Podcasts are more popular now than ever before. In fact, as of this year, over 619 million of us, globally, listen to one, and it’s expected that number will grow to 651 million by 2027. Currently, there are over 4 million podcasts, and within the United States, the industry is expected to be worth over 25 billion dollars by 2030. Yep—that’s with a “b.” But out of those 4 million, are there any podcasts for kids? If you’ve been on long car or airplane rides with your little ones, that’s a question you’ve certainly asked yourself.
When it comes to podcast themes or content, you might prefer informative, funny, relatable, or a combination—whatever engages you the most. But when you first think of podcasts, it’s natural that adult ones come to mind (there are many, many out there not suitable for kids). However, there’s a whole niche out there dedicated to podcasts for kids that both you and your kiddo will love, including stories, mysteries, educational themes, sports talk, and much more. Here are 35 of our favorite kid-friendly podcasts to check out.
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The Best Kids’ Podcasts at a Glance
Below you’ll find our best overall picks for kids’ podcasts, from toddler-friendly stories to history and mythology for big kids and tweens. Be sure to save these picks for your next travel day or road trip.
| Podcast | Best for | Ages | Episode Length | Category |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Julie’s Library | Storytime for toddlers | 2-5 | ~20 minutes | Story |
| Story Pirates | Stories and comedy | 5-10 | ~40 minutes | Story |
| Circle Round | Folktales and diverse cultures | 5-10 | ~15 minutes | Educational |
| The Mystery Kids | Real-life mysteries and big questions | 6-11 | ~15 minutes | Mystery |
| Greeking Out | Mythology and history | 8-12 | ~25 minutes | Educational |
Educational Podcasts for Kids
1. Wow in the World
Best for: Ages 6-10
What it’s about: Science, technology, and the world around us
Episode length: ~30 minutes
Best for: Car rides, curious kids, screen-free entertainment
Where to listen: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Tinkercast Website
This podcast is a STEM-loving kid’s dream come true. Hosts Guy Raz and Mindy Thomas explore current science stories in the news while encouraging scientific discovery and wonder. Each episode is about 30 to 45 minutes long, so it’s best for kids who can hold their attention for that long, or can split it into a few listening sessions!
2. The Past and the Curious
Best for: Ages 8-12
What it’s about: Historical events, forgotten figures, and funny moments
Episode length: ~25 minutes
Best for: Short car rides, daily downtime, or classroom learning
Where to listen: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | The Past and the Curious Website
This history podcast for kids tells unknown stories of our world in an exciting, uplifting way. The episodes focus on inspirational stories of historical achievements—like Nelly Bly’s record-breaking trip around the world and the story of the Mary Celeste, a supposed ghost ship. The episodes are typically less than 30 minutes, making them perfect bite-sized tales to promote further research and discovery.
3. Circle Round
Best for: Ages 4-10
What it’s about: Culture, diversity, and folktales
Episode length: ~15 minutes
Best for: Family listening and car rides
Where to listen: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Circle Round Website
For the family who loves learning about other cultures, “Circle Round” adapts folktales from around the world into plays performed by professional actors. The audio quality is seriously impressive (lots of sound effects and music), and the episodes range from 6 to 25 minutes. They end with activities aimed at inspiring deeper conversations to have with your kids.
4. Greeking Out
Best for: Ages 8-12
What it’s about: Classic stories, myths, and history of Ancient Greece
Episode length: ~25 minutes
Best for: Road trips, quiet time, and classroom learning
Where to listen: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Amazon Music
Any other Greek mythology fanatics out there? Once your kid has run through all the Percy Jackson books, Greeking Out should be their new obsession. Produced by National Geographic, this podcast brings classic stories and mythology to life for kiddos, all in the context of Ancient Greece. I love how this podcast blends something kids genuinely love with important history lessons.
5. Kidnuz: News for Kids
Best for: Ages 6-12
What it’s about: Current events (sports, entertainment, science, etc.)
Episode length: ~10 minutes
Best for: Family listening, classroom learning, or quick car rides
Where to listen: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Kidnuz Website
“Kidnuz” is the perfect alternative to letting your kids watch the actual news. These bite-sized episodes feature quick updates on current events in a format that is appropriate and digestible for the littlest of ears. We love listening to it as a family at dinner time, or on the way to school—the shorter format makes it a great option for quick commutes.
6. Culture Kids
Best for: Ages 4-8
What it’s about: World culture, traditions, stories, foods, languages, and more
Episode length: ~15 minutes
Best for: Family listening, classroom learning, or prep for family travel
Where to listen: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Culture Kids Media Website
Culture Kids is a nonprofit immersive audio experience that aims to open young listeners’ ears to the wonders of the world around them. Each episode explores a different corner of the world (and the people in it) through kid-friendly storytelling. While the episodes themselves are beautifully produced, what I love most about this one is how it grasps onto that childlike wonder and keeps kids asking questions, even after the podcast has finished.
More Educational Podcasts for Kids
- Brains On!
- But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids
- Forever Ago
- Miss Carly’s Car Rides
- The History Chicks
- Sesame Street: Foley and Friends
- The Radio Adventures of Doctor Floyd
Story Podcasts for Kids
6. The Alien Adventures of Finn Caspian
Best for: Ages 5-10
What it’s about: The sci-fi adventures of an 8-year-old boy—the first baby born in space!
Episode length: ~10 minutes
Best for: Family listening and downtime at home
Where to listen: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | GZM Shows Website
Each engaging and entertaining episode of “The Alien Adventures of Finn Caspian” is a 10- to 15-minute treat centered on an 8-year-old boy on the Interplanetary Exploratory Space Station. Together with his friends Abigail, Elias, and Vale, he solves mysteries, helps aliens, and explores the unknown. It’s great for elementary school-aged kids, as the writer’s 7-year-old son serves as the editor!
7. Story Pirates
Best for: Ages 5-10
What it’s about: Hilarious sketches and musical numbers based on real stories submitted by real kids
Episode length: ~40 minutes
Best for: Road trips, travel days, and family listening
Where to listen: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Story Pirates Website
The “Story Pirates” Podcast turns original stories, submitted by kids like yours, and turns them into hilarious sketch comedy and songs. The podcast is award-winning and top-downloaded, with all story ideas and plots coming from the creative minds of kids around the world. While exploring the podcast, you may recognize some celebrity voices, including Sara Bareilles and Kristen Bell!
8. Little Stories for Tiny People
Best for: Ages 3-6
What it’s about: Gentle stories about friendship, big emotions, and life lessons
Episode length: ~20 minutes
Best for: Bedtime stories, car rides, and family listening
Where to listen: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Little Stories for Tiny People Website
This calming podcast features immersive, original stories that are ideal for car rides, bedtime, or any time. Podcast creator Rhea Pecheter writes and performs imaginative and engaging stories with lovable characters.
9. Molly of Denali
Best for: Ages 4-8
What it’s about: Molly Mabray, an Alaska Native girl, as she helps run the Denali Trading Post in her village of Qyah.
Episode Length: ~10 minutes
Best for: Bedtime stories and short car trips
Where to listen: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | PBS Kids Website
This podcast is connected to the PBS Kids show of the same name (which is excellent, and you must watch). In 7- to 12-minute episodes, we learn more about 10-year-old Molly Mabray, an Alaskan native, and her life in rural Alaska. Every episode sets up the next, so listening in order is best.
10. Story Time With Phillip and Mommy!
Best for: Ages 3-6
What it’s about: Daily children’s read aloud story time
Episode length: ~10 minutes
Best for: Bedtime stories, short car trips, and downtime at home
Where to listen: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Amazon Music
For the littlest listeners, “Story Time with Phillip and Mommy” is an awesome option to bring bedtime stories to life. I especially love it for wind-down time at home—it helps little ones feel excited to get into bed because they have a part of their routine they love and look forward to!
More Story Podcasts for Kids
- Dorktales Storytime
- Gardenkeeper Gus
- Grimm, Grimmer, Grimmest
- Julie’s Library
- R.L. Stine’s Story Club
Funny Podcasts for Kids
11. Dr. Gameshow
Best for: Ages 8-12
What it’s about: Hosts playing bizarre and often nonsensical games sent in by listeners
Episode length: ~1h 30m
Best for: Road trips and long travel days
Where to listen: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Maximum Fun Website
Have a kiddo who is constantly laughing, looking for fun, and playing games with others? This is the podcast for them. In “Dr. Gameshow,” podcast hosts Jo Firestone and Manola play through kid-created, original games that are fun and family-friendly. Listen along with your kids and get ready for some serious fun and games!
12. Hill-LaRRy-uS!
Best for: Ages 6-12
What it’s about: Jokes, puns, and riddles by fictional best friends Hillary and Larry
Episode length: ~3 minutes
Best for: Short drives and family listening
Where to listen: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Pinna
Winner of a Parents’ Choice Silver Award, this silly, joke-filled podcast for kids is hosted by best friends Hillary and Larry. Together, they share their best jokes, stories, riddles, and more.
13. Smash Boom Best
Best for: Ages 6-10
What it’s about: A hilarious debate show that takes two things and lets you decide which is best
Episode length: ~30 minutes
Best for: Family listening and downtime at home
Where to listen: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Brains On! Universe Website
For the kiddos with a passionate spirit (and maybe a bit of a fiery attitude), this funny and smart debate podcast is just for them. Each episode takes two things (Pikachu vs. Mario, Lollipops vs. Popcorn, etc.) and uses passion and logic to decide which is the ultimate winner. Along the way, listeners learn how to defend their opinions.
Mystery Podcasts for Kids
14. A to Z Mysteries: Clue Club
Best for: Ages 5-10
What it’s about: Kid detectives Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose as they solve uncrackable cases
Episode length: ~15 minutes
Best for: Family listening and car rides
Where to listen: Pinna
Inspired by the successful children’s book series by Ron Roy, “A to Z Mysteries: Clue Club” is hosted exclusively on Pinna (meaning it’s subscription-based). Pint-sized listeners can enjoy the short episodes as they become a part of the story, spotting clues and trying to solve the mysteries. It’s a great option to listen to for travel or on road trips since it will keep kids engaged until the very end.
15. The Mystery Kids
Best for: Ages 6-11
What it’s about: Explores real-life, unexplained stories, and mysteries
Episode length: ~15 minutes
Best for: Family listening and classroom learning
Where to listen: Spotify | Apple Podcasts
Created with her then 5-year-old son Porter in mind, this kid-friendly podcast by Tess O’Driscoll is a bit like a PG version of Unsolved Mysteries, allowing listeners to explore the weird happenings in the world. Episodes include classic folktales like the Yeti and current phenomena, like Roanoke: The Lost Colony.
16. Bust or Trust: A Kid’s Mystery Podcast
Best for: Ages 6-11
What it’s about: Explores strange legends, weird history, and global mysteries
Episode length: ~20 minutes
Best for: Family listening (helps spark meaningful questions and debate!)
Where to listen: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Bust or Trust Website
If your kids have ever asked you about legends like Bigfoot, the Lost City of Atlantis, and Blackbeard’s Treasure, this is the podcast for them. Listeners are coined “chief detectives,” and it’s their job to consider all the evidence given and “trust” or “bust” the myth.
17. Six Minutes
Best for: Ages 9-12
What it’s about: 11-year-old Holiday as she wakes up in Alaska with no memory of who she is!
Episode length: ~10 minutes
Best for: Family listening with older kids who enjoy suspense and action
Where to listen: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | GMZ Website
In this exciting podcast perfect for older kids, 11-year-old Holiday is pulled from the icy waters of Alaska with no memory of who she is or where she came from. And when she begins to develop incredible abilities, she’ll start to put together her past—and where she belongs. For older kids who love a suspenseful, fast-paced story, this is a must-listen.
18. The Unexplainable Disappearance of Mars Patel
Best for: Ages 8-12
What it’s about: Manu “Mars” Patel and his loyal friends as they investigate the disappearance of their classmates
Episode length: ~20 minutes
Best for: Family listening, classroom learning, and reluctant readers
Where to listen: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | GMZ Website
This is the kind of mystery adventure show the whole family will enjoy. I especially appreciate how “Mars” and his friends aren’t just investigating hard-to-crack mysteries—they’re also dealing with the ups and downs of middle school. And that means discussion of shifting peer dynamics, crushes, and school pressures.
Bedtime Podcasts for Kids
19. Rebel Girls
Best for: Ages 6-12
What it’s about: Real-life stories of female scientist, activists, artists, and more
Episode length: ~10 minutes
Best for: Relaxing, quite time at home
Where to listen: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Rebel Girls Website
Like their book series, “Rebel Girls” (formerly Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls) has a library of over 100 empowering bedtime stories that encourage girls to dream big. Downloaded over 30 million times, the award-winning podcast showcases inspiring stories of remarkable women. It’s also a great option for parents looking for kid-friendly podcasts on diversity and inclusion.
20. Peace Out
Best for: Ages 5-12
What it’s about: Guided relaxation and mindfulness exercises
Episode length: ~30 minutes
Best for: Bedtime routines and quiet time
Where to listen: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Sensical TV
Featuring relaxing mindfulness stories for kids, “Peace Out” is a great podcast option for kids to enjoy as they begin to wind down for the day. With visualization exercises and breathwork techniques focused on kindness and fun facts, young listeners can practice self-regulation and prepare their bodies for bedtime.
21. Be Calm on Ahway Island
Best for: Ages 3-6
What it’s about: Guided meditations and gentle bedtime stories
Episode length: ~20 minutes
Best for: Relaxation before bed or nap time
Where to listen: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Ahway Island Website
This soothing podcast combines guided meditation and relaxation techniques with a bedtime or naptime story your kids will love. Each episode features diverse kids, forest animals, sea creatures, and more.
22. Nighttime Nathan
Best for: Ages 3-10
What it’s about: Relaxing stories and music before bed
Episode length: ~20 minutes
Best for: Quiet time, bedtime routines, or weekends at home
Where to listen: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Nighttime Nathan Website
I love how imaginative and expansive the stories on this podcast are, but with the lack of drawings or photos comes a special opportunity for imagination. Kids get to fill in the blanks themselves, and I think that is so, so special. Plus, the audio on this one really does nail the before-bed, relaxing tone parents need.
23. Koala Moon: Kids Bedtime Stories & Sleep Stories
Best for: Ages 2-8
What it’s about: Soothing bedtime stories and meditations
Episode length: ~30 minutes
Best for: Winding down before bedtime or nap time
Where to listen: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Koala Moon Website
For those in search of a shared listening experience before bed, save “Koala Moon” to your list. The comforting, imaginative world sparks conversation with kiddos while still helping everyone relax and unwind before bedtime. Plus, it’s a perfect listen for animal lovers.
The Best Podcasts for Kids by Age
Deciding what podcasts are right for your child means matching their developmental stage, interests, and attention span. And with so many podcasts out there to sift through, this can be a hefty undertaking. Luckily, we’ve done the work for you! Below, you’ll find the best podcasts for all ages, from toddlers to tweens.
Best Podcasts for Kids Ages 3–5
The best podcasts for toddlers and preschoolers focus on calming stories, gentle music, and familiar characters. For daily routines like car rides and bedtime, they really can be a lifesaver. Here are our favorite picks:
Best Podcasts for Kids Ages 6–8
This is the age when kids start to have more fun with the podcasts they like. From science to storytelling, these picks combine the humor and curiosity that make this age group so special.
Best Podcasts for Kids Ages 9–12
Older kids and tweens are really starting to lean into their interests and personalities—this age is all about self-expression. Fittingly, these picks target a wide array of personalities and are perfect for a tween who needs something other than a screen to get them through a rainy day.
FAQs
What are the best podcasts for kids on road trips?
The best podcasts for kids on road trips are immersive and engaging. They may even spark some meaningful conversation between kids and adults. Some of our favorites are “Little Stories for Tiny People” for toddlers, “Wow in the World” and “Story Pirates” for elementary-aged kids, and “Greeking Out” for big kids and tweens.
What podcasts are educational for kids?
Educational podcasts for kids focus on topics like science, history, or current events in a way that is engaging and digestible even for little kids. For young listeners interested in STEM, we recommend “Wow in the World”. For history buffs, picks like “The Past and the Curious” and “The History Chicks” are no-brainers. And for kid-friendly news, you can’t go wrong with “Kidnuz”.
What are the best bedtime podcasts for kids?
The best bedtime podcasts for kids help little ones relax and wind down while still keeping them engaged. Some of our favorites include “Peace Out” and “Be Calm on Ahway Island”.
Where can kids listen to podcasts?
Kids can listen to podcasts on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, as well as on the official website for that particular podcast. Additionally, many podcasts are available for purchase on Audible.
Are there free podcasts for kids?
The vast majority of kids’ podcasts are free to listen to on major streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, or Google Podcasts. Some are also included with subscriptions to Audible or can be accessed for free on that podcast’s website.
Erin Celletti, Contributing Writer
Erin is an NYC-based writer with a BA in Journalism from Quinnipiac University and two master’s degrees in education. She is a proud mama to a little girl and a lifestyle, beauty, wellness, and trends reports writer. Beyond The Everymom, Erin’s editorial work has been featured in publications like Bustle, Allure, Byrdie, The Everygirl, TeenVogue, BRIDES, Sunday Edit, and TODAY.
Rebecca Smith, Editorial Assistant
As an Editorial Assistant, Rebecca works with The Everymom team on updating existing content, photo sourcing, pitching original articles, and more. She’s passionate about creating authentic and diverse online content and is thrilled to help women of all ages feel represented.
