Are you and your kids into podcasts? I know I am personally and love to listen to them while working, but my kids haven’t really gotten into them… YET! In preparation for an upcoming road trip where I will be 100% prepared for the “Are we there yet?” challenge, I’ll have compiled a list of 10 kids podcasts to listen to on the road. Podcasts are a fun way to get information, learn about something new, laugh, or even just hear stories being told. So, here’s my kids podcasts picks that we are going to try to listen to while on the road as a family!
Pants on Fire
Pants on Fire is a game show format so if you like that, you’ll like this! Kids will try to figure out which adult is the actual expert and who’s just pretending. Debra Goldstein hosts with her sidekick “robot” and there’s music and sound throughout to keep the kids entertained. With wide-ranging topics, there’s something for everyone. It’s a great concept that’s really well executed.
Suggested for ages 6-11.
Brains On
Host Molly Bloom is joined in each episode by a different kid co-host who helps interview scientists and takes questions from kids all over the country. Lots of fun and laughs in each episode along with learning of course. There’s also this thing called “Stumpers” that are mystery sounds submitted by kids across the country and it’s a fun interactive thing for your kids to participate in!
Suggested for ages 6-13.
BOREDOM BUSTERS
Dream Big
A refreshing show with great enegry and positivity, Eva Karpman hosts and she’s only 7 years old! I like this pick because my daughter just graduated 2nd grade and I think it’s great to see that she could do this too! Eva also brings along her mom, Olga, to interview special guests including astronauts, entreprenuers, artists, and so many more… She learns about their passions and the journeys it took to get to where they are today! The shows message is to follow your dreams and do whatever inspires you!
Suggested for all ages.
The Story Pirates
Who doesn’t love zany stories? Especially kids? The “pirates” in the podcast are actually actors, comedians, improvisors, and musicians who share lots of enthusiasm and laughs. The stories they tell are actually written by kids who are also brought onto the show to share a little about themselves. This is fun for all ages and your kids might be hooked after one episode. This is more for fun than education, but we all need a good creative break sometimes!
Suggested for all ages.
Bookclub for Kids
Bookclub for Kids started in 2017 and has a rotating panel of middle-schoolers who chat with host Kitty Felde about books, both non-fiction and fiction. The conversations they have encourage deep thinking, taking in current events, creativity, and more! There’s also a celebrity guest reader featured in every episode. You can also find a list of recommended books on their website!
Suggested for kids elementary and middle school age who love to read.
SUMMER BUCKET LIST
Tumble – A Science Podcast for Kids
Tumble is a science podcast for kids that will be enjoyed by the entire family. Here you’ll find stories about scientific discoveries with help from scientists! Hosted by Lindsay and Marshall, you’ll find answers to questions, hear mysteries, and learn what science is all about!
Suggested for all ages.
What If World
This is a great storytelling podcast for kids. What if a tiny dragon lived in my closet? Or there were a never-ending bowl of ice cream? And maybe cats ruled the world? Join Abacus P Grumbler, Randall Radbot, and Whendiana Joan as they help Mr. Eric tell wacky stories inspired by your questions! Call to leave a voicemail at 205-605-WHAT and be featured on the show.
Mr. Eric is your host and your guide through What If World! One day after a really good sneeze, Mr. Eric opened his eyes and saw giant turtles wandering along the highway and pretzel trees twisting up to the clouds. He was in What If World! He made it back home, but he still visits What If World every so often to find out the answers to all your questions…
CREATIVE WAYS TO START THE DAY
The stories on the podcast are told by Mr. Eric, but he’s not the only one that can get to What If World. You can, too! What If World is right there in your imagination! Visit the What If World twitter (@whatifworldpod) or use the Generator to find a question that might help you tell a story of your own!
*From their website*
Noodle Loaf
This is a musical-themed podcast that is also aims to teach kids about science. If you are looking for serious science, this might not be your thing. It’s got great silly songs and they’ll learn a thing or two along the way. At only about 10-min each, this is the perfect podcast for the lower attentions spans.
Suggested fro pre-school +.
Wow in the World
The first of kids podcasts from NPR comes from hosts Guy Raz (How I Built This) and Mindy Thomas who lead listeners through a conversation around the most incredible kid-friendly news stories of the week. Each episode starts off with a bunch of questions about a new scientific discovery or finding and then are answered through comedy and debate.
But Why
But Why is a show led by you, kids! Kids ask the question and But Why finds the answers. It’s a big interesting world out there. Here you’ll hear about large and small topics, nature, words and even the apocalypse. Send them your questions and include your child’s name, age and town and you might get your question answered! Adults send the audio file (recording of your child asking their question) to questions@butwhykids.org.
I hope you find this list of kids podcasts helpful and a way to fill anytime you might have in the car with your kids! Hey you can even listen to these at home during no tech times! Try one, try all and let me know what you think!