Podcasts are a fantastic alternative form of media for all ages. With so much amazing content being produced, there are countless choices for every age with a variety of interests. Listening to podcasts is a fun, fresh way to bond and spend time together, and there truly is something for everyone. Most podcasts websites also include conversation starters, activity guides, and other interactive ways to engage with the episodes. If podcasts are new to you, here’s a quick getting-started guide for parents from Common Sense Media.
We’ve sampled an expansive list of podcasts during long car rides, rainy days, bedtime story marathons, and moments of classroom connection. Here are some of the best ones we’ve binged.
EDUCATIONAL
Wow in the World
Hosts Mindy and Guy take kids on fascinating epic scientific explorations in this long-running podcast. While every episode will teach kids—and adults—something new, the large cast of goofball scientists who never miss the chance to land a joke or use a well-placed pun will entertain as well as educate.
But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids
Every parent knows their child’s most frequently used word, and chances are, it’s “Why?” This podcast takes the seemingly endless catalog of questions kids ask about the world, like “Why is the sky blue?” and “Who invented words?” and gives them robust answers, one by one.
Forever Ago
This is a podcast made for history buffs and will appeal to all listeners. Everything in our modern lives has an origin story, and in this podcast, those stories—like sandwiches, video games, umbrellas, and more—are explored in a historical context.
Brains On
This award-winning science podcast tackles a variety of themes and topics about our world, with a new inquiry and a new kid co-host joining every week. Questions are sent in by listeners, and they are explored in detail using the scientific process. Recent topics include the physics of roller coasters, the psychology of dogs, and the biology of tears.
Tumble
Experts in various fields join each episode of this podcast to explain their work and answer questions. This podcast tackles topics about our world in an engaging, narrative way that will keep kids interested until the credits roll.
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STORYTELLING
Story Pirates
The unique format of the Story Pirates podcast gets kids directly involved in the hilarious stories told every week. In each episode, the talented Story Pirates crew perform sketch comedy and songs based on listener-submitted short stories.
What If World
A storytelling podcast for kids, each episode starts off with a wacky prompt submitted by listeners. With opening questions like “What if cats ruled the world?” and “What if a tiny dragon lived in my closet?”, these off-the-wall stories will inspire growing imaginations.
Stories Podcast
Long-form storytelling has been successfully implemented by many podcasts, and the Stories podcast takes that format and adapts it for kids. With epic hero’s quests, evocative fairy tales, and creative original worlds, these stories will take listeners on fantastic journeys.
Planet Storytime
This storytelling podcast has a mission to weave entertaining performances of classic stories, modern works, and lesser-known gems with the timeless values of tolerance, kindness, and compassion for kids.
Girl Tales
Don’t let the title of this podcast fool you—these are stories for all kids to enjoy and be inspired by. Girl Tales re-imagines fairy tales, myths, and other classic stories through a contemporary, empowering lens that will uplift listeners.
Sparkle Stories
Sparkle Stories are creative pieces of short and long-form fiction to engage growing minds. These are gentle narratives to coach children in social-emotional concepts and include seasonal themes with wholesome messages.
Story Time
This podcast is a bedtime go-to. The formula is simple, but it works: a soothing narrator reads original short, tender stories that will lull kids to sleep or get them cozy for afternoon quiet time.
ENTERTAINMENT
Smash, Boom, Best
Each episode welcomes two contestants to engage in thoroughly prepared debates which defend their chosen side, as a judge listens in and decides which contestant gave the Smash Boom Best argument.
Family Trivia Podcast
For fans of trivia, or anyone who loves learning new facts about a variety of topics. This podcast tackles a new theme every episode and challenges two contestants to face off in a friendly trivia battle.
Dream Big Podcast
This family-family podcast inspires kids to pursue their passions in life. Every episode spotlights adults who took action to make their dreams a reality, and includes encouraging principles on how everyone can have a growth mindset.
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Christie Megill is an editorial and marketing intern at Cardinal Rule Press and she spends most of her spare time reading children’s books. She has experience as a writer, elementary school teacher, curriculum developer, and literacy specialist.