Best kids podcasts: Updated picks for young curious minds

Published on 11/28/2024 Federico Vargas

Looking for great educational podcasts for kids? You’re in the right place. There are so many fun shows that make learning easy and exciting. Whether your kids like quick episodes, love exploring big ideas, or need something calming to fall asleep, there’s a podcast that’s just right for them.
These podcasts cover everything from space and science to mindfulness, kindness, and even bedtime stories. Some are hosted by kids, made by teachers or parents, or created by big names and small creators alike. They’re perfect for the whole family and caregivers, offering something everyone can enjoy together while learning, laughing, and relaxing.

Cozy Critters

This could be your new bedtime favorite. Kids will be asking to replay their favorite animals in no time.

Hosted by Dougie Pickles and his playful kitten sidekick, Miss Meow Meow, Cozy Critters mixes fun with relaxation in a way that’s perfect for winding down. Twice a week, you get 10- to 15-minute episodes filled with fascinating animal facts and calming vibes.
Ever heard of snow leopards leaping impossible distances, Jesus lizards sprinting across the water, or glowing vampire squids lighting up the deep? How about meerkats teaming up to protect their families or chinchillas with the softest fur on Earth? These incredible facts will amaze your kids and even spark some curious comments and questions at breakfast.
But there’s more. Creator Doug Fraser, a pro at creating awesome podcasts with a gift for storytelling, has added gentle breathing exercises into the stories, making it so easy for little ones to relax. My daughter is calm and ready for bed before the episode ends—while learning about amazing creatures.
When the animals take a break, it’s time for the soothing soundscapes—imagine a jungle treehouse or a cozy campfire. These longer episodes (about an hour) are lifesavers for tougher bedtime nights.
I discovered this podcast a short time ago and decided to update this article to share it with you. Why not make bedtime a fun little adventure? Cozy Critters could easily become your family’s favorite wind-down routine. Give it a try—you won’t regret it.

Know the Doug Fraser:

I discovered mindfulness through Headspace, inspiring me to bring relaxation and breathing exercises to kids.
My love for animals started when a giraffe licked my face at two years old—terrifying then, unforgettable now!
Favorite episodes? T-Rex, Narwhals, and Jumping Spiders—don’t miss them.
Cozy Critters is my way of keeping childhood wonder alive and sharing it with the next generation.

Stoopkid Stories

Dive into a world of imagination and heartfelt stories. Monthly episodes explore themes like bravery, self-discovery, and community.

Stoopkid Stories podcast is nothing but imagination and wonders for children ages five and above. Melissa Victor, also known as Melly, is the mastermind and host behind Stoopkids Stories.

With her rich background in music and theater and a love for creating meaningful experiences, Melly has built a show that’s perfect for young kids.
What makes this podcast special is how it grabs the attention of both children and adults. The stories are beautifully made, mixing themes of friendship, self-discovery, and courage. Each episode introduces young Black characters taking on exciting new challenges and celebrating victories in school, friendships, family, and their communities. Melly’s genuine goal is clear: “I want young kids who look like me to see and hear themselves in all forms of storytelling.”

Tune in and let your imagination soar with Stoopkid Stories.

Finally a podcast that brings a black voice to the world of children’s stories. Fun, original stories. Sparks conversation about current events in kid-friendly language. Thank you!
Apple Podcasts listener

Like You: Mindfulness For Kids

Discover mindfulness with visuals, meditations, and activities, helping kids and adults find calm and balance.

Like You: Mindfulness For Kids is a podcast that helps kids feel calm, confident, and connected. Hosted by Noah Glenn, it’s all about making mindfulness easy and fun for young listeners.
Noah uses music, guided meditations, and simple activities to teach kids tools they can use to understand their emotions and feel more at peace.
The episodes explore big ideas like self-acceptance, kindness, and gratitude in a way kids can relate to—and enjoy.
Noah has a calming voice and creative approach that makes mindfulness fun and approachable for kids. Sit down with your little ones, hit play, and explore a world of kindness and calm together.

More than ever, our kids need positive messages that affirm their feelings and their value—this podcast delivers them in such a thoughtful and respectful way.
Apple Podcasts listener

Curious Kid Podcast

Join a curious father-daughter duo exploring the mysteries of the universe. Fun weekly episodes tackle big questions.

Olivia and her dad, Jacob, take kids on a fun, curiosity-filled weekly adventure. Together, they dive into fascinating topics that spark wonder in young minds.

From animals and inventions to space and history, each episode tackles a big question, breaking it down into easy-to-understand, kid-friendly answers, keeping things lively and fun.

What makes it even more special? Olivia and Jacob invite kids to send in their own questions and ideas, making everyone feel like part of the team. It’s like being on a discovery mission with friends.

Tune in every Sunday for a fresh episode of Curious Kid Podcast—there’s always something new and exciting to explore.

As a homeschooling family it has been a wonderful educational resource and inspires us to get curious and creative at home, too. We have learned so much from the podcast but what really makes it special is the relationship between Jacob and Olivia (the father and daughter that host the show) as the love between them shines through in every episode.
Apple Podcasts listener

Little Kids, Big Hearts

A monthly emotional toolkit designed to help kids and adults dive into feelings and tackle tricky social topics together.

Little Kids, Big Hearts is all about helping kids open up and understand their feelings.
The podcast is for kids ages 3–8 and their parents and caregivers. It’s an excellent tool for tackling tricky topics about social and emotional growth.
Each episode dives into themes like friendship, identity, and kindness. Todd Loyd, the host, even welcomes kids on the show to chat about all kinds of topics—from pets to nightmares and everything in between. It’s a warm and thoughtful listen for families and educators.

About the host: Todd Loyd has an interesting story himself. He started out as an actor and artistic director, but a life-changing experience working closely with an autistic child led him to teaching—a field he’s been dedicated to for 26 years.

Little Kids, Big Hearts is a unique podcast that really lets kids shine for who they are. Todd is a great host and creates a safe and fun environment for them to explore all different types of topics, from siblings to feelings to empathy to race. So often, we hear adults telling us what is best for our kids and in this podcast we can revel in their own wonder and come up with solutions that are at times, even better than our own. Highly recommend!!
Apple Podcasts listener

Noodle Loaf – Music Education Podcast for Kids

A weekly dose of rhythm games, lessons, and fun musical explorations for kids aged 3-9.

Noodle Loaf Podcast — **Apple podcasts rating**: 4.2/5
**Frequency**: Weekly
**Approximate Duration**: 10′
**Best for** Music education for kids ages 3-9

Noodle Loaf is a music-packed podcast for kids aged 3-9 (and anyone young at heart). Created and hosted by Dan Saks—a musician, best-selling author, and early childhood music educator—it’s a family affair, featuring Dan’s own kids in the fun.

Each episode mixes catchy tunes, engaging movement activities, rhythm games, and playful lessons. It’s all about making learning fun through music and creativity. The high-energy episodes are designed to entertain while encouraging kids to think, move, and feel.

If you want a podcast that sparks your child’s imagination and builds their intelligence, compassion, and creativity through music, Noodle Loaf is a must-listen.

I have worked as a music educator, and I was thrilled to find this for my own 4 year old. Through silliness and fun, he is practicing rhythm, listening skills, pitch matching, and lyric play (which of course also fosters his literacy skills). He is also hearing themes of inclusivity reinforced in natural ways.
Apple Podcasts listener

KidNuz

Daily episodes providing kid-friendly news on science, politics, and more, fostering global awareness and critical thinking.

KidNuz is designed to give kids a trusted, kid-friendly way to stay updated on what’s happening in the world. Every episode features curated news stories covering science, politics, entertainment, health, and sports.
The hosts explain everything using simple language and examples that kids can relate to, making it easy for them to understand and stay engaged. It’s more than just news—it’s a way to spark curiosity, get kids talking, and help them form their own worldviews.
If you’re looking for a fun and easy way to keep young minds informed, give KidNuz a listen.

We listen to KidNuz all. The. Time. My kids look so forward to it. It is a great source of conversation. It helps support our homeschool! Thank you!
Apple Podcasts listener

Sparkle Stories Podcast

Kind-hearted tales and life lessons that inspire both kids and adults to think creatively.

Sparkle Stories Podcast, led by David Sewell McCann and a creative team of editors, is a go-to audio series for kids and families who love great storytelling. David, a seasoned author and storyteller, has crafted over 1,400 original tales since 2010. Each story invites young listeners into inventive, magical worlds, sparking curiosity and a love for storytelling.
What makes Sparkle Stories special is its mix of themes and topics, all rooted in kindness-focused entertainment. Every episode brings life lessons, adventures, and values, appealing to kids’ varied interests. It’s not just about keeping kids entertained—it’s about inspiring them to explore, dream, and create.

My mom played this for me every night. It’s so comforting for me. I memorized the beginning of Martin and Sylvia’s stories.

Now I’m a teen writer 🙂
Apple Podcasts listener

Smash Boom Best

Fun debates on exciting topics that get kids thinking and choosing their favorites.

Jumping into Smash Boom Best is like stepping into a lively classroom where learning is all about having fun. Hosted by Molly Bloom (Brains On!), this podcast turns debates into a thrilling game for kids and their families.

Imagine deciding if potatoes are better than tomatoes or if Scooby-Doo can outshine Snoopy. The battles are not only a blast but also sneak in some pretty smart lessons on making your point and listening to others.

Puppets versus acrobatics? You’ll be laughing, hooked, and maybe even choosing a side. What’s great is that the show is not about who wins; it’s a clever way to show kids (and, let’s be honest, adults, too) how to appreciate different views. In a world where everyone seems to disagree, Smash Boom Best is like a fun guide to understanding and respecting each other’s opinions.

Each episode is just the right length to keep your children entertained without feeling like it’s dragging on. If you’re looking for something that combines excitement with a bit of learning for the kids, this podcast hits the spot. It teaches critical thinking and respect for others in the most enjoyable way possible. Definitely a top pick for family listening.

How to listen to podcasts for kids

Listening to podcasts with your children is a great way to spend quality time together and expose them to various topics and ideas. Here are some tips on implementing podcast listening with your children:

Choose age-appropriate podcasts: Look for podcasts geared towards children and their interests. We just gave you a great list to start with!
Listen together: Make listening to podcasts a shared experience. Listen with your children and talk about what you’re hearing. This can lead to exciting discussions and can help build their listening skills.
Use podcasts as a learning tool: Podcasts can significantly supplement your child’s education. Look for podcasts that cover topics they are learning about in school or use them to introduce them to new ideas and concepts.
Set aside dedicated listening time: Regularly listen to podcasts. Implementing podcast listening with your children can be a fun and educational experience for both of you.

As we wrap up our journey through the world of children’s podcasts, it’s clear that this is an extraordinary time for innovative, engaging audio content for young listeners. These podcasts for kids offer a great mix of learning and entertainment, nourishing the minds and sparking our children’s imagination. So tune in and discover the magic of these narratives, explorations, and adventures that promise to transform any moment into an opportunity for fun and discovery.

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