The Best Podcasts for Kids: Screen-Free Entertainment That Inspires and Educates

In a world filled with screens, podcasts offer a refreshing alternative for curious kids and busy families. Whether you’re at home, on a road trip, or winding down before bed, podcasts provide a screen-free way for children to learn, imagine, and explore. With episodes that range from science adventures to calming mindfulness practices, the right podcast can turn everyday moments into opportunities for wonder and discovery.

Here’s a curated list of some of the best kids’ podcasts, organized by age and theme, to help you find the perfect match for your child’s interests and developmental stage.

🎧 For Young Kids (Ages 3–7)

Circle Round

Target Age: 4–10
Key Features: Folk tales from around the world with rich narration, music, and moral lessons. Produced by WBUR (Boston’s NPR affiliate), it promotes empathy, storytelling, and cultural awareness.

Noodle Loaf

Target Age: 3–6
Key Features: A music-based podcast created by a music education specialist. Kids can sing, clap, and giggle their way through rhythm games and interactive fun.

Little Stories for Tiny People

Target Age: 3–7
Key Features: Whimsical original stories that are short and soothing—perfect for bedtime or quiet time. The narrator’s voice is gentle and calming.

Story Spectacular

Target Age: 3–7
Key Features: Creative tales, songs, and animal adventures that encourage imagination and build vocabulary.

🔬 Science & Curiosity (Ages 6–12)

Brains On!

Target Age: 6–12
Key Features: A science podcast where kid co-hosts explore big questions like “Why do we sneeze?” or “How do volcanoes erupt?” Fun, factual, and interactive.

But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids

Target Age: 5–10
Key Features: Kids submit their questions and hosts dive deep into answers—from nature to emotions and everything in between. Produced by Vermont Public.

Tumble Science Podcast for Kids

Target Age: 6–12
Key Features: Real science stories hosted by a science journalist and teacher. Encourages critical thinking and wonder about how the world works.

Wow in the World

Target Age: 6–12
Key Features: NPR’s flagship kids’ podcast combining silly humor with incredible science facts. Think of it as science meets comedy.

📚 Storytelling & Imagination (Ages 5–10)

Stories Podcast

Target Age: 5–10
Key Features: Classic fairy tales, myths, and original stories with musical scores and sound effects. Great for long car rides and family listening.

What If World

Target Age: 5–10
Key Features: Each story answers a wild “what if” question asked by a kid (like “What if cats ruled the world?”). Fun, offbeat, and creative.

Eleanor Amplified

Target Age: 6–12
Key Features: An adventure podcast starring a bold reporter on a mission to solve mysteries and uncover the truth. Ideal for budding journalists and critical thinkers.

Grimm, Grimmer, Grimmest

Target Age: 7–12
Key Features: Funny and spooky retellings of classic Grimm fairy tales, rated by “grim” level so parents can decide what’s age-appropriate.

🧘 Mindfulness & Well-being (Ages 4–10)

Peace Out

Target Age: 4–10
Key Features: Short stories combined with breathing exercises and mindfulness techniques. Perfect for calming anxious minds.

Be Calm on Ahway Island

Target Age: 4–9
Key Features: A peaceful, routine-focused show that helps children transition into rest or focus time with slow-paced, calming stories.

🎙️ Turn Up the Imagination, Turn Down the Screen

Podcasts can be powerful tools to entertain and educate kids without adding screen time. Whether you’re looking to make car rides more fun, bedtime more relaxing, or quiet time more enriching, these audio gems offer something for every family.

Try a few together and see what clicks. You might be surprised at how quickly a podcast becomes a beloved part of your child’s day—and maybe even yours too.