Best Podcasts for Kids (2026)
Podcasts are one of the best screen-free ways to keep kids entertained and learning. Whether you need something for a long car journey or just want an alternative to YouTube, these 10 shows are genuinely good — entertaining enough that kids actually ask to listen again.
Waking up with a podcast on iOS
Podcast Alarm is a fully featured podcast player and alarm. You can set up queues of your favourite episodes and listen to them whenever you like. Why not subscribe to your favourite podcast and have the latest episode wake you up every weekday morning. There are lots of screenshots and videos in our "How to set a podcast as an alarm on iphone?" blog post.
1. Little Stories for Tiny People
Rhea Pechter writes and narrates original short stories for young children that are gentle, imaginative and perfect for bedtime or quiet time. Each tale features kind characters and simple adventures that hold little ones' attention without overstimulating them.
2. But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids
Kids ask questions and real experts answer them. Why is the sky blue? Why do dogs have tails? Host Jane Lindholm takes every question seriously and delivers answers that are clear, accurate and never condescending.
3. Brains On!
A science podcast co-hosted by a different kid each week alongside journalist Molly Bloom. Covers everything from black holes to belly buttons with proper research and fantastic sound design. Think Radiolab for under-12s.
4. Story Pirates
Kids submit stories and a troupe of professional actors and comedians bring them to life with sketches, songs and wild improvisation. The results are unpredictable, hilarious and genuinely creative. A favourite for ages 4-10.
5. Circle Round
WBUR adapts folk tales from around the world into beautifully produced audio dramas with professional voice actors and original music. Each episode carries a gentle moral without being preachy. Perfect for bedtime or quiet time.
6. Smash Boom Best
A debate show for kids from the Brains On team. Two things go head to head — unicorns vs dragons, pizza vs tacos — and champions argue their case. It teaches critical thinking and persuasion while being completely entertaining.
7. Tumble Science Podcast
Married science journalist Lindsay Patterson and teacher Marshall Escamilla explore a different science story each episode. The conversations feel natural and curious rather than educational, which is exactly why kids stay engaged.
8. The Past and The Curious
Mick Sullivan tells weird, wonderful and mostly true stories from history that kids (and adults) have never heard before. The tone is warm and funny, and the stories are genuinely surprising. Great for long car journeys.
9. Greeking Out
National Geographic Kids retells Greek myths with energy, humour and sound effects that bring each story to life. Zeus, Athena, Heracles — they all show up, and the stories never feel stale. Mythology made genuinely fun.
10. Who Smarted?
Host Trusty the Narrator takes kids on adventures through history, science and pop culture in short, quiz-style episodes. Each one packs in real facts with comedy and keeps episodes tight enough for short attention spans.
Wake up to a kid-friendly podcast
Set a podcast as your child's morning alarm — a much better way to start the day than a buzzer. Download Podcast Alarm and make mornings fun.
Waking up with a podcast on iOS
Podcast Alarm is a fully featured podcast player and alarm. You can set up queues of your favourite episodes and listen to them whenever you like. Why not subscribe to your favourite podcast and have the latest episode wake you up every weekday morning. There are lots of screenshots and videos in our "How to set a podcast as an alarm on iphone?" blog post.
