It seems that there is a podcast these days for any topic under the sun, but sometimes it can be hard to pick out what ones are actually worth a listen, and if they’re even appropriate for your child’s age and stage. With lockdown not ending any time soon, it’s the perfect time to settle in with something new to entertain the whole family. So we’ve rounded up a few of the best free podcasts for children. Prepare to be amazed, enthralled and laugh out loud with some of our kid’s podcast favourites.
History Podcasts
The Past & the Curious – Best for Kids
A podcast for young history lovers (or soon to be) The show features comedic actors performing little known stories in a playful manner that will turn history into amazing and inspiring events for anyone. With fun music scores and quiz sections, it’s an ideal introduction into many new and exciting topics to fuel young kids imaginations.
You’re Dead to Me – Best for Tweens
A hilarious postcast which brings together comedians and historians to make people who don’t like history learn and laugh about the past. Each episode the host Greg Jenner and his two guests look at different historical topic. Shows have included LGBTQ+ History, The Witch Craze and the Aztecs. Amusing and educational.
Stuff You Missed in History Class – Best for Teens
Be treated to a fascinating, little known slice of history three times a week with hosts Holly Fry & Tracey V Wilson. The show is a comprehensive dive into unusual historical events, unknown and often eccentric figures and underrepresented groups. A popular series designed to provide greater context to things you may have heard references to, or as the title suggests, history you were never taught at school.
Big Question Podcasts
But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids – Best for Kids
A show led by kids, who ask the questions and the team finds the answers. Seemingly simple questions like “Why are whales so big?” or “Why can’t kids vote” can have surprisingly complex answers. A biweekly podcast, each episode takes a single theme with multiple kid-submitted questions and with the help of experts gives clear interesting answers, great for the whole family.
Growing up with Gal-Dem – Best for Teens
From the online and print publication Gal-Dem who are committed to sharing perspectives from women and non-binary people of colour. Every week founder Liv and co-host Charlie invite a different guest to respond to old diary entries, text messages or letters from their younger selves – nurturing important questions about growing up. An important interview podcast which helps younger people, who often don’t see themselves represented in the media, by profiling successful figures from across the spectrum to look up to as they navigate the world. This show can have mature concepts and swearing so best for teens but well worth a listen.
Perfect for a Road Trip Podcasts
This American Life – Best for Tweens & Teens
Each week the team chooses a theme and masterfully weaves stories together on that theme. Host Ira Glass has a charming way of drawing you into each segment that is a mix of journalism, personal stories and comedy. The topics can be ‘big’ but are portrayed in relatable ways that will have you laughing, crying and enthralled, sometimes all at once. Many episodes can have mature concepts or swearing, so bear in mind but it’s a great show to listen together with older kids and teens and undoubtedly will provoke some interesting post-show conversation.
Science & Nature Podcasts
Earth Ranger – Best for Kids
A podcast for younger kids that follows the fictional wildlife biologist and roaming reporter for the Earth Rangers show that explores the mysteries of nature. Hosted by ‘Emma’ she travels the world to discover the wildest animal facts and solve nature’s biggest mysteries. She includes segments on top 10 countdowns, animal guessing games, conservation conversations and epic animal showdowns. A great way to get kids interested in the natural world.
Brains On – Best for Tweens
A podcast that takes kid-submitted science questions and answers them with the help of experts. The show skews towards young adult ages in the questions and answers such as “Why does the colour green mean go? And other colour conundrums” or “Injustice and anger: Understanding your emotions.” It’s hosted by a different child each week resulting in a fun educational show, perfect for curious kids and teens alike.
Radiolab – Best for Teens
A deep dive journalism show known for its innovative sound design. Co-hosted by Jad Abumrad, Lulu Miller and Latif Nasser the programme began as an exploration of scientific inquiry and has evolved into a platform for long-form journalism and storytelling. It’s one of those shows that are so interesting, teens won’t mind that it’s such an educational experience. The concepts can be quite complex, so better for a mature listener.
Current Event Podcasts
KidNuz – Kids
A 5-minute segment on the news of the day. The round up of the top stories, current events, politics, science, entertainment, sports and more — all nonpartisan and age-appropriate. It’s USA-centric, but a great way to get them interested in the world around them.
Wait Wait … Don’t Tell Me! – Best for Teens
A quiz show with a fun mix of news and comedy. On the program, panelists and contestants are quizzed in humorous ways about that week’s top stories. There’s even a weekly celebrity guest. Although it’s appropriate for radio broadcast, occasionally the jokes are of the mature variety.
Girl Tales – Best for Kids
A podcast featuring reimagined fairy tales without the tired damsel in distress trope. The girls in these stories take control of their own destinies, turning old fairytales into exciting new adventures. Written by women, non-binary, and trans male playwrights, Girl Tales offers a feminist twist on classic fairytales, fables, and myths.
Podcasts are the perfect way to unwind and be entertained without having to stare at a screen for hours. Here at Molly B London we hope that this selection of children’s podcasts will offer exciting stories, facts and comedic moments that can be shared by the whole family. If you’re looking for keepsake gifts for kids, tweens and teens that mark other special moments shared with family, check out the range of children’s jewelry that she will treasure forever.
