Four Family Friendly Podcasts

Maybe you enjoy podcasts, but what about your kids? Not only are there a growing number of podcasts that are engaging, age-appropriate, and in a variety of genres for children, but you’d be surprised to learn there are now a variety of podcasts the whole family can enjoy together.

Here are just a few of the great benefits of listening to podcasts together as a family:

• Listening encourages conversation and develops communication skills
• Entertaining and fun media alternative to screens
• Improves reading comprehension and vocabulary
• Available for listening anywhere
• Fosters family time

But don’t take our word for it. In a recent Kids Listen, opens a new window study, nearly 75 percent of families surveyed said that after listening, kids start discussions related to the podcast they just heard. Podcasts not only provide entertainment for the whole family, but podcasts also help readers build skills. According to audiopub.org, opens a new window, listening to audio improves comprehension by 76%, increases reading accuracy by 52%, and can help improve test scores by 21%!

Let listening to podcasts together become a go-to educational and fun pastime for your family with with the podcasts listed below. These can be found on various platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and the Sensical TV app by Common Sense.

BirdNote Daily

BirdNote, opens a new window weaves history, biology, etymology, music and poetry into dazzling and educational 2-minute storyettes that entertain children ages 9 to 99. Posts are made daily and are perfect to listen to while brushing teeth or driving to school. Each bite-sized episode blends rich birdsong with interesting facts. The podcast is also translated into Spanish.

Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls

As you celebrate Women’s History month, make sure to check out the Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls, opens a new window podcast based on the book series of the same name that uses fairy tale storytelling to share inspiring tales of diverse women who persevered. This 2023 Webby Winner for “Best Writing” just launched the first episode of the Growing Up Powerful miniseries.

The Past and the Curious

The Past and the Curious, opens a new window is a fun and engaging history podcast that brings stories alive by voicing historical figures and using humor. It shares unknown pieces of history related to major events and pop culture like the episode on Mr. Potato Head and Pet Rocks. Episodes average 25-minutes in length and are released once a month. Past episodes can be found at thepastandcurious.com. The podcast's host is professional museum educator Mick Sullivan. Bonus – most episodes include a catchy song that your young historian will love.

Tumble Science Podcast for Kids

Spark excitement in your child(ren) for the upcoming total solar eclipse with the newest episode of Tumble, a science podcast, opens a new window. The episode includes games, music, and a thrilling audio experience for the whole family. The Radiolab-like podcast makes science accessible with interviews with scientists in a fun storytelling format. The podcast is also available in Spanish. An accompanying blog includes additional resources, links and videos to extend family fun.