When it comes to mundane tasks, podcasts are a parent’s lifeline to the adult world (seriously, what did anyone do before having a podcast for every topic to listen to while cleaning, working out, or pushing a stroller?). We know there are some great podcasts for moms and older kids, but did you know there’s a whole world of podcasts for toddlers now, too?
With all the concern about screen time, you might think of podcasts as a nice middle ground between your kids zoning out in front of the TV and reading a book with you. They could listen to one in the car (perfect for all those long road trips), at bedtime, or even while waiting for a tedious appointment. So, if you find your kids needing some quiet time, just hit “play” on your phone and relax.
There are lots of places to look for podcasts for toddlers and preschoolers, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Audible, PBS Kids, and Nickelodeon. Here are 20 of the best podcasts for toddlers and preschoolers that are cute, parent-approved, and parent-tested. They lean towards preschool age (3-5), but could easily be a hit with kids a year older or younger—never hurts to give it a try!
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Best Podcasts for Toddlers at Bedtime, Naptime, or Quiet Time
For those of us who often find ourselves sitting in our kids’ pitch-dark rooms begging them to go to sleep, these calming podcasts for toddlers can save you from squinting as you try to read a book.
1. Julie’s Library
Where to listen: Julie’s Library Website | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Audible
What could be more soothing than hearing Julie Andrews (yes, that Julie) read you a story as you nod off in bed? If you’re a fan of classic movies like The Sound of Music and Mary Poppins, you will love this podcast as much as your toddler does. In every episode, the Hollywood legend reads a couple of different children’s books. What’s even cuter is that she hosts the show along with her daughter, a children’s book author and educator.
2. Little Stories for Tiny People
Where to listen: Little Stories for Tiny People Website | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Audible
This series of original children’s stories is written and performed by Rhea Pechter, a mom with a background in social work. She started the show in 2015 after realizing how much she loved making up tales for her own toddler son. Now, it has almost 200 episodes.
3. Molly of Denali
Where to listen: PBS Kids | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Audible
An extension of the popular PBS Kids’ show geared towards children aged 4-8, this show follows Molly, an Alaska Native girl, as she embarks on adventures with her dog and friends.
4. Blue’s Clues & You: Story Time with Josh & Blue
Where to listen: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Apple Music
With two seasons, Story Time with Josh & Blue is yet another solid story show, perfect for kids who love Blue’s Clues and will find the familiarity of these characters comforting at bedtime.
5. Gardenkeeper Gus
Where to listen: Spotify
In this sweet, slow-paced show, 6-year-old Gus and his buddy Rel (a squirrel, naturally) mosey around the garden performing little jobs like harvesting vegetables to make a meal. Parents rave about it for kids from about 3 to 6.
6. Nickelodeon’s Goodnight Bedtime Stories
Where to listen: Spotify | Apple Podcasts
Kids who watch Nickelodeon will love this new podcast, which features the network’s favorite characters from Dora (Dora, Boots), PAW Patrol (Skye, Everest), Blue’s Clues & You! (Blue, Josh), and Blaze and the Monster Machines (Blaze, Crusher, Pickle, Gabby). The shows, which are anywhere from 3 to 15 minutes long, feature gentle songs, stories, and nighttime routines.
7. Peace Out: Mindfulness Stories for Kids
Where to listen: Spotify | Apple Podcasts
Maybe you feel like your kid needs even more explicitly calming content. The episode Ocean Breathing, for example, is a sort of marine-themed visualization exercise that includes deep breathing and counting down slowly. You might even find yourself dozing off in the nursery chair.
8. Sleepy stories on the Calm App
Where to listen: Calm App
The Calm app has a whole section for kids, including classics such as Winnie the Pooh and Peter Pan and newer stories that are written and read in a style that’s meant to be relaxing. Some health insurance policies cover the app as part of their wellness package, so it’s worth looking into whether it’s in your plan.
Best Toddler Podcasts for Road Trips and Travel
Sometimes, you want a good podcast that will entertain your kids but not put them to sleep, whether on a family road trip or a long plane ride. For family podcasts perfect for travel, check out these options.
9. Miss Carly’s Car Rides
Where to listen: Miss Carly’s Car Rides Website | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Amazon Music
Whether you’re on your way to the grocery store or to grandma’s house, make your next car ride fun by turning on the Miss Carly’s Car Rides podcast. This Webby Award-winning podcast provides fun and educational content for kids, like learning about things that move and music. Episodes last anywhere between 1 and 20 minutes.
10. Culture Kids Production
Where to listen: Culture Kids Media Website | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Audible
For your little traveler or for a young kiddo who wants to learn more about different cultures around the world, listen to the mom-and-son duo on the Culture Kids podcast. Kristen and her 7-year-old son Asher discover new places and cultures and share with kids and families.
11. But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids
Where to listen: Vermont Public Website | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Audible
This editor-approved podcast for toddlers and preschoolers is a go-to listen, especially for long car rides. Episodes and interview questions are curated by kids themselves, and the hosts find the answers by asking experts about the topic. Learn about a wide variety of topics from outer space to why oysters make shells. Kids and parents will love listening to this podcast together.
12. Dorktales Storytime
Where to listen: Join In Character Website | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Audible
This show of reimagined fairytales got a seal of approval from Common Sense Media for its positive messages and role models. The stories are read by a professional voiceover actor, making them stand out from the many YouTube videos out there of regular people reading children’s books. Another big plus: It features diverse characters from around the world.
13. What’s Poppin’ Penny?
Where to listen: What’s Poppin’ Penny Website | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Audible
This sweet show was named the best podcast of 2023 for preschoolers aged 2-4 by Common Sense Media, a nonprofit that rates and reviews media for youth. It centers on a fictional character, Penny, who lives in a multigenerational household and goes on adventures with her magical teddy bear as they try to unlock the secrets of an ancestral poem. There are lots of great social-emotional learning themes woven into the stories.
14. Peppa Pig Stories
Where to listen: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Audible
If your kid adores Peppa Pig (and you can’t help but find those little British accents charming), this is the show for your family. These five-ish minute-long episodes are great for short attention spans. They’re also grouped by theme, as you can look up stories on family, friendship, travel, and other topics that might be more relevant to your little one at a particular time.
15. Ready, Set, Ride with Elmo
Where to listen: Audible
No best podcasts for toddlers list would be complete without Elmo. You can always count on Sesame Street to deliver wholesome, educational content. In this series, Elmo takes listeners on rides in all kinds of exciting vehicles: trains, planes, cars, and more. The only caveat is it’s exclusively on Audible, which is a potential downside if you don’t already have a subscription.
16. The Sesame Street Podcast with Foley and Friends
Where to listen: Audible
If you’re wondering who the heck Foley is, she’s yet another Sesame Street monster who can make incredibly realistic sounds with her voice. The show has lots of classic characters, too, including Elmo and Cookie Monster. It’s also exclusive to Audible.
17. Super Simple Imagination Time With Caitie!
Where to listen: Super Simple Website | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Audible
Made by the same group that produces the popular show Super Simple Songs, Caitie’s Classroom, and others, this podcast show centers each episode on a song and mindfulness activity.
18. Circle Round
Where to listen: Circle Round Website | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Audible
For the family who loves learning about other cultures, Circle Round, created by Boston public radio station WBUR, 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.
19. Moment of Um: bite-sized answers to big questions!
Where to listen: Brains On! Universe Webiste | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Audible
If your kid has reached the age where they have a question about everything—Why does hot sauce make your nose run? How do you become an astronaut? How far has any astronaut traveled? Do fish have tongues?—they’re in luck! All of these questions, and many more, are answered on this podcast designed for kids ages 4 and older.
20. Thomas & Friends™ Storytime
Where to listen: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Audible
Given this show’s decades-long staying power, it’s clearly figured something out about the toddler psyche. The podcast builds on the show, making it an ideal choice for the kid who just cannot get enough of the magical island of Sodor.
FAQs
Are podcasts good for toddlers and preschoolers?
Yes, developmentally appropriate podcasts for toddlers can promote curiosity and provide screen-free entertainment.
How much podcast time is OK for toddlers and preschoolers?
Shorter episodes are best for younger kids. Stick to episodes that are anywhere between five and 15 minutes.
At what age can toddlers start listening to podcasts?
Toddlers can start listening to developmentally appropriate podcasts at the age of 2.
Annie Atherton, Contributing Writer
Annie is a mom and writer covering parenting, culture, women, and work. In addition to The Everymom, her writing has appeared in The Atlantic, The Washington Post, the BBC, Insider, Seattle Magazine, The Seattle Times, Travel+Leisure, Romper, and Scary Mommy. She’s particularly interested in questions of how people can design their lives and traditions in accordance with their values.
Patty Schepel, Associate Editor
As the Associate Editor, Patty works with The Everymom’s team on pitches, creating original articles, updating existing content, photo sourcing, writing shopping product descriptions, editing freelance articles, and more. With Patty’s passion for writing, experience as a mother of two, and expertise as a pediatric nurse, she brings a thoughtful and informative perspective to The Everymom.
