The Best Podcasts for Kids
Yes, there are podcasts for kids.
Podcasts have been around for years, but there’s been an upswing in the last few years. 2014’s Serial was a game-changer, and there’s been explosions in the popularity of daily news and narrative programs.
Podcasts started just for adults (see our picks for the best podcasts here and here), but younger listeners now have lots of options too. Podcasts for kids are a great way to engage their imaginations, and they’re free! So grab a GoGet, plan an adventure and get listening.
Here are our picks for the best podcasts for kids.
The Unexplainable Disappearance of Mars Patel (GoGet’s overall #1 podcast for kids)
This podcast is fantastic. It’s part of the Panoply network, the audio arm of Slate magazine, generally known for bold and opinionated news.
But in Mars Patel, they’ve made a real gem for children. Mars Patel is performed by kids (who are great actors), is beautifully produced, and will delight adults listening along.
It’s a narrative podcast, so your kids will be engaging their imaginations by listening. Think The Goonies, or Stranger Things for kids (just in audio form). Good for kids aged 8-12.
Story Pirates
A super fun podcast that features stories created by kids that are brought to life by professional actors and comedians.
Each episode is a wild adventure that will spark your child's creativity and imagination. They even get to hear from the young author after each story! It's a perfect podcast for inspiring the little writer in your life. Good for kids aged 3 – 10.
Short and Curly
This one is a home-grown Australian podcast for kids, made by the ABC. In short, it’s ethical education. Each episode takes a tough topic and gets stuck into its moral dilemmas.
And some of these are surprisingly heavy. Like ‘Life, Death, and a Runaway Train’ (the Trolley Problem), ‘Should We Kill Feral Cats’, and ‘Can Robot Soldiers Make Better Armies’.
That said, each topic is presented in a way that is appropriate for kids, and has places to pause and discuss the ideas with your kids. If you want to get your children thinking deep thoughts, this is a great option. Suits kids aged 6-10.
The Beanies Imagination Station
Here’s another Aussie offering, from the team at Kinderling, who make kid’s internet radio and podcasts. The Beanies might make old school Wiggles fans get all back-in-my-day, but for young kids they’re one of the best song and dance acts around.
It includes lots of songs and fun stories in each podcast and is great for kids aged 2-6 years.
Brains On!
This is one of the oldest kid’s podcasts, from Minnesota Public Radio in the United States. It’s a science podcast for kids, and is very nicely produced. Think Radiolab for kids.
Brains On! will do just what it says on the label for kids aged 5-12.
Wow in the World
This is a podcast for kids from the team at National Public Radio in the United States. You know a podcast genre is a serious force when NPR gets onboard.
It’s probably the best produced podcast of the lot, along with Mars Patel. Another science podcast, the format’s a bit like an episode of the Doc Brown/Bill Nye parts of the Back to the Future animated series.
It can be a little US-centric but otherwise, it’s great for kids aged 5-12.
Tumble
This is another science podcast. Actually, let’s talk about that. There are heaps of science podcasts for kids. Like, so many. It could be because science – as opposed to maths or literature – has concrete applications, which are simpler to understand.
But also, let us know if you start a tech podcast for kids – we’ll throw it in the list.
But back to Tumble. This is another podcast that’s been on the scene for a while. It’s also an independent production, rather than coming from a network. Despite that, it’s very well produced, and will make kids ages 5-10 very happy. And very smart.
Fun Kids: Download (best podcast for hyperactive kids)
‘Download’ is a weekly best-of show, with segments from the Fun Kids digital radio station in the UK. It’s very different from the other podcasts here, with a very UK commercial radio vibe. Basically it’s louder, sillier, and more intense.
While some jokes are quite funny, it’s not afraid of the occasional toilet humour, and the celebrity interviews are very UK-centric.
But it’s a good way to introduce children with small attention spans to podcasts. Especially if they’re aged 5-10
Bedtime Explorers (best for sleepy kids)
We love this. Not a podcast in the traditional sense so we are cheating a bit, but it’s really lovely, and could be super useful. Bedtime Explorers is a bedtime meditation show, which help kids both get to sleep and get a little more mindful.
It’s beautifully produced, and is another Australian podcast (from Kinderling). Grab a Bluetooth speaker and play this to your children at night, and you’ll have a hard time staying awake yourself!
It’s suitable for babies and very young children, aged 0-5. And sleepy adults who love to imagine.
Buttons & Figs
If your kids love wordplay and poetry, Buttons & Figs is the podcast for them. Hosted by Pamela Rogers, this podcast features whimsical and witty word games and nonsense verse that will have your kids giggling while they learn. This is a great option for kids from 8-12.
Greeking Out
Are your kids (or you!) fascinated by Greek mythology? Then Greeking Out is a must-listen. Hosts Brian and Dr. Vicky explore the world of ancient Greece through stories and trivia games.
Each episode features a different story from Greek mythology and it’s a fun and engaging way for kids to learn about the gods, heroes, and epic battles of Greek mythology. This pod suits older kids who are 8+.
Going on a road trip with kids might seem a daunting experience, but one thing that can help keep them entertained and happy is a great podcast. The right podcast can not only keep your kids occupied for hours, but also provide them with an educational and fun experience.
And remember, the perfect GoGet car for your next trip is waiting for you; round the corner, by the hour.
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