The best podcasts for kids can help pass the time on your next family road trip without banking a lot of screen time. Even if you’re getting ready for summer travel, flying with kids can be a whole lot easier if your child is immersed in a great podcast.
There are plenty of great podcasts for each age group: podcasts for preschoolers, podcasts for toddlers, podcasts for middle schoolers and even podcasts for teens. Make podcasts a part of your bedtime routine or, maybe, a special treat to listen to after dinner. They’re truly a unique form of entertainment without sensory overload and they’re a great option for any time.
The best podcasts for toddlers
Your busy tot is sure to slow down (for at least a few minutes) when you press play on these super engaging pods. From modern fairy tales to kid-focused queries, here’s what to queue up when you need a break from planning those 2-year-old activities.
This is not your average fairy tale. Reimagined tales of adventure featuring familiar heroines take place in this podcast that’s all about female empowerment.
Have you ever wondered why dogs wag their tails? This podcast features a kid co-host every week and together they explore different curiosities about our world. There’s songs, sounds and lots of cool facts.
Earth Ranger Emma is on a mission to travel the world and discover all of the secrets of the animal kingdom and nature’s mysteries. There are games, conservation conversations and more.
The best podcasts for preschoolers
For the 3- to 5-year-old set, story-focused podcasts are a perfect quiet-time activity when they start to refuse all naps but still need a brain break. Help them settle down with a good yarn.
Related: 5-year-old activities to foster your child’s development
An adaptive podcast that takes select folktales and transforms them into “sound- and music-rich” radio sets. Each episode is about 10-20 minutes long and they explore different issues such as kindness.
This is an interactive music education podcast for kids. Each episode is about 10 minutes long and there are interactive elements. Winner of the Common Sense Media Selection seal for their quality kids content.
The best podcasts for kids
Your school-aged kid is figuring out what they’re passionate about—and we’re betting there’s a podcast out there to feed their interests. From kid-authored stories to Greek mythology and scientific wonders, you’ll both love listening together during downtime.
Related: How do you teach kids about hope?
What’s better than kid humor? Not much! This podcast features hilarious stories by kids for kids. Throw in a few celebrity guests, original songs and silly logic and you’ve got a podcast that the whole family will enjoy.
One of the most popular science-centered podcasts for kids. They talk about everything science and technology related. Some episodes are as wacky as the science behind farts and others are a bit more serious. The best judge for determining which episodes are appropriate for your child is you.
The Alien Adventures of Finn Caspian
A serialized science-fiction story told in short episodes makes this the perfect podcast for bedtime. Finn Caspian is an 8-year-old boy who lives on an interstellar space station and goes on explorations with his friends.
For every time your child has started a question with, “What if.” This podcast spins a story out of some of the most outrageous questions kids have.
There are so many female scientists whose stories haven’t been told. Each season focuses on one scientist and does a deep dive into her work, the social conditions of the time she lived in and how her work lives on today.
The podcast that inspires families to talk about all things money. They feature all kinds of money-related questions asked by kids.
If your child loves learning about Greek mythology then they’ll love this podcast. This kid-friendly retelling of the classics features stories of gods and goddesses, heroes and monsters.
The best podcasts for middle schoolers
Your tween isn’t too old to find a podcast that fosters their curiosity and creativity. Give them a gentle nudge to check out a few of our picks below—you might just have to turn one on in the car together first.
This is a podcast hosted by kids where they ask questions about the world and get answers. You can help your child submit a question and listen to the answer on air!
Each episode pairs two things, smashes them together and from there starts a lively debate. Its fun, smart and teaches kids about debates, logical thinking and so much more.
A history podcast that investigates all kinds of things. There are themed episodes with music and lots of funny and interesting facts about little known things.
15-year-old Tai asks important questions, such as, why is it impossible to NOT finish a bag of chips? This curious kid is out to solve mysteries one question at a time and he’s even won a Webby for his phenomenal podcast.
The Best Podcasts for Teens
Your almost-grown kiddo might relish in the discovery of a podcast that they feel truly speaks to them. Help them understand the importance of teen mental health, figure out what it means to be an adult, learn about fascinating discoveries, break down famous historical figures or what’s new in pop culture.
This thought-provoking podcast explores a broad range of interests. There’s something new to learn in every episode. Your child can pick and choose to listen to whatever ignites their curiosities.
This is an award-winning podcast that features real stories, advice and cultural commentary. The two BIPOC hosts delve into everything that almost-adults wonder about or need to know.
Topics range from chaos theory to The Colosseum, champagne to Rosa Parks and everything in between. Hosts Josh and Chuck do a deep dive into all kinds of subjects.
Made for teens, by teens. This is THE mental health podcast for teens. Sadie brings authentic and relatable content surrounding all things concerning mental wellness.
A version of this story was originally published on May 11, 2023. It has been updated.
