I am a big fan of podcasts. True crime podcasts are my personal preference for podcast listening. Some of my favorite true crime podcasts include Crime Junkie, Dirty John, Doctor Death, and The Drop Out. I prefer to listen to music while gardening or doing other domestic duties that allow me to watch a show while also being productive.
True crime is obviously not good listening for young children. My children are seven, seven, and nine years old. The podcasts we've chosen for our family listening are all shows that the kids like, are age-appropriate, and teach us all something new at the same time. It is not always easy to find good podcasts for youngsters. I spent considerable time and effort looking for podcasts that my family would love. The top ten podcasts for kids and families are listed below.
1. Brains On
Brains On is an American Public Media podcast. This podcast is intended for curious children. It is a science-based podcast that answers questions that curious children frequently ask. This show interviews scientists to investigate each issue. They keep the program exciting by using expressive voices and personalities, as well as fantastic sound effects. This show keeps kids interested by teaching science in a lively and interesting manner.
Brains On has won several awards. The fact that a different kid co-hosts the show each week adds to its appeal. What Causes Wildfires, Why Do Mosquitos Bite, and Do Dogs Know They're Dogs are some show subjects that may interest your family. These and other episodes can be found at Brains On.
2. Wow in the World
Did you know that Antarctica has only one variety of insects? No? Then you should tune in to Wow in the World. This award-winning NPR podcast explores science, technology, and innovation in a lighthearted manner. Because it is aimed at children, it employs amusing voices, music, and sounds that engage and entertain. They incorporate quizzes to engage the audience and encourage critical thinking. The quizzes are presented in a game-show manner, which is adorable!
This show is well-produced and is sure to delight your youngsters while also teaching them new facts about the world. They'll say "wow" about this show, and you'll agree! Look through the nearly 400 episodes of Wow in the World.
3. KidNuz
Do you want your children to be informed about current events and news in a way that is age-appropriate? KidNuz is a podcast that gives five-minute news broadcasts tailored exclusively for children five days a week. They cover current events and are presented in an unbiased manner. To name a few, this podcast has been featured on Parents, The New York Times, and Good Housekeeping. Check out KidNuz episodes.
4. The Past and The Curious
The Past and The Curious is a children's history podcast. Each episode offers historical information. It is told in a story-telling and funny manner, making it suitable for people of all ages. The well-researched episodes are sure to inspire and pique your children's interest in history. The show is well-executed and suitable for the entire family. You can listen to The Past and the Curious right now.
5. Smash Boom Best
Smash Boom Best is a debate program podcast. This show compares two topics and debates which is the greatest. This show will teach your youngsters how to defend their beliefs and thoughts. Topics in this presentation for children include Mermaids vs. Bigfoot, Sugar vs. Salt, and Moon vs. Sun. Smash Boom Best episodes are now available for listening.
6. Short & Curly
Short and Curly is a podcast series that looks at philosophical issues from a child's perspective. Is it, for example, wrong to love killing people in computer games? The show delves into ethical issues that encourage children to think critically. The show does not just question whether something is correct or incorrect. Instead, they go into the more fundamental issue of how we treat one another. The basic, yet profound ethical concepts presented on this podcast are important in raising children who are nicer, more thoughtful, and loving individuals. The show is made much more enjoyable by the adorable Australian accents. Short and Curly episodes are now available for listening.
7. Dream Big Podcast
Eva Karpman, 10, and her mother present the Dream Big Podcast. They conduct interviews with celebrities, performers, and successful individuals from all around the world. This podcast was created to encourage young people to achieve their ambitions. The episode discusses subjects such as how to become comfortable with the uncomfortable, pushing yourself beyond of your comfort zone, being the creator of your own story, proof that you can learn anything, and much more. The Big Dream Podcast has nearly 200 episodes.
8. Story Pirates
Story Pirates is one of the most popular podcasts for children and families worldwide. Numerous honors have been bestowed to the show, including iHeartRadio's best kids and family podcast in 2020.
The show adapts children's stories into amusing podcast story-telling episodes complete with music, sound effects, and a variety of entertaining voices. This podcast's episodes are amusing, entertaining, and appropriate for young children. They will undoubtedly ignite your child's imagination and curiosity.
9. 30 Animals That Made Us Smarter
The BBC produces the podcast 30 Animals That Made Us Smarter. The episode looks at what we've learned from animals. Each episode showcases a groundbreaking scientific or technological achievement that resulted from our knowledge of a single animal or critter. For example, consider how bullet train designers included information on the kingfisher into their work. You can listen to 30 Animals That Made Us Smarter right now.
10. But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids
"But why?" is a question that my own children frequently ask. If you've ever spent time with inquisitive children, you'll notice that they desire to know how the world works. As a result, "but why" is a popular statement in families with children. They want to know why cactuses are spiky, how rocks are formed, and how words are added to the dictionary. The "But Why" podcast is ideal for these inquisitive children. This type of inquiry is addressed throughout the show.
Each episode of "But Why" delves into a new topic of interest. The show frequently interviews professionals who are related to the topic at hand. In the episode "Why Do Baby Teeth Fall Out," for example, a friendly dentist is interviewed to explain some of the questions given by children concerning this subject. The dentist explains the material in a way that children may grasp while remaining scientifically and medically proper.
Vermont Public Radio produces But Why. The topics covered in each episode are real questions submitted to the show by listeners. Maybe your inquisitive child has a question they'd like addressed. At But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids, they can listen to episodes or contribute their questions.
Final Thoughts
Podcasts are a terrific method to help your children learn while also keeping them entertained. It is especially handy for car rides or road trips. During our recent summer road trip, our family listened to a lot of podcasts. Listening to a range of informative and kid-friendly podcasts sparked many intriguing and beneficial talks.
Educational podcasts can help your youngster learn more about history, science, technology, ethics, and other topics. Their critical thinking talents will be tested, while their language and vocabulary skills will be expanded. It's also a good strategy to cut down on their video screen time. The best part is that you can listen to podcasts almost anywhere, and they are nearly all free.
