Whether you’re on a family road trip or just looking for something to enjoy together at home, podcasts (which are a series of audio episodes) are a great diversion. From podcasts that answer kids’ silliest questions to family-friendly serial mysteries, these are the best podcasts for kids and families.
How to Stream Podcasts
Families can listen to a podcast through a variety of devices. Podcasts can be streamed through websites and apps on smartphones, tablets, computers, Alexa, a smart TV or any other digital streaming device. There is a Podcasts app on all iOS devices which is helpful in streaming a podcast series. But Spotify, iHeartRadio, Amazon, YouTube and Google Play are among some of the app/website options for how to stream a podcast. Simply visit the website or streaming app, download the podcast episodes you’d like to hear (make sure to subscribe if it is a recurring series) and push play to listen.
The Best Podcasts for Kids and Families
1. Brains On! Science Podcast
Best For: All ages
Typical Episode Length: 30 minutes
New Episode Posted: Weekly
This award-winning audio show features a different kid co-host each week, who helps find answers to questions about the world. The family-friendly podcast piques kids’ curiosity through science and history.
2. But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids
Best For: All ages
Typical Episode Length: About 20 minutes
New Episode Posted: Several times a month
Kids ask the questions on the But Why podcast, and they find the answers. The best part is that anyone can submit audio files of their child asking his or her question, no matter how silly, and But Why will find the answer. Topics big and small are covered. Everything from nature to words to questions like “are llamas ticklish?” are some of the topics covered.
3. Storynory
Best For: Ages 7 to 11 years old
Typical Episode Length: Varies greatly by story (3 to 30 minutes on average)
New Episode Posted: Several times a month
Storynory is a free podcast that tells stories to spark imagination through good writing and narrations. There are more than 600 audio stories on the podcast, so there’s no shortage of content on Storynory! There are original stories, fairy tales, classics, poems and music, plus the show’s creators have started to produce factual stories about history, too. Two popular original stories on Storynory are about an ordinary girl named Katie who happens to also be a witch with magical powers, and Astropup, a space traveling dog.
4. Noodle Loaf
Best For: Ages 3 to 9 years old
Typical Episode Length: About 10 minutes
New Episode Posted: Several times a month
Created by a music educator and father, Noodle Loaf is an interactive podcast that brings the family together with music, sing-a-longs, rhyme time, kids talking about random topics and a guided doodle where kids are instructed what to draw. Different topics and activities take place in each episode.
5. Girl Tales
Best For: All ages
Typical Episode Length: 30-50 minutes on average
New Episode Posted: Monthly
Girl Tales is a free podcast that reimagines fairy tales with a feminist twist for a new generation. You won’t find any damsels in distress in these podcasts! The girls in these stories turn your favorite fairytales into exciting new adventures where the girls take control of their own destiny.
6. Unspookable
Best For: Ages 8 years old and up
Typical Episode Length: 20 minutes
New Episode Posted: Several times a month
This family-friendly podcast dives into the history and mysteries behind scary stories, myths and legends, including Charlie Charlie, Bloody Mary, witches, mermaids, zombies and more.
7. Five Minutes with Dad
Best For: Ages 4 years old and up
Typical Episode Length: About 15 minutes
New Episode Posted: Several times a month
A father and his two young children host the Five Minutes with Dad podcast where the family tackles everyday issues and questions. Things like starting a new school, the tooth fairy, how to be brave, family traditions and much more are discussed on this podcast.
8. Saturday Morning Cereal Bowl
Best For: All ages
Typical Episode Length: Two hours
New Episode Posted: Weekly
This music podcast will get families moving, grooving, and dancing. Saturday Morning Cereal Bowl is a two-hour music show that live streams at 8 a.m. Saturdays. The live stream is then turned into a weekly podcast that highlights “kindie” music of all ages.
9. The Unexplainable Disappearance of Mars Patel
Best For: Ages 8 to 12 years old
Typical Episode Length: 15 to 30 minutes
New Episode Posted: Three-season series
The Unexplainable Disappearance of Mars Patel is a scripted, serial mystery podcast narrated by middle grade kids. It’s the tale of an 11-year-old boy who goes searching for his missing friends. This award-winning podcast is described as a mix between The Goonies, Spy Kids and Stranger Things.
10. Dear Hank and John
Best For: Tweens and Teens
Typical Episode Length: 45 minutes
New Episode Posted: Weekly
The Dear Hank and John podcast is hosted by the Green brothers, Hank Green and John Green (both authors and YouTubers). The brothers answer listener questions and offer both humorous and heartfelt advice about life’s questions, big and small in this podcast.
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