The whole family is spending a week-long vacation at grandma’s, where the entertainment options are slim. Or it’s a school break and the children are home, and they keep complaining about being so boooooored. Or maybe you just need something to keep your kids occupied while you take some time for yourself, but you're reluctant to put on another cartoon.
Enter educational podcasts for kids. Like audiobooks, podcasts can be an effective learning tool for little ones—helping to expand vocabulary, strengthen reading comprehension, and cultivate creativity, imagination, and the capacity for problem-solving. Plus, they're convenient. Aside from a phone or tablet, you don’t need a special device to access podcasts.
Whether your child is two or 12, if you’re hesitant to break out a textbook or looking to take a break from screens, we’ve got you covered. We’ve curated the best educational podcasts for kids (and the adults who teach them) to help make learning fun and entertaining. Using storytelling, song, science, and/or silliness, these podcasts will not only educate but also help inspire, soothe, and impart valuable lessons to your young ones. In our list, we’ve also included ideas for the best moments or situations to listen to the podcast—for example, while on a road trip, doing laundry, or to help introduce a new language.
While we’ve segmented the list by age group—toddler/preschool (two to five years old), early learners (ages six and seven), and middle grade (ages eight to 12)—these guidelines are simply suggestions. Some podcasts may be appropriate for kids of all ages, while others contain content more relevant for children at specific developmental stages. Consider your own kid, and go with what works best for your family!
