Podcasts are a wonderful distraction when boredom creeps in. How many times have you been on a long family car ride when the arguing starts in the backseat just because the kiddos are bored? Those games on the smartphone only go so far. So, before resorting to sounding like your parents on a road trip, explore the endless possibilities of podcasts.
Adults love them and there’s also a wide range of podcasts geared specifically toward children, tweens, and even teens. Of course, everyone has a podcast these days, which means the options are extensive. Don’t worry, though. We’ve got a list of go-to podcasts for kids you can keep in your back pocket when you need to keep the family entertained.
Podcasts for kids
Would you believe podcasts have been around for two decades? It’s true. The first podcasts started in 2003, but the term was coined in 2004 by journalist Ben Hammersly. Podcasting stuck, and over the last 20 or so years, the genre has continued to evolve.
Today, the list of available podcast content can actually be overwhelming, from true crime to self-help and everything in between. Podcasts aren’t just for adults either. There are quite a few with appropriate content for kids. Podcasts can be a great way to expand your children’s horizons. If you’re searching for podcasts for your kids to listen to, here are the ones that top charts for the kiddos.
Wow in the World
If your kids are into science, this is the podcast for them. It’s great even for ones who aren’t. Wow in the World is hosted by Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz and covers scientific and technology concepts so kids and tweens can understand. Listeners learn why ice cream can make your teeth hurt and all about the person who actually found the first baby shark. New episodes come out on Mondays. A subscription to Wondrey will get updated episodes a week early. Wow in the World is ideally for ages 5 through 12, but keep in mind lots of adults enjoy it, too.
The Big Fib
We know all about fake news and so do kids and teens. How can you tell, though? That’s the premise behind this podcast that’s set up like a game show. Kid hosts interview two experts on the subject of the pod episode. One adult is an actual expert in the field, while the other is not. It’s up to the listeners to figure out which one is spouting fake news. The Big Fib is for kids of all ages, but ages 8 to 14 will probably be amused the most.
Tumble
This is an awesome science podcast the whole family can get on board with, especially on a road trip. Hosts, science journalist Lindsay Patterson and teacher Marshall Escamilla, explore all sorts of cool topics, from the possibility of time travel and how scientists track asteroids to the science behind candy.
Story Pirates
An award-winning podcast, Story Pirates, takes stories and sketches created by kids and brings them to life using actors, musicians, comedians, authors, and teachers. This is a perfect podcast if you have kids who love to make up their own stories. The target audience for Story Pirates is 3 to 12 years of age.
Kyle’s Wild World
For kids who absolutely adore animals, Kyle’s Wild World is a must-listen. Kyle is an amateur zoologist who tapes episodes in his garage. He features special animal guests along with field segments from Gail. Gail is a friend of Kyle’s who visits various animal habitats. This podcast is for animal lovers of all ages, but specifically for the 3 to 12 set. It’s also an ideal family-friendly podcast made for long or short car rides.
The Past and the Curious
Designed for history buffs, The Past and the Curious focuses on lesser-known but just as interesting people and things that have happened in history. Topics include the only woman in history to ever be awarded the Medal of Honor and the first American woman to find a new comet. Listeners learn about why most Americans adjust their clocks twice a year and a whole host of other cool topics. The Past and the Curious is an eye-opening listen for kids from 8 to 13.
But Why?
This is the podcast for parents caught in the why cycle. You know the why cycle when your kiddo asks you why questions about pretty much everything. Well, if you’ve ever been stumped for answers, chances are the But Why? podcast has covered it.
Live from Mount Olympus
Many kids get into mythology after it’s introduced in school. Another prime mythology time is when middle schoolers discover Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson series. Live from Mount Olympus brings Greek myths to life and is hosted by the talented and Tony Award-winning actor, singer, director, dancer, and choreographer André De Shields.
If you’re looking for something to keep the kiddos busy in the car or while waiting, or as an alternative to get those eyes away from the screens, podcasts just might be the answer. Just like for adults, there is a lot of podcast content geared toward children. Podcasts for kids is family-friendly entertainment and something everyone can get on board with, especially on road trips. Sure, the list is lengthy since there are tons of podcasts out there. We’ve narrowed the menu a bit for you with the eight top podcasts for kids that are a must-listen. All these podcasts are available wherever you get your podcasts.
