On the school bus, in the car, or winding down before bed—podcasts are quickly becoming the new bedtime story for kids. And unlike endless screen time, podcasts fire up imagination without the blue light, offering a mix of storytelling, science, history, and even problem-solving puzzles. For parents, they’re a sneaky way to keep little ones entertained and learning. For kids? They’re pure fun that feels nothing like homework.
Here’s a roundup of some of the best educational podcasts designed to spark curiosity in young minds.
Brains On!
One of the longest-running science podcasts for kids, Brains On! turns everyday questions into exciting investigations. From “Why is the sky blue?” to “How do animals sleep?” the show is co-hosted by kids alongside scientists and journalists. It’s conversational, quirky, and perfect for children who never stop asking “why.”
Wow in the World
If your kid loves wacky experiments, Wow in the World—produced by NPR—is a must. Hosts Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz bring humor, sound effects, and storytelling to make science and technology relatable. It’s less textbook and more roller-coaster ride, making big concepts like space travel or microbes feel totally approachable.
But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids
Produced by Vermont Public, But Why takes real questions from children around the globe and tackles them with expert guests. It leans into philosophy, culture, and big-picture thinking. Past episodes have explored “Why do people dream?” and “How do languages form?”—perfect for kids with big imaginations.
Smash Boom Best
Think of Smash Boom Best as a debate club for kids. Two topics go head-to-head—sharks vs. cats, pizza vs. tacos—and the hosts argue it out. It’s engaging, funny, and teaches kids critical thinking, persuasion, and listening skills without ever feeling like a lecture.
Tumble
For kids who love mysteries, Tumble tells true science stories through the lens of discovery. Hosted by a science journalist and an educator, episodes dive into unsolved questions and groundbreaking research. It’s science communication made simple, sparking that “aha!” moment in young listeners.
Circle Round
If you want a dose of culture and empathy, Circle Round adapts folktales from around the world into beautifully produced audio stories. Narrated by professional actors and backed by original music, it teaches values and introduces children to global traditions.
Short & Curly
This Australian podcast focuses on ethics for kids—tackling questions like “Is it okay to fight back against a bully?” or “Should you always tell the truth?” The conversations are playful but thought-provoking, giving children space to think critically about right and wrong.
Eleanor Amplified
A fast-paced adventure series that doubles as a media literacy lesson, Eleanor Amplified follows a daring reporter uncovering mysteries. It’s entertaining, but also nudges kids to think about truth, sources, and the importance of asking good questions.
FAQs:
What age group are these podcasts best for?
Most are geared toward ages 6–12, though younger kids may enjoy storytelling podcasts like Circle Round.
Are these podcasts free to listen to?
Yes. All of the listed shows are available for free on major platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and NPR’s websites.
Can kids listen on their own devices?
Yes, but many parents stream them on speakers or smart home devices so listening becomes a shared family activity.
