10 Podcasts for Kids

Podcasts are a great alternative for shaking up screen time and allowing good old-fashioned listening skills to flourish.

Podcasts can be easily integrated into your existing homeschooling plan - kids can leverage listening and comprehension skills, and together you can have your own dynamic conversations during or after podcasts. My kids love incorporating podcasts during mealtimes - listening to stories while they eat lunch has quickly become a favorite in our house. Some other fun ways to incorporate podcasts into your daily routine can be sitting on a backyard blanket, staring up at the clouds while listening to stories, or taking drives to change the scenery while playing a great podcast that the whole family can enjoy.

More: Why my family is trading screen time for audiobook time

Here are some family-friendly podcasts that will be enjoyed by all ages - from preschool through adulthood.

Podcasts for preschoolers

pasta bread

Created by a music educator, this podcast is a fun and interactive way to engage your little ones in the listening process and learn a thing or two along the way. Noodle Loaf episodes are only ten minutes long, making them a perfect option for keeping distracted learners engaged. Families will enjoy this podcast because it's filled with silly storytelling that makes learning that little bit more fun and interesting.

circle round

Brought to you by NPR, this book, created by parents of young children, carefully selects folk tales from around the world. Each episode lasts 10-20 minutes and always touches on an important message such as kindness or generosity. Each episode culminates in an activity that encourages deeper thinking and conversation, and it's a great way to introduce kids to new cultures.

dream big

This podcast features a mother-daughter duo interviewing all sorts of people who are chasing their dreams. Dream Big is a wonderful way to introduce kids to different types of careers, learn about different paths in life, and focus on persevering with your dreams. Dream Big is a fun way to delve deeper into your kids' passions and spark adventure.

story time

Created by a father of two young children, this podcast, with the help of other parents, tells fun and engaging stories for young listeners. The episodes are approximately 20 minutes long and can be used as a fun way to change up a bedtime story or used alongside the game. Whichever way you choose to implement Storytime, it's sure to keep kids engaged in great storytelling and encourage them to tell their own stories.

Sesame Street Podcast

No introduction needed, we all know and love Sesame Street. They now have a short podcast that is an extension of the show and teaches and encourages all the qualities that we value in the original version. Your family will enjoy listening and learning with Elmo and friends, and it's a great choice for building on simple fundamentals with your little one.

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Podcasts for elementary school kids and older

wow in the world

Another great podcast from NPR, hosts Mindy and Guy take families on fantastic adventures through breaking news, science and technology. The episodes last between 10 and 20 minutes and are entertaining and engaging for both parents and children. What's not to love about studying with your kids?! This podcast can count towards a science lesson if you are homeschooling.

But why

A podcast for curious kids, this podcast is hosted by Melany and Jane, two journalists from NPR. This is a fully kid-driven podcast where kids submit questions and cover the answers. The episodes last between 20 and 45 minutes. This clever name caught my eye immediately, because anyone who understands how children think knows that they are driven by curiosity. Covering a wide range of topics, this is a great podcast for anyone to learn cool facts. But Why is a great way to encourage kids to think about some of their own burning questions and search for answers.

Short and curly

This one from Carl, Molly and Dr. Matt's hosted podcast focuses on real-world problems and solutions for kids. Short and Curly is an ethics podcast that helps make wheels turn and empowers parents to ask their kids the tough questions that make them think. Each 20-minute episode keeps the conversation going and asks thought-provoking questions. Short and Curly is great to do as the issues can be discussed later in the family and kids sometimes do better when someone other than their parents asks the question.

The past and the curious

This podcast is hosted by Mick Sullivan who is passionate about spreading the amazing stories of history. This fun, creative, and engaging podcast will captivate both parents and kids alike while learning all sorts of important and interesting tidbits about history. The episodes last between 20 and 30 minutes. If you're looking for an interesting way to approach important issues, this is a great place to start; Plus, you'll learn something too!

The mysterious disappearance of Mars Patel

A scripted podcast hosted by middle school students can be described as a serial mystery that's likened to "Goonies meets Spy Kids meets Stranger," in other words, sold! The episodes are about 15 minutes long and pretty much engaging storytelling. Mars Patel can be enjoyed by the whole family and can even encourage storytelling of your own. This podcast can be a good start to encourage creative writing at home by working together on some themes inspired by the story.

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By: 10 Podcasts for Kids