10 Great Podcasts for Kids
If you’re anything like me, you have a podcast library filled with favorite shows ready to tune into the latest episode as you drive, fold laundry, cook dinner, or go for a walk. There is such great variety in the world of podcasts - everything from crime mysteries to politics to hilarious pop culture banter. And recently, I’ve been checking out some podcasts for kids and was blown away by all the outstanding options. I love being able to listen to something we all enjoy and many of these podcasts lead to great discussion. Bonus: this is a great way to pass the time on long car rides, so check some out and find a few favorites as you gear up for summer road trips.
WOW in the World Podcast guides curious kids and their grown-ups on a journey into the wonders of the world around them. For example, they go inside our brains, out into space, and deep into the coolest new stories in science and technology. Recent episode include, Horsefly Don’t Bother Me! - The Dazzling Mystery of Zebra Stripes and My Asteroid is Blowing Up.
Brains On! is an award-winning science podcasts for kids and families. Each week, a different kid co-host joins Molly Bloom to find answers to fascinating questions about the world. According to their website, their mission is to “encourage kids’ natural curiosity and wonder using science and history…but there’s no age limit on curiosity, and episodes of Brains On can be enjoyed by anyone.” Here are some of their recommendations for getting started.
But Why, is a show led by curious kids! Kids ask the questions and find the answers to topics large and small, about nature, words, even the end of the world. And your child can be part of it! Have a question? Record it with a smartphone and send the recording into the show to have your question answered! Recent episodes include, “Do Skunks Like Thier Own Smell?” and “Why is There a Big Patch of Garbage in the Pacific Ocean?”
The Alien Adventures of Finn Caspian is a serialized science-fiction story for kids and told in 15-20 minute episodes. It is perfect for parents to put on when driving around town, or on those marathon road trips, or to bond over before bed. 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. The website recommends this podcast for ages 5-10, stating it “contains no violence, a little bit of suspense, and some aliens who are real chuckleheads.”
The Book Club for Kids is a podcast geared toward middle grade readers to meet and talk about a book. The show includes a celebrity reading from the book, and as an extra special bonus, the author joins to answer your questions!
The Past & The Curios is a history podcast for kids, and I smile each time I say the name. Their mission statement is “to share true stories of inspiration, humor, and the incredible achievements of all types of people, many of which are sadly under-shared, and to do so in an easily accessible and diverse manner.”
The Dream Big Podcast is a family-friendly podcast inspiring kids (and adults!) to pursue their passions in life and take action to make their dreams a reality. The hosts, 9-year-old Eva Karpman, together with her mom, Olga Karpman, interview world-class performers who do what they love and live their dreams each and every day.
The Unexplainable Disappearance of Mars Patel is an award winning serial mystery story for middle grade students and performed by middle grade kids. It is described as “Goonies, meets Spy Kids, meets Stranger Things for 8-12 year-olds.” Listen along as eleven-year-old Mars Patel and his pals JP, Toothpick, and Caddie set out on an adventure in search of two missing friends.
The Saturday Morning Cereal Bowl is a weekly, two-hour program of music for the entire family to enjoy. This isn’t simply kids music; it’s two hours of some of the best family music you’ve ever heard. So sit back with the kids and enjoy!
On the What If World podcast ,there is no question too silly! What if popcorn could talk? What if kids like chores? What if my lunch lady was an octopus? These topics are all fair game, making for an incredibly entertaining listen for parents and kids alike
Written by Joy Becker, Mentoring Coordinator
