Podcasts for Kids – Reasons to Listen + Best Kids Podcasts

Sharing is caring!

Podcasts for Kids – Reasons to Listen + Best Kids Podcasts

Podcasts are a great way to pass the time, so it is no wonder they are growing in popularity. I always learn so much from my favorite podcasts. They are perfect to listen to in the car, when making dinner, or even when you are out for a walk. By now, there is a podcast for everything and for all audiences. This includes ones made specifically for kids! Introducing podcasts at a young age has lots of different benefits.

Here are 8 reasons to introduce podcasts to kids:

Encourages Use of Imagination

This is a big benefit to storytelling podcasts specifically. With no visual content for them to engage with, they have to use their imagination to picture the scene and characters being described from fairy tales to story pirates, kids’ podcasts are a great way to grow their imagination.

Increases Reading Skills

Despite there being no actual reading involved, podcasts are a great way to boost your child’s reading skills. By listening to podcasts, children can pick up on the pattern of speech which boosts reading comprehension which is great for kids of all ages including younger kids! Forget the book club, begin a new podcast listening club.

Encourages Communication

Podcasts naturally invite conversation. We all have questions and want to discuss new information once we come across it, kids included! Talking about the podcast afterward encourages curiosity and learning. If the entire family is headed on a road trip, this would make a fun activity for long car rides. Ask and answer questions along the way.

Teaches Active Listening Skills

It’s well known that better listening leads to better learning. Did you know that strong active listening skills can also lead to better problem-solving skills and leadership skills? Podcasts are a great way to encourage your child to practice active listening. This is because to comprehend and follow the information they’re being told in the podcast, they need to be listening carefully to the information given. This is great for young listeners!

Doesn’t Add Screen Time

Kids’ screen time is always a topic of discussion. Podcasts are a great way to offer entertainment and mental stimulation without added screen time. Studies have found that added kids’ screen time can be detrimental to a child’s brain development, so finding alternatives is key.

Builds Skills and Increases Knowledge

Kids can learn new skills and information through podcasts. There are so many different educational podcasts out there about all sorts of topics from current events. to big interesting world events. There is sure to be one your child enjoys. Storytelling podcasts impart their own knowledge such as increasing skills like problem-solving and introducing fun facts.

Encourages Family Time

Podcasts can be fun for the whole family to listen to and enjoy together. Just because something is labeled as a kid’s podcast, doesn’t mean adults can’t enjoy it too! Choose a podcast to listen to as a family whether it be storytelling, a game show, a science podcast, or an educational one. There is a giant range of topics. It can quickly turn into the newest thing your family bonds over.

They’re Entertaining!

Do you know the saying “time flies when you’re having fun”? Podcasts make the time go by so quickly because they are entertaining! The best part is that they’re entertaining for all ages meaning they are not something you grow out of. Listeners of all ages will love a good fairy tale podcast or a sci-fi adventure.

Ready to introduce your child to podcasts but need some ideas for podcasts to start with? Luckily, podcasts are easily accessible. You can find them online or on your phone through apps like Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Here are a few of the best podcasts for kids that are out there:

The Alien Adventures of Finn Caspian

This is a science-fiction story podcast that is bound to entertain your kids. Finn Caspian and his trusty crew must explore space, help those in need, and solve a mystery that threatens to destroy their home. The episodes are about 15-20 minutes each so it’s an easy listen when driving around town in the car or right before bed. Learn more and around town in the car or right before bed. Learn more an download here. http://www.finncaspian.com/” rel=”noreferrer noopener” target=”_blank”>download here. 

But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids

This is the perfect informational podcast for the kid who is always asking questions! Some questions they’ve tackled are who invented noodles, how are rocks formed, and even how deep is the ocean. These episodes are perfect for the curious family and are bound to start a conversation after. You can even send questions in and they might answer them in an episode!

The Unexplainable Disappearance of Mars Patel

What makes this podcast unique is that this podcast is by kids for kids! This mystery podcast is scripted and read by middle-grade kids. It’s a fun listen for the whole family as you try to piece together the mystery one clue at a time.

The Past and The Curious: A History Podcast for Kids and Adults

This podcast is an interesting one for the whole family to enjoy. The host, Mick Sullivan, shares stories about historical events in an engaging way. What makes this podcast so interesting is that he focuses on finding stories that are not so commonly known about big historical events and people. The whole family is sure to learn something new when listening to this great podcast.

The Radio Adventures of Dr. Floyd

This is the first and longest-running, professionally produced audio drama podcast. This podcast that began in 2004 creates a family-friendly twist on old-timey radio shows.

Radio Adventures of Eleanor Amplified

Little kids will love this perfect podcast. This podcast is filled with radio adventures and original stories. There are devious plots while Eleanor is always going for the big story. Rebel girls will love how inclusive and high-quality journalism she brings to the table. This is a great podcast to introduce young kids to journalism and the importance of smart media choices.

Sesame Street Podcast

This podcast is perfect for the littlest kids. The Sesame Street Podcast episodes provide silly song and short stories which is the perfect length for young children. Younger children may have a shorter attention span, but these short episodes with tiny bits of information will be so much fun for them!

There are so many more podcasts out there, you’re bound to find one that’s a perfect fit for the whole family. With all of the benefits they have for kids (and adults), it’s a no-brainer for some fun family bonding. If you’re not already listening to podcasts with your kids, now’s the perfect time to start!