We all know too much screen time is never a good thing for our kids. However, the right type of screen time engages kids and makes them think. One of those right types? Podcasts. Although podcasts may be a form of screen time, they’re unlikely to overstimulate children, and they’re a wonderful way for families to learn about something new together. Whether you’re at home struggling to find something to do, in need of something other than TV to entertain your little one while you finish preparing dinner, or en route to your family vacation, podcasts can be a real godsend.
So, where can you unearth these fabulous family-friendly podcasts? They’re pretty easy to find through app stores and online, and there is something for everyone. Is your child interested in history? Stories? Science? Mysteries? Listed below are some great kid-friendly podcasts to help get you and your family started.
- Storynory. This podcast is from the popular Storynory audiobook site that posts a new kids story every week. From classic fairy tales and myths, to original poems and adventure, something new will delight kids each week.
- Sesame Street. That’s right! Get your weekly fix of your child’s favorite muppets sent right to your phone. This podcast teaches all the same lessons featured in the television episodes—patience, friendship, reading and caring. With this, you can listen to them in the car, at the store or anywhere else your child may need the distraction.
- Brains on. Calling all science peeps! This podcast teaches a different science lesson in each episode. With kid scientists as the hosts, episodes cover all sorts of topics, such as why we sneeze, the history of boogers, how ants and spiders walk on walls, why we smell and how elevators work.
- Wow in the World. NPR’s first podcast for kids is here to school you and your child with fascinating, kid-friendly news stories of the week. Episodes begin with a series of questions on a new, amazing scientific discovery or finding, and then answer through discussion or debate.
- But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids. As parents, we’re used to hearing the question, “But why?” Although the question isn’t a bad one by any means, it is one we sometimes don’t have an answer to. The topics in this podcast are sourced from actual kids who can submit their questions using the voice note feature on your phone. For example, why do leaves change color? Who invented words? What are boogers made from?
- Story Pirates. In this podcast, the story pirates are a bunch of actors, comedians and improvisers who act out original stories created by kids. You’re in for a treat!
- Peace Out. If you’d like to help your kids calm down at the end of the day or just be more mindful, the Peace Out podcast is for you. It’s a podcast full of short stories for kids that will take young listeners through visualizations and easy breathing exercises. Peace Out helps kids visualize basic feelings like fear, jealousy and anxiety and guides them into a peaceful bedtime.
- Circle Round. If your kids like myths, fairy tales and folklore, this podcast might just become a favorite. Circle Round selects folktales from around the world. Created by parents, this weekly podcast is intended for kids between the ages of 4 and 10 and features some famous voices you just might recognize.
- Earth Rangers. Do your children enjoy animals, nature and the great outdoors? If so, they will most likely enjoy the Earth Rangers podcast, which covers topics such as fossils, bees, feathers and giant marsupials. Your science-loving kid will undoubtedly love it.
- Book Club for Kids. If your kids enjoy stories, but they aren’t really into reading books yet, this podcast might be something to check out. Each story is read by a celebrity, followed by an interview with the author afterward. It just might be the spark that piques your child’s interest in books.
- Saturday Morning Cereal Bowl. If you’re fed up with KidzBop and don’t trust your own music list to play something kid-friendly, try the Saturday Morning Cereal Bowl podcast. It’s chock-full of fun songs just for kids in a radio show format.
- The Past and the Curious. No, this isn’t a podcast about super-fast cars, but it is a show you’re sure to enjoy! Comedic actors perform little-known stories from history in a playful manner, and there’s a quiz segment afterward where you and your little one can face off for points.
- Saturday Morning Theatre. With the sound of an old-fashioned radio broadcast, this podcast series gives listeners short, imaginative adventures featuring superhero tales, westerns and mysteries. New episodes are added one to three times a month, and their catalog goes back to 2013.
- Story Time. If your kids love bedtime stories, and your sleepy eyes aren’t always up for reading, then this podcast is for you. Story Time is just under 20 minutes and perfect for ages 2 to 13, though you just might find that you enjoy the stories, too!
- Short & Curly. This fast-paced and fun-filled podcast teaches kids (ages 7 to 12) and their parents about ethics by talking to real schoolkids about difficult topics, such as “Is it okay to fight a bully?” and silly topics like “Should pugs exist?”
If you’re a first timer entering the world of podcasts, you might find it confusing. However, the digital tools available make it easy to start listening. You can find podcasts available to stream online, or you can download an app called a “podcatcher,” which is specifically for podcasts. Here’s a list of options for listening:
- Leela Kids Podcast App: A great podcast app featuring stories for 3- to 15-year-olds.
- Kids Listen: An online service featuring kid-friendly podcasts.
- Fun Kids Radio: A great app to stream kid-friendly podcasts and videos.
- Podcast Addict: A podcast app for adults and children. Search for kid stories and you’ll find quite a list!
- Pocket Casts: An easy-to-use mobile app for podcasts.
Once you begin adding podcasts into your family’s life, you’ll see just how wonderful they can be. No one will be staring at a screen; instead, they’ll be listening to fun stories and learning new things. The best part is that it’s one more activity the whole family can enjoy together. Happy podcasting!
Benefits of Podcasts for Kids:
- Boost learning
- Reduce screen time
- Go anywhere
- Cost nothing
- Kids (and parents) will love it
Kansas City mom and author Gina Klein admits she hasn’t listened to her podcast app in quite a while, but that’s about to change.