Need great podcasts for kids to add to your lessons or fun family podcasts for trips or listening together? Here are educational podcasts for kids, podcasts for tweens, teen podcasts and even podcasts for family road trips! Great alternatives to traditional learning, screen-free time ideas, and perfect ideas for road trips!
Great Podcasts for Kids and Parents To Listen To Together
Have you ever considered that adding podcasts for kids is a fun and unique way to change up your learning? Also, podcasts are a a great way to pass the time during long road trips with kids. Whether you’re wondering what are good 10 year old podcasts or podcasts for 12 year olds, or what are fun history podcasts for kids, podcast for educational use, web stories / storytelling podcasts for kids, or even looking for a podcast for curious kids, we have something for your family to do together or to use for learning!
Are there any kid friendly podcasts?
Best Free Podcasts For Kids:
- Parent Busters
- Book Club for Kids
- Pants On Fire
- KiDNuZ
- Story Pirates
- Listen Out Loud
- Brains On! Science Podcast
- Circle Round (podcast for little kids)
- But Why (a podcast for curious kids)
- Smash Boom Best
- Stuff You Should Know
- The Past and the Curious
- Wow In The World
- Highlights Hangout
- The Unexplained Disappearance of Mars Patel (fantastic for story podcasts!)
- Dad and Me Love History
*FULL DISCLOSURE: Parent Busters is our new free podcasts for kids and parents to learn about fun things together that’s entertaining and informative! (If you love funny family friendly podcasts or are looking for best podcasts for elementary students / podcasts for middle schoolers, give it a try!) But, don’t worry, we’ve given you our full favorite list of great podcasts for kids below (that don’t have anything to do with us!). So, keep scrolling for the podcast list!
Before we get to our list of podcasts for kids, here are answers to some basic questions that some people may have:
What is a podcast and is it free?
A podcast is like a radio show that you listen to online (via a computer or phone). There are different kinds of podcasts, from interviews to stories to mysteries and more. Most podcasts have free versions, but many today may also have a paid version where members can get additional episodes and other benefits.
Are podcasts free?
Most podcasts are free to listen to, but they may have additional paid podcast levels that you can subscribe to also. These levels generally have additional offerings like early access to podcast episodes, additional podcast episodes and content, community access, and printables or materials. Every podcast is different with their free or paid podcast offerings.
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How do I find podcasts?
You will use an app on your phone or your computer. To find podcasts, open the app and either browse the listings or enter a category in the search function. You can find family podcasts on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher and more podcast platforms!
There are many different podcast apps for both iOS and Android and computers for online listening including:
- Apple Podcasts
- iTunes
- Stitcher
- iHeartRadio
- SoundCloud
- Google Play music
- Spotify
- RadioPublic
- Pocket Casts
- TuneIn Radio
- Castbox
- Podbean
- Buzzsprout
You can listen to podcasts on your phone with headphones, on tablet, or on your computer.
ALSO CHECK OUT:
WHY AUDIOBOOKS ARE JUST AS GOOD AS READING
Are there podcasts for children?
Yes! There are many great podcasts for children and podcasts for family — from learning podcasts that cover science, history and more, to story podcasts that focus on different stories each time, fairy tales podcasts, podcasts for young kids, stories for a long road trip, or a serial story that is played out over the season of kids’ podcasts.
What is a podcast for students?
Learning podcasts (educational podcasts) are great for students because you can cover many different topics in fun and interesting ways… which is perfect for those kids who favor audio learning over other methods. Great way to decrease kids’ screen time, too!
LEARN MORE ABOUT LEARNING AFTER LISTENING AND GET ACTIVE LISTENING ACTIVITIES FOR STUDENTS
Are podcasts effective for learning?
Yes, podcasts can be very effective for learning for kids who prefer auditory learning or you need passive learning activities. Also, podcasts can help kids digest complex topics in a more comprehensive and engaging way.
OK!
Let’s get to our pick of what are the best free podcasts a mix of educational podcast for kids and parents and fun stories podcast. These are podcasts for kids that adults will love listening to also (and some of our favorite podcasts).
Update: some of these are no longer releasing regular new podcast episodes, but they old episodes are still worth the listen!
THE BEST PODCASTS FOR KIDS THAT ARE FREE
The thing I love most about these childrens podcast is that they are fun and interesting enough for parent listening, also!
Educational Podcasts for Kids (General Learning Podcasts)
1. Ear Snacks
Ear Snacks is hosted by a duo of musicians that have written for Sesame Studios. The wide range of topics are fun and funny and great for little ones. If you’re looking for podcasts for 4 year olds / preschool, this is a good one!
GOOD FOR: PRESCHOOLERS
2. KiDNuZ
KiDNuZ (Kid News) is a short stories news program put on by two journalist moms. It gives kids bite-size, kid-friendly news time, followed by a short quiz. This is a great current events for kids podcast.
GOOD FOR: ALL AGES
3. Book Club for Kids
Book Club for Kids podcast is a great way to get your kids interested in new books! It features middles schoolers and up talking about different books each week. Great podcast for middle schoolers!
GOOD FOR: TWEENS AND TEENS
4. Pants On Fire
From the podcast notes, “In the era of fake news, kids need to learn to be able to tell what’s true from what’s false. And what better way to do that than a game show that puts kids in the driver’s seat, adults on the hot seat, and a sound-effects robot strapped to the roof? Each week, a kid interviews two experts in a particular topic, one of which is a genuine, credentialed expert, the other a liar.”
GOOD FOR: ALL AGES
5. Highlights Hangout
The Highlights Hangout podcast is from the people behind Highlights Magazine. From the site, “It’s a magazine-style podcast that families will love sharing together” that covers science, skits, stories, and more. Great for long car rides!
GOOD FOR: ALL AGES
6. Noodle Loaf Podcast
Noodle Loaf is a fun educational musical podcast for kids that teaches music. According to their website, “An interactive music education show that activates every corner of a child’s creative mind—and sparks the inner child in every grown up.”
GOOD FOR: KIDS OF ALL AGES
7. Parent Busters Podcast
Parent Busters is a fun podcasts where parents and kids learn together. This family podcast covers a wide variety topics from weird things that parents tell kids, and weird history, to science questions and where did unusual sayings come from. File this under one of the best weird podcasts to get your family laughing with new episodes weekly! (Perfect link for a kid podcast at around 20-30 minutes.) Also funny podcasts for road trips and one the entire family will enjoy!
GOOD FOR: AGES 8 AND UP
Science Podcasts for Kids
1. Wow in the World
Wow in the World is a hysterical (campy) science podcast for kids that answers different questions and covers different topics for each episode. Hosts Guy Raz and Mindy Thomas are super funny! They have some of the best family-friendly podcast episodes with no age limit!
GOOD FOR: ALL AGES
2. Brains On!
Brains On! is an award winning science podcast for kids (“…and curious adults!”). Each week there is a different co-host that covers a different interesting science topic. They have a mission to “encourage kids’ natural curiosity and wonder using science and history.” Fun way to learn science for elementary school and up!
GOOD FOR: ALL AGES
3. But Why?
On the But Why? podcast simple questions are answered like, “Why is the sky blue?” in interesting and detailed ways.
GOOD FOR: ALL AGES
4. Stuff You Should Know
If you’re looking for a podcast for older kids, this is an interesting one. It covers a wide range of topics from everyday things to more complex topics.
GOOD FOR: TEENS
History Podcasts for Kids
1. The Past & The Curious
The Past & the Curious is a funny history podcast that covers little known facts from history. There are also silly songs and quizzes with historical events.
GOOD FOR: ALL AGES
2. Dad and Me Love History
A weekly podcast that answers different interesting history questions for kids.
GOOD FOR: ALL AGES, BUT SOME EPISODES COVER DIFFICULT MATERIAL. THEY PUT WARNING ON THESE EPISODES.
3. American History Tellers
The American History Tellers podcast asks, “How well do you really know the stories that made America?” Each podcast covers a different new story from history.
GOOD FOR: TEENS+
4. Ridiculous History
The Ridiculous History podcast covers — you guessed it! — ridiculous stories throughout history and “weirdest stories from across the span of human civilization.” Great as a family friendly podcasts for road trips for older kids!
GOOD FOR: TEENS+
Story Podcasts for Kids
1. Alien Adventures of Finn Caspian
If you’re looking for story podcasts for kids, then this is a great one! It is a serialized science fiction story. From the site, “The story centers on Finn Caspian, an 8-year-old boy aboard The Famous Marlowe 280 Interplanetary Exploratory Space Station. He and his friends Abigail, Elias and Vale are Explorers Troop 301, taking off from the Marlowe to explore uncharted planets, help the occasional alien, and solve a mystery that threatens to destroy the Marlowe.”
GOOD FOR: ALL AGES, BUT GEARED TOWARD AGES 5-10
2. Circle Round
From the site: “Circle Round adapts carefully-selected folktales from around the world into sound- and music-rich radio plays for kids ages 4 to 10. Each 10- to 20-minute episode explores important issues like kindness, persistence and generosity.” Perfect podcast for young listeners because they are little stories for short attention spans. Works for good night stories, too!
GOOD FOR: AGES 4-10
3. The Unexplained Disappearance of Mars Patel
The Unexplainable Disappearance Of Mars Patel is a scripted, serialized children’s podcast that was dubbed, “The Stranger Things for kids.” It is a mystery podcast about an 11-year-old boy looking for his missing friends. Gripping, but the second season moves to a paid version.
GOOD FOR: TWEENS
4. Story Pirates
Story pirates is one of those hysterical kids podcasts where kids send in original stories and then the hosts act them out. It gets crazy, but they’re always good for a laugh and hearing what a different kid comes up with each time.
File Under: Funny podcasts for kids!
GOOD FOR: PRESCHOOL-TWEENS
5. Flyest Fables
This podcast covers fiction anthology fables that center on a magical book that covers different topics (from silly to serious) and spark conversation. From the notes: “Flyest Fables is an interconnected fiction anthology. In the premiere episode, we meet Antoine — a young boy bullied in school. Antoine finds a magical book that transports him into the world of Princess Keisha. Princess Keisha is on a quest to save her mother and the entire Kingdom of Orleans.”
GOOD FOR: MIDDLE SCHOOL/TWEENS
6. Six Minutes Podcast
Six Minutes is a serial mystery story podcast told in just six minutes each time. From the podcast notes: “Eleven-year-old Holiday is pulled from the icy waters of Alaska with no memory of who she is or where she came from. Are her mom and dad really who they say they are? And when she begins to develop incredible abilities, she’ll soon discover she’s not alone in the world.” It is from the same people who make The Unexplained Disappearance of Mars Patel, so if your kids like that podcast, they’ll likely enjoy this one. Best 6 minute podcast ever!
GOOD FOR: MIDDLE SCHOOL/TWEENS
7. Becoming Mother Nature
Becoming Mother Nature is another story podcast. From the podcast notes: “When Chloe is sent off to live with her mysterious and eccentric grandmother she learns an unbelievable secret. Grandma Ivy is none other than Mother Nature herself! And Chloe is next in line to assume to the power and responsibility of the job. Can a twelve-year old learn to balance the entire world’s ecosystem while just trying to fit in at her new school? Only Mother Nature knows.”
GOOD FOR: MIDDLE SCHOOL/TWEENS
8. Listen Out Loud
The Listen Out Loud Podcast is by Nickelodeon. About the podcast: “Ever wonder what it’s like to grow up in a big family? Meet 11 year-old Lincoln Loud and his ten sisters! In each episode, one of the siblings takes the mic to give you the scoop on the things most important to him or her. Whether it’s Leni’s tour of the mall, Lori’s re-telling of her first date with Bobby, or Lola’s juicy house gossip, you won’t want to miss a single podcast!”
GOOD FOR: MIDDLE SCHOOL/TWEENS+
9. What If World
What If World is a storytelling podcast where kids can call in with questions. The story is then based on the questions. From the notes: “What If World is a storytelling podcast for kids. What if a tiny dragon lived in my closet? What if there were a never-ending bowl of ice cream? What if cats ruled the world? Join Abacus P Grumbler, Randall Radbot, and Whendiana Joan as they help Mr. Eric tell wacky stories inspired by your questions!”
GOOD FOR: ALL AGES
10. Molly of Denali
Another story podcast that younger kids will enjoy. From the podcast notes: “Molly and her friend Tooey discover the identity of a mystery creature that has stolen Molly’s birthday cake. Join Molly and the gang and discover what life is like for a typical kid on big adventures in Alaska!The Molly of Denali podcast is made by the folks behind some of your all-time favorite PBS television shows: Arthur, Curious George, Pinkalicious and Peterrific and more!”
GOOD FOR: PRESCHOOL-YOUNGER KIDS
11. The Two Princes
A fantasy adventure story podcast about two princes who fight to save their kingdoms.
GOOD FOR: TWEENS
12. Story Time
These are 10-15 minute long stories that are perfect for little ones attention spans. From the podcast: “Children’s bedtime stories delivered fortnightly as a free audiobook. For toddlers, preschoolers, young children aged 2-13, or the whole family.” Perfect for family listening with younger children.
GOOD FOR: TODDLERS, PRESCHOOLERS AND UP
13. Eleanor Amplified
The Eleanor Amplified kids’ podcast is a throwback to the old-time radio shows with sound effects. Eleanor goes on a hunt with each story to find a big news scoop. From the podcast: “Eleanor Amplified is an adventure series for the whole family. Listen together as our hero, the world-famous radio reporter Eleanor Amplified, foils devious plots and outwits crafty villains, all in pursuit of the big story… Like all the public media shows you love, Eleanor Amplified is entertaining and informative. Eleanor will spark laughter and conversation the whole family will enjoy, while preparing kids to appreciate journalism and make smart media choices in the future.”
GOOD FOR: MIDDLE SCHOOL/TWEENS+
14. Harry Potter And The Sacred Text
If you have kids who love Harry Potter, then you’ll definitely want to check this out! Each podcast dissects a chapter of a Harry Potter book and looks at it with a theme like hope, love, etc. Best if you’ve read the books already. If you’re looking for reading podcasts for kids, try this and pair it up with a reading in the book!
GOOD FOR: TWEENS AND TEENS
What is your best children’s podcast?
