunes
Available here and here
15. Eleanor Amplified
The radio shows of former times inspire this podcast. The serialized podcast follows a brave journalist, who goes on many adventures to look for her next big scoop. Children love journalist Eleanor’s courage, wit, and expeditions. They are also sure to learn some great messages while on it. Kids with an adventurous strain will fall in love with Eleanor Amplified.
Episodes: 30
Source: iTunes
Available here
16. Cramazingly Incredifun Sugarcrash Kids Podcast
Each episode has interesting stories with educational elements but is not restricted to them. The educational topics are discussed in fictional tales, but with factual information. The chapters also have engaging and fun interviews with fictional characters such as robots, pirates, dinosaurs, etc. Some of the episodes even have interviews with kids who share their own stories and each time with a new Sugarcrash Kids song.
Episodes: 39
Source: iTunes
Available here
17. Tumble
Tumble features podcasts that address spellbinding topics of science in a kid-friendly fashion. They also try to foster a love for science by conducting interviews with scientists where they talk about their discoveries and experiences in layman’s terms. Even kids who do not like science may take an interest in it after this podcast.
Episodes: 73
Source: iTunes
Available here
18. Ear Snacks
The highlight of this podcast is its catchy soundtrack. This podcast is about the world, covering a range of topics. Discussions are done both by children and experts offering fun that is also educational and thoughtful. The subjects of the episodes span from fruits and animals to eyeglasses et al.
Episodes: 93
Source: iTunes
Available here
19. The Past And The Curious
This podcast is more like reminiscing tales from the past. The episodes are enchanting where people share interesting, unknown stories from history adding emphasis on humor and fun facts. It is not a music podcast, but each episode comes with a catchy song, especially for kids. There is also a quiz segment encouraging kids to learn more.
Episodes: 27
Source: iTunes
Available here
20. Spare The Rock, Spoil The Child
This is a fun radio show where each week a new rock and roll playlist is tuned in. The music combines kid’s music from famous artists and also songs from other artists like John Legend, The Ramones, Elvis Costello that are appropriate for the young audience. If you need a break from the regular insubstantial music for the kids, choose this one.
Episodes: 25
Source: iTunes
Available here
21. Radio Willowweb
WillowWeb podcast is one of a kind. It is both produced and voiced by students at the Willowdale Elementary School in Omaha, Nebraska. The episodes feature jokes, music, poetry, history, science and famous personalities in a manner enjoyed by kids.
Episodes: 38
Source: iTunes
Available here
22. The Radio Adventures Of Dr. Floyd
This is an adventure podcast of the world’s most renowned scientist Dr. Floyd. The episodes concern his adventures and Dr. Floyd’s constant efforts to outwit the villain, Dr. Steve. Dr. Floyd also creates a time machine in the show, and the little listeners learn all about the history of the world and events. Most of the episodes are around ten minutes.
Episodes: 100
Source: iTunes, Stitcher
Available here, here and here
23. The Unexplainable Disappearance Of Mars Patel
This is a fictional serial podcast aimed at middle school kids. Middle school children also perform the episodes. The show is about 11-year-old Mars Patel who is trying to find his disappearing friends. The dialogues sound real, and the acting is mesmerizing. This show is reminiscent of favorite shows like Spy Kids and Stranger Things.
Episodes: 31
Source: iTunes, Stitcher
Available here, here and here
24. The Saturday Morning Cereal Bowl
Saturday Morning is a music show dedicated and palatable for the whole family. It comes weekly, and the episodes stream two hours of kid-friendly music from talented and famous artists like Raffi, Weird Al, Jenny Lewis and The Beatles.
Episodes: 20
Source: iTunes
Available here
25. Storynory
Storynory has been on in the UK for 13 long years because of its massive content. It offers a lengthy collection of children’s stories from mythology and history to original stories. It includes all-time classics and kids’ favorite stories Alice in Wonderland, Just So by Rudyard Kipling, The Adventures of Robin Hood and originals. The stories are narrated with much thrill and charm by professional voice artists.
Episodes: 50
Source: iTunes
Available here and here
26. Circle Round
Circle Round podcast features folktales from around the world. The most exciting part about this podcast is that for every story there is a related coloring page for children to indulge in their favorite activity while listening to mesmerizing tales. The stories are specially curated for today’s families and come in short, 10 to 20-minute episodes. The stories delve deep into virtues such as kindness, generosity, and persistence.
Episodes: 47
Source: iTunes, Stitcher
Available here, here and here
27. Story Pirates
In this show, stories are sent in by child writers, and the host reads them out. A troupe of adult comedic actors performs to the narration. The stories are sometimes written by five, six-year-olds and some are by older kids, but all of them brim with creativity leading the actors into unexpected twists. This musical theatre show celebrates the idea that kids’ opinions are worth exploring.
Episodes: 105
Source: iTunes, Stitcher
Available here, here and here
28. Song Exploder
Song Exploder is a unique podcast show featuring one musician or band in each episode. They pick one song and go in-depth about it – when it was written and how, when it was recorded and their experiences and feelings. Your kid will have plenty of favorite songs now.
There are, however, some episodes that are not appropriate for kids, and come with an “E” (explicit warning).
Episodes: 141
Source: iTunes, Stitcher
Available here, here and here
29. Classical Classroom
This show is hosted by Dacia Clay, a newbie to classical music. She’s a jazz and rock fan but is curious to learn more about classical music. In these episodes, she teaches herself and her fellow little friends about classical music by inviting music experts to her show. Your kids will learn a great deal about Bach, Mozart, Mendelssohn, and more.
Episodes: 224
Source: iTunes, Soundcloud, Stitcher
Available here, here and here
30. Disney Story Central
Disney is the destination of every kid for fantastic stories and mesmerizing characters. In this podcast, a narrator reads out a Disney and Pixar story in a way that they seem to come to life. Music, intonations, and voices are added to make an excellent storytime for your children in the comfort of home.
Episodes: 19
Source: iTunes, Google Play
Available here, here and here
Podcasts are an excellent diversion from the regular TV and video games; they cover a variety of topics, and you can choose the ones that interest your child. Listening to great stories, music or shows help a child learn several new things. They develop listening skills, vocabulary and writing ability.
Does your kid listen podcasts? What is his or her favorite? Let us know in the comment section below.
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