Top 10 Podcasts for Kids (and Teens!)
Everyone loves a great podcast, and we are happy to report that there are now many more brilliant listen online options for children. If you are struggling to keep your kids entertained at home, or just need a quiet half an hour, why not try one of our Top 10 Podcasts?
Story Pirates
Story Pirates is one of the top three most downloaded kids podcasts in the world. Featuring stories, sketches and songs written by children, the hilarious podcast now has a devoted community of followers around the world. Not only can your child listen in, but they might just be inspired to get writing too…
Listen to Story Pirates here
You’re Dead to Me
For budding historians or just anyone who loves a good story, this BBC Radio 4 podcast (billed as “history for those who don’t like history!) tackles historical tales with a comic twist. Topics are as diverse as “Neanderthals” to “The History of Chocolate” and “Saladin” and there’s often accompanying resources on the BBC Radio 4 website for anyone keen to learn more.
Listen to You’re Dead to Me here
But Why..?
Is “why” the most challenging question for any parent to answer? We think so! Hand over your child’s incessant need to know why to the experts at But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids. Recent topics include “Why Do Ladybugs Have Spots?”, “Where does the Sky End?” and “Why do Baby Teeth Fall Out?”. If you don’t have the answers…the But Why team just might. There are also accompanying (free) downloadable colouring pages for many of the episodes.
Listen to But Why here
Peace Out
Peace Out is ideal for children who struggle to unwind. These short stories gently introduce children to visualisation techniques and guided mediation. Ideal for bedtime! Episodes often have a nature theme, with recent topics including “The Life Cycle of Cicadas” “See Star, Sea Star” and “Howdy Partner, Seahorse Life”.
Listen to Peace Out HERE
Circle Round
This one is a real favourite with the youngest of the team WSA kids! Circle Round adapts “carefully-selected folktales from around the world into sound, and music-rich, radio plays for kids ages 4 to 10”. Episodes are range from 10-20 minutes long and feature stories from every corner of the world and often focus on the importance of kindness, friendship and persistence.
Listen to Circle Round here
The Alien Adventures of Finn Caspian
This kooky out-of-this-world story is probably best explained in the words of the creators;
“He can’t sleep, he can’t shake the feeling someone is following him, and he can’t stop the monsters who show up to smash his cake. In other words, it’s turning out to be more exciting than he expected. That’s all in the first few episodes of this award-winning, serialized podcast for kids. Finn, his friends and their pet robots aboard the Famous Marlowe 280 Interplanetary Exploratory Space Station discover uncharted planets, help aliens in far-off galaxies, and take tips from listeners back on Earth as they try to solve the universe’s great mysteries.”
We love how this podcast ‘hooks’ young listeners and keeps them coming back for more.
Listen to The Alien Adventures of Finn Caspian here
The Unexplainable Disappearance of Mars Patel
The Unexplainable Disappearance of Mars Patel is a podcast for older children (recommended age range 8-12 years) described as “Goonies meets Spy Kids meets Stranger Things” and we LOVE it! This award winning, three series podcast is well worth a listen for any child who loves a good mystery story! Such is the popularity of this story, the scripts are also available to download for anyone wishing to recreate the scenes at home or in the classroom...
Listen to The Unexplainable Disappearance of Mars Patel here
Stories Podcast
This simple podcast does exactly as the title says – tells stories, and good ones at that. From traditional fairy tales to original works to classic stories from around the world – it is all here in this fantastically well produced series.
Listen to Stories Podcast here
Chompers
In what is perhaps the smartest use of podcasting EVER Chompers is a series designed to keep your children brushing their teeth for the dentist-recommended two minutes, twice a day. Jokes, mini stories, interesting facts and songs will take your child’s mind off the task in hand.
Listen to Chompers here
Stuff You Should Know
Definitely one for older teens (the show can take on some fairly mature content – parents, take note) this fascinating podcast looks at a huge range of topics from “How Landfill Works”, to “El Nino” and “What was the KGB”. A brilliant listen for older teens and adults.
Listen to Stuff You Should Know here
We're always keen to find out about new podcasts for kids - send your favourites to [email protected] and we will share them with more parents in need of downtime! We'd also love to hear your children's reviews of their favourite podcasts. Contact Jennymollon [at] whichschooladvisor.com to share their thoughts...
