Attempts to limit kids’ screen time often prove futile, with busy parents struggling to entertain boisterous children without resorting to game apps and hours of Netflix. But even if your children find it hard to concentrate when reading books, there are plenty of alternatives to try before reaching for Angry Birds. Podcasts for kids are an engaging and portable educational resource for all ages. Better yet, an early introduction to audio will set them up for a lifetime of podcast and radio enjoyment. As you may have guessed, we’re huge advocates.
When it comes to a great kids podcast, there is one fundamental rule: the show should be made for children, not adults. Sounds simple, but it’s easy to hear when podcasts follow formats designed for mature listeners, such as convoluted introductions and plugs for other projects. And while there will be a lot of trial and error as your little ones discover what podcasts they like, we recommend starting with these seven shows. Not only do they have a child’s imagination at heart, they also encourage active listening, development and interaction. Better yet, some of them are funny enough for the parents to enjoy.
The adorably named Smologies is a shorter, child-friendly version of the popular science podcast Ologies with Alie Ward. The premise of both shows is simple: an expert in a particular field, like orthothology or arachnothology, explains how they became interested in their subject, and dives into weird facts that anyone will find engaging. Even stressed-out parents.
The show is delightfully nerdy. One of the best things about childhood is the way kids become obsessed with how the world works, especially with animals and natural forces. Do you remember the first time you learned what a volcano is? What about the lifecycle of a butterfly? If your goal is to encourage this innate curiosity, Smologies is the perfect show to ignite their imagination.
Short & Curly is an ethics podcast for older kids and teens by Australian network ABC. This one can be challenging, so we’d advise listening to an episode before embarking on this journey with your children. But if you decide to introduce Short & Curly, we’re sure they’ll get so much out of their well-produced and thoughtful episodes. Every episode features the opinions of real school children, ensuring relatability and a wide range of ideas.
New parents can be surprised by kids’ interest in moral questions, and even more by their capacity to change their minds. While children often begin with a black-and-white view of the world, their minds will never be more pliable. It’s important to give them the critical thinking skills they need to navigate a world full of conflicting ideologies, and Short & Curly breaks down some of the most common moral questions of our time to help kids navigate tough choices and difficult themes. After all, empowered kids become confident adults.
Ever since the publication of the Percy Jackson novels, kids can’t get enough of Ancient Greek mythology. Tales of cyclops, centaurs, and demi-gods still rule the bookshelves, while mythical stories occupy their television screens. If your kids are already fans, they need to listen to Live From Mount Olympus, a multi-season narrative podcast with a high production value guaranteed to enchant kids from around ten and up. The show is hosted by Tony Award-winner André De Shields and features plenty of theatrical flair. It’s the perfect alternative to putting the television on while your children wind down for the day, and will inspire all sorts of creativity. Why not encourage them to draw their favorite characters?
In a full circle moment, the first season is all about Perseus, the demi-god who inspired Percy Jackson. It’s the perfect jumping off point, and we’re sure they’ll blast through all four seasons in no time.
Even the most math-phobic kids love strange science facts, and Brains On! is the super popular podcast that’s all about gravity, slime, and every weird thing in between. Every week, a different child co-host joins Molly Bloom to answer questions sent in by listeners. The show is highly silly and packed with dorky sound effects that will make younger kids cackle with laughter. Fact-checked and packed with interesting knowledge, Brains On! encourages kids to think about the nature of truth in a fun way. If you have a child that asks questions like “Why is dirt dirty?” and “Why can’t I fly?”, this is a useful show to entertain their curious minds.
This show has everything you’d expect from an official NASA podcast: rocket ships, space missions, and even real astronauts feature on NASA’s Curious Universe, a podcast that’s perfect for middle school kids and upwards. Packed with facts and made accessible to younger listeners without dumbing down the best bits, you can tell the show is hosted by astronomer Padi Boyd and audio whizz Jacob Pinter. We think even parents will enjoy these expertly researched episodes, making Curious Universe a great transition podcast for kids who show an interest in audio. And let’s be real, who didn’t go through a space phase?
Bedtime is notoriously difficult for kids and parents alike, but that’s where Koala Moon saves the day. It’s a bedtime story podcast made to help little ones drift off at night, featuring a different story in each episode to keep kids engaged. Host Abbe Opher’s narration is exactly the sort of soothing voice that helps calm children down after a long day. These stories are clearly written with children in mind, full of poetic language and funny imagery.
Since Koala Moon is one of the most popular children’s podcasts, it’s become a bit of a micro industry. But if your kid is a fan, it might be worth the ad-free subscription option, though the free version is still effective. Just think of all the extra sleep you’ll get.
Do you remember music class in school? Noodle Loaf is the same mix of music and education, with interactive elements that make the show perfect for after-lunch energy spikes. Noodle Loaf is created by musician, early childhood music educator, and best-selling children’s book author Dan Saks. His creation is genuinely funny, with references to the pop culture your kids are exposed to, like superstars and singers. The genius comes when Saks transforms these references into irreverent fun.
Noodle Loaf encourages singing, expression, and movement, and would work well for groups of siblings or friends who are between three and seven. And the songs are even kind of catchy.
¤
Alice Florence Orr is a staff writer and assistant editor for Podcast Review. She is based in Edinburgh. You can connect with her on Twitter or read her work on aliceflorenceorr.com