Sure, most podcast listeners know about Serial, TED Talks, and This American Life but what if you’re interested in finding a podcast for the youngsters in your life? What do you suggest to them? Even better, what can you listen to together, as a family?
The great thing is that you’re in luck even though you may not know it. There are tons of podcasts for kids. Heck, there’s even a podcast network dedicated to kids’ shows.
Here are four of my favorites I would recommend for younger kids.
But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids (Ages 4-12)
Honestly, I think the age range should be from 3-99. I’m not kidding. Although the host says their podcast is geared toward kids in the 4-12 age range, I think it’s enjoyable and educational for everyone. I’ve listened to multiple episodes and I’m far from a youngster.
I continue to get answers about all these questions I’ve had since I was a kid. These are universal questions that everyone has thought about and now you can get them answered in a way that everyone can understand. The host also makes it seem like she has the best job in the world.
My favorite episodes are How Are Babies Made? and Why Do People Dream?
Tumble – Science Podcast for Kids (Ages 6-12)
Although this show is geared towards kids that like science, don’t let that stop you from playing it for your kids even if they have no interest in science.
Like the But Why Kids podcast, it’s a fun podcast for the entire family. However, they specifically created this podcast as a way for children to learn that science is not just about facts that they are tested on but instead, a process and a tool that “helps shape the future.”
If you don’t know where to start, my favorite episode is What Would Happen If There Was No Moon?
Little Stories For Tiny People (Ages 3-8)
Even bedtime is changing with technology. Change up your evening ritual by playing a podcast instead of reading a book to your children although honestly, you can listen to these at any time of the day.
If your story telling skills are like mine, I would recommend finding someone that is a lot more delightful to listen to. Enter Rhea, the host of Little Stories for Tiny People. She crafts these original stories with an assortment of lovable characters.
The stories are so pleasing to your ears which include wonderful sound effects but they also deal with different themes like friendship, patience, helping others and many others.
I honestly don’t have a favorite because all the episodes are so enjoyable to listen to. You could just start from the beginning or read the episode descriptions to get an understanding of the story and the theme that you think your child would enjoy.
Cool Facts About Animals (Ages 3-11)
When I was a kid, our family had multiple pets. Birds, fish, guinea pigs, and even mice. Oddly, no cat or dog. If my father and I had final say, we would’ve gotten a snake but my mom quickly squashed that idea pretty quickly.
If your kid loves animals, you’d be wrong to miss out on the Cool Facts About Animals podcast. It’s a true family-based podcast with the mother Ali and her three kids aged 3, 5, and 7. If you want to hear a family have fun talking about cheetahs, sharks, bearded dragons and more, this is the show for you. And if you don’t think it’s one of the most adorable things you’ve ever heard, you and I have a different definition of that word.
My favorites are about the Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake (of course!) and the Bonus! 20 Cool Facts About Animals episode.
This article was written by Paul Kondo. Paul loves podcasts and writes the Podcast Gumbo newsletter, which provides the best podcast recommendations each week. You can learn about the newsletter and subscribe to it over at Paul’s personal website.
