Best Podcasts for Kids and Parents to Listen to Together
Whether you're taking that Sunday drive to grandma’s house or looking for a new way to spend some quality time together, parents might want to take advantage of podcasts to keep kids focused on something other than teasing each other in the backseat. There's nothing surprising about families listening to podcasts together–just look at how parents and kids used to gather around their radios to listen to radio dramas–other than the fact that its taken us so long to get here!
We've gathered a list of podcasts that are great for both kids and adults. All boast a 4.5-star rating, are currently in production (meaning new episodes are sure to be coming), and offer just what you need to avoid those Saturday afternoon blues.
Hosted by Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz, NPR continues their long tradition of quality programming and inspired listening with Wow in the World. Though geared towards children, covering news stories in science and technology, Wow in the World is topical enough for older siblings and parents to come away having learned something new.
2. But Why? A Podcast for Curious Kids
Does your child suffer from endless curiosity and an insatiable thirst for knowledge? But Why is a gem of a podcast, produced by Vermont Public Radio, covering a wide variety of topics from the seemingly mundane to the surprisingly abstract. Perplexed young ones are welcome to send questions by recording voice notes and submitting them via email.
3. Peace Out - Relaxation and Mindfulness for Kids
All parents who feel their little bundles of joy can benefit from a little bit of relaxation and mindfulness, rejoice! Peace Out offers a series of easy-going, relaxing stories combined with visualization and breathing techniques, designed specifically for the budding yogi.
4. Brains On! Science Podcast for Kids
Brains On! is the perfect podcast for kids who like to know what is going on in the world around them. In each episode, host Molly Bloom is joined by a different child guest-host as they tackle the most kid-friendly pressing issues of the day, submitted by listeners from around the world. Brains On features short, playful episodes which serve to educate both children and parents alike without the need for dull classrooms or stuffy sweater vests.
5. Alien Adventures of Finn Caspian
For those kids who love science fiction, there is Finn Caspian. Written and performed by father of two Jonathan Messinger, these tales of whimsy and wonder revolve around 8-year-old Finn and his friends Abigail, Elais, and Vale, as they galavant around the universe aboard the Interplanetary Exploratory Space Station sharing in adventures most perplexing.
The five podcasts above are not a comprehensive list, but just a sampling of what’s out there. There's never been better time to turn off the television and introduce your children (and maybe some of the parents at the playground, too!) to the wide world of podcasting.
Got a great idea for a podcast aimed at kids and adults? Learn everything you need to know to get started podcasting! Want more podcasts? Here's what we listened to, and some brand-new podcasts that use Simplecast for podcast hosting.