On The Table Read Magazine, “the best entertainment eBook magazine UK“, discover the top 10 kid-friendly podcasts of 2025, packed with fun, educational, and imaginative stories to spark curiosity and keep young listeners entertained!
Podcasts have become a fantastic way to spark curiosity, inspire imagination, and provide screen-free entertainment for kids. Whether you’re looking for something to keep little ones engaged during a car ride, to wind down at bedtime, or to sneak in some learning through fun storytelling, there’s a podcast out there for every young listener.
Below is a curated list of the top 10 podcasts for kids in 2025, based on recent recommendations, listener popularity, and their ability to captivate young minds while offering something parents can enjoy too. These picks cover a range of ages, interests, and topics, from science and history to storytelling and mindfulness.
Top 10 Podcasts For Kids
1. Wow in the World
Recommended Age: 5–12
Why It’s Great: Hosted by Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz, Wow in the World from NPR and Tinkercast dives into fascinating STEM topics with humor and engaging stories. Episodes explore questions like “How do insects walk on walls?” or “What happens to poo when you flush?” in a way that’s both educational and entertaining. Its lively format and cultural references make it a hit with kids and parents alike.
Episode Length: ~20–30 minutes
Where to Listen: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, gzmshows.com
2. Story Pirates
Recommended Age: 4–10
Why It’s Great: Story Pirates transforms stories written by kids into hilarious, professionally produced sketches and songs, often featuring celebrity guests like Claire Danes or Parker Bates. Episodes like “Eat a Spider Day” or “Princess Lifeguard Camp” are bursting with silliness and creativity, encouraging young listeners to tap into their own imaginations.
Episode Length: ~15–30 minutes
Where to Listen: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, storypirates.com
3. Circle Round
Recommended Age: 4–10
Why It’s Great: Produced by WBUR, Circle Round retells folktales from around the world with vibrant storytelling and celebrity narrators. Each episode, ranging from 10–20 minutes, carries a moral lesson about kindness, tenacity, or courage, often accompanied by activity suggestions like coloring pages. It’s perfect for sparking discussions about culture and values.
Episode Length: ~10–20 minutes
Where to Listen: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, wbur.org/circleround
4. Brains On!
Recommended Age: 6–12
Why It’s Great: This science podcast from American Public Media is a favorite for curious kids. Brains On! tackles topics like “Why is the sea salty?” or “How do butterflies fly?” with humor and expert interviews. Its spinoff, Smash Boom Best, pits two ideas (e.g., Loki vs. Athena) in a debate format, teaching critical thinking and communication skills.
Episode Length: ~20–30 minutes
Where to Listen: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, brainson.org
5. Who Smarted?
Recommended Age: 5–12
Why It’s Great: Who Smarted? combines education with humor, delivering bite-sized lessons on topics like history, science, and pop culture in a game-show style. With four new episodes weekly, it’s ideal for kids who love learning with a side of laughter. Teachers often use it in classrooms for its engaging approach to facts.
Episode Length: ~4–20 minutes
Where to Listen: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, gzmshows.com
6. The Unexplainable Disappearance of Mars Patel
Recommended Age: 8–12
Why It’s Great: This Peabody Award-winning scripted mystery series follows an 11-year-old boy and his friends solving mysteries on an interplanetary space station. Compared to Stranger Things for tweens, its gripping narrative and lack of edgy content make it perfect for long car rides or immersive listening.
Episode Length: ~20–30 minutes
Where to Listen: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, gzmshows.com
7. Little Stories for Tiny People
Recommended Age: 2–7
Why It’s Great: Ideal for bedtime or quiet moments, Little Stories for Tiny People offers soothing, G-rated stories about courageous and kind characters. With nearly 150 episodes, it’s a go-to for parents looking to ease young kids into dreamland or provide calm entertainment.
Episode Length: ~10–15 minutes
Where to Listen: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, littlestoriestinypeople.com
8. Short & Curly
Recommended Age: 7–12
Why It’s Great: This Australian podcast explores ethical dilemmas like “Is it okay to colonize another planet?” or “Should you listen to music by bad people?” Hosted by Carl Smith, Molly Daniels, and ethicist Matt Beard, Short & Curly encourages critical thinking and family discussions on complex topics in a fun, accessible way.
Episode Length: ~15–25 minutes
Where to Listen: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, abc.net.au
9. Eleanor Amplified
Recommended Age: 8–12
Why It’s Great: This serialized adventure podcast follows intrepid reporter Eleanor Amplified as she foils villains’ plots in a style reminiscent of old-time radio shows. Its fast-paced, witty storytelling and over-the-top sound effects make it a thrilling listen for tweens, with a “Road Trip Edition” compiling entire seasons for long journeys.
Episode Length: ~15–20 minutes
Where to Listen: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, eleanoramplified.org
10. Book Club for Kids
Recommended Age: 8–12
Why It’s Great: Hosted by public radio veteran Kitty Felde, Book Club for Kids features middle schoolers discussing popular books like James and the Giant Peach or The Book Thief, with celebrity guests reading excerpts. It’s a fantastic way to inspire a love of reading and spark literary conversations.
Episode Length: ~15–20 minutes
Where to Listen: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, bookclubforkids.org
Why Podcasts for Kids?
Podcasts are a powerful tool for reducing screen time while fostering creativity, critical thinking, and empathy. According to a Kids Listen survey, 90% of families listen to podcasts weekly, with many tuning in daily, showing how engaging this medium is for young audiences. From science to storytelling, these podcasts offer something for every child, whether they’re preschoolers or tweens, and they often sneak in learning that feels like fun.
Tips for Listening
- For Younger Kids (2–7): Start with shorter episodes like Little Stories for Tiny People or Circle Round for bedtime or car rides.
- For Tweens (8–12): Try serialized stories like The Unexplainable Disappearance of Mars Patel or thought-provoking shows like Short & Curly.
- Family Listening: Wow in the World and Story Pirates are great for shared laughs and discussions.
- Check Content: Always preview episodes to ensure they suit your child’s age and interests, as some topics may be more mature.
With these podcasts, kids can explore new worlds, learn fascinating facts, and let their imaginations soar—all without a screen in sight. Happy listening!
Note: Availability and episode details are based on information from sources like Common Sense Media, WIRED, and The Guardian, ensuring recommendations are current as of 2025. Always check platforms for the latest episodes and subscription options.
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