Even if you don’t listen to podcasts (but why not?), there are some fantastic ones that your kids might love, and look forward to downloading each week. Podcasts are generally free, they can be downloaded off the likes of iTunes, or through a free app – I use Acast, and love it.
If you’re looking to get your kids enlightened, entertained or educated via podcasts, here are some good options. I haven’t put them in age categories – you’ll probably be able to see what’s suited to your kids, but better yet, try them out with your kids to see what they like.
Bedtime FM: Peace Out
About: Short stories that help kids calm down and relax through visualisation and breathing exercises.
These TED Talks feature topics relating to families and children, and are told in a funny or interesting way.
Disney Story Central podcast
Children can listen to their best Pixar and Disney stories read out alound.
Ear Snacks
This award-winning musical podcast combines music and ideas in a way that parents will likely enjoy too.
The Radio Adventures of Dr Floyd
This podcast tells short stories on Dr Floyd, the world’s most brilliant scientist, as he races through history, hot on the heels of Dr Steve, his nemesis.
Dream Big
This inspirational podcast hosted by seven-year-old Eva Karpman, and her mom, features interviews with some interesting people about pursuing their passions.
Story Time Podcast
This podcast features great bedtime stories, each lasting five to 20 minutes.
Tumble Science Podcast for Kids
Science journalist Lindsay Patterson and teacher Marshall Escamilla explore stories and science in a podcast that is great for adults too.
Wow in the World
What If World
This podcast is inspired by all those “what if” questions, and answers a host of imaginative scenarios.
Eleanor Amplified
Told in “old time radio” style, Eleanor Amplified is a radio reporter who travels in search of the truth, and outwits villains.
9. Welcome to Nightvale
A series of insane public announcements from a very small, very creepy fictional town. Older kids will dig it more than the younger ones.
8. Ear Snacks
A unique and upbeat musical podcast filled with songs and fun segments to teach kids about the world around them.
What If World
No scenario is too weird or silly to turn into a short story for kids. Kids call in and ask ‘What If’ questions that the hosts then take and weave into crazy narratives.
The creators of the How Stuff Works website produce a podcast that doles out tidbits about obscure but interesting topics.
Take all things heartwarming about fathers spending time with their children and turn into a podcast. Nick Pavlidis hangs out with his children Angela and Pavlos as they play around and talk about ethical question like why honesty is important or how to be a good sport.
Stories Podcast
All the classic bedtime stories you’d ever want your kids to hear, all in one podcast, and all performed remarkably well.
2. But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids
Kids call into the podcast to ask whatever question they’d like. If they want to know why people laugh, what’s the deal with fireflies, or a break down on the mechanics of farts, But Why finds the most informed voices out there and gets answers.
1. Brains On!
Hosted by reporters and “kid scientists”, each episode teaches a different science episode with excitement and enthusiasm.
Preschoolers + young kids
Story Time
Kid-friendly bedtime stories written and read by a soothing narrator.
Peace O
Nutshell: Short stories that help children calm down and relax by guiding them through visualisation and breathing exercises.
Story Pirates
Nutshell: Story Pirates is a group of world-class actors, comedians, improvisers and musicians who adapt stories written by kids into sketch
Disney Story Central
Nutshell: Your favourite Disney stories are brought to life as read-aloud stories. Read by a dramatic and mysterious narrator.
Littles Stories for Tiny People
Nutshell: Little Stories for Tiny People is a kids podcast featuring original stories and poems that will delight the tiny people in your life. Perfect for bleary-eyed parents, innovative preschool 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 anytime!
The Cramazingly Incredifun Sugarcrash Kids Podcast
Nutshell: This is a mix of fantastical adventure, storytelling, sound effects and crazy songs all rolled into one that your kids are sure to enjoy.
The Unexplainable Disappearance of Mars Patel
Nutshell: A dramatic podcast where 11-year-old Mars Patel and his pals JP, Toothpick and Cadde set out on an audacious adventure in search of two missing friends.
The Past & The Curious
Nutshell: This podcast inspires and delights children in a fascination with historical figures of the past through bite-sized audio stories. They feature little-known stories of great achievement from history along with some catchy songs.
But Why
Nutshell: A science and facts based show where kids ask questions they are curious about. Clear and interesting answers are given candidly by experts.
Eleanor Amplified
Nutshell: Brought to you by the creators of But Why, Eleanor Amplified is an adventure series for the whole family. Listen together as the world-famous radio reporter Eleanor foils devious plots and outwits crafty villains, all in pursuit of the big story …
Tumble
Nutshell: Tumble is a science podcast for kids, to be enjoyed by the entire family. Each week features stories about scientific discoveries, with the help of scientists! Join Lindsay and Marshall as they ask questions, share mysteries, and share what science is all about.
Button & Figs
Nutshell: A podcast created about literary and spoken word nonsense for kids, complete with tongue twister challenges and jokes.
