5 great podcasts to listen to with your kids

Sometimes, I feel like my kids and I live in our car. Between drop-offs and pick-ups at two schools, shuttling to extracurricular activities, errands and Bay Area traffic, we log a lot of miles each week.

Keeping everyone happy and entertained is the priority, and my girls and I love to listen together to music, audiobooks, and podcasts.

Does your family listen to podcasts together? Podcasts are a great medium for exploring new topics and interests, relaxing together, and having a shared experience of learning.

There are so many high quality podcasts being produced for children right now—and you can find podcasts on almost any topic your kids are into!

Podcasts are essentially on-demand radio programs. They can range in length from a few minutes to an hour or more, and have multiple episodes organized around a topic or theme. Most podcasts are available for free via iTunes or GooglePlay, or via apps like My Podcasts or Stitcher.

We’ve pulled together a rich and varied list of some of the awesome podcasts that are out there for kids and families, and hope you’ll listen, learn, and have fun together.

Here are a few of my favorites:

1. Sparkle Stories

Sparkle Stories is a subscription based storytelling website, with a huge archive of gentle, beautifully told stories with positive messages for kids. These are a mainstay at our house. If you want to try them out before subscribing, there are a few stories available weekly as part of the Sparkle Stories Podcast.

2. Story Pirates

Story Pirates is a group of actors, comedians, improvisers, and musicians who adapt stories written by kids into sketch comedy and musical theater.

3. Tumble

A science podcast for kids, with engaging episodes and special experts on a variety of topics.

4. But Why?

Why does popcorn pop? How do butterflies fly? A great show that answers these questions and more from Vermont Public Radio.

5. The Radio Adventures of Dr. Floyd

This family friendly new twist on “old time radio” features the adventures of the World’s Most Brilliant Scientist, Dr. Floyd, and his nemesis, Dr. Steve.

Want more?

Check out our Great Podcasts list where you’ll find more information and links to listen.

And check out these great Motherly curated playlists from Smartfeed:

• Toddler media ideas playlist
• Pre-school to first grade playlist