Need a way to reduce your little one’s screen time, but keep them entertained and learning? Turn to these podcasts for kids!
Looking for fun, screen-free ways to entertain the kids? Enter podcasts — perfect for sparking curious minds! These podcasts make learning a blast, whether during commute, bedtime, or rainy days. Here’s a roundup of the best kid-friendly podcast series you and the kiddos will love.
Podcasts boost listening skills, ignite imaginations, and teach new things — without a screen in sight. They’re perfect for MRT rides, bath time, or winding down before bed. Find these gems on Spotify or Apple Podcasts and download episodes for endless fun anytime, anywhere. Happy listening!
1. Circle Round
Created by parents for parents, WBUR’s Circle Round — from one of America’s top public radio stations — brings global folktales to life with vibrant music and sound-rich storytelling, ideal for kids from aged three years old. Each episode dives into themes like kindness, persistence, and generosity, making it perfect if you’re seeking fun, meaningful entertainment for the kiddos. One must-listen episode? The Lion’s Whisker — a heartwarming tale about patience and teamwork that kids and parents will love! Episodes are around 15 to 25 minutes.
2. Time for Kids Explains
Time for Kids Explains is a cool podcast that brings current events to young listeners through the eyes of kid reporters. Covering topics from lab-grown meat and the Olympics to SpaceX, the show uses engaging formats like quizzes, games, and interviews to make learning fun. Episodes range from 20 to 30 minutes.
Tune in via Apple.
3. But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids
Have you ever had your kiddo ask you one of those tricky, mind-boggling questions — like why the sky is blue or if worms have eyes? We’ve all been there, scrambling for an answer! That’s where But Why steps in. This podcast puts kids in charge, letting them ask the questions, and the show does the hard work of finding the answers. From nature’s quirks to the mysteries of the universe, But Why tackles it all. A highly recommended episode is Why Do Elephants Have Trunks? — it’s packed with fun facts that will leave your kids wide-eyed! The best part? Your child can be part of the show too! Simply record their burning question, share their name and age, and send it over. Episodes range from 15 to 30 minutes.
4. Stories Podcast
Stories Podcast delivers a fresh, exciting tale each week for your kids! From classic fairy tales to original stories. One current must-listen? A Midsummer Night’s Dream, a Shakespeare classic, is told in a kid-friendly, engaging way! This episode is packed with humour, adventure, and heartwarming moments to keep your little ones hooked. Episodes range from 15 to 25 minutes.
5. Brains On!
Brains On! is an award-winning science podcast that sparks curiosity in kids and adults alike! Each week, a different kid co-host joins Molly Bloom to explore fascinating science and history questions — from how volcanoes erupt to the mysteries of space. It’s perfect for kids who love asking “why?” and want fun, mind-blowing answers. Not sure where to start? Check out the episode Why are butts and poop so funny? — it’s both hilarious and surprisingly educational, perfect for engaging curious minds with a little gross-out humour. Episodes range from 25 to 30 minutes.
6. Story Pirates
Story Pirates is an award-winning media company that turns kids’ wild stories into hilarious sketch comedy and catchy songs. With over 85 million downloads, their podcast features celebrity guests like Kristen Bell and Lin-Manuel Miranda, making each episode a unique treat. Episodes range from 19 to 50 minutes.
7. Book Club for Kids
Book Club for Kids is a delightful podcast hosted by radio journalist Kitty Felde that is designed to engage young readers and ignite a passion for books. In each episode, middle schoolers explore a book’s themes, discuss their favorite characters, and share their personal insights. The show also features author interviews, giving listeners a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process. Episodes range from 10 to 20 minutes.
Tune in via Spotify.
8. The Past and the Curious
If you’re after a kid-friendly podcast with a humorous twist on history, check out The Past and the Curious. It combines fun storytelling with fascinating historical facts, all served with a side of laughs. It’s perfect for kids and adults alike, offering a blend of education and entertainment to keep everyone engaged! Episodes are about 30 minutes.
9. The Two Princes
Follow the story of two heroes — Prince Rupert of the West and Prince Amir of the East — as they tackle a mysterious curse in a bid to save their own realms in the fantasy action podcast, The Two Princes. Psst, this popular podcast also features the voices of many well-known actors such as Noah Galvin (Booksmart, Dear Evan Hansen), Christine Baranski (The Good Wife, Chicago, Mamma Mia!), Samira Wiley (Orange Is the New Black, The Handmaid’s Tale) and more. The podcast might be getting an animated special in the future, too — so you know it’s good. Episodes range from 20 to 30 minutes.
10. Short and Curly
We never thought learning about ethics and philosophy could be so entertaining until we watched NBC’s The Good Place… and that’s for us, adults. Kids, on the other hand, might prefer something more bite-sized, like the podcast episodes from Short and Curly. This fun-filled, fast-paced ethics podcast for kids asks questions that’ll really get them thinking and features famous celebrities and athletes along the way, too. Episodes range from five to six minutes.
11. The Unexplained Disappearance of Mars Patel
Need a new mystery story? Listen to this Peabody award-winning serialised mystery podcast for kids that’s performed… by actual kids! Find out what happens when three adventurous friends set out on a journey to search for their two missing friends in space. Episodes range from 20 to 30 minutes.
Happy listening!
This article was originally written by Melodi Ghui in 2020 and updated by Jay Panicker in 2024.
