18 amazing podcasts for kids of all ages

This is the golden age of podcasts and the selection for kids has never been better. From storytime and comedies to shows that delve into social justice and debates, this list of brilliant podcasts will spark imaginations, teach new ideas and make kids laugh – some will accomplish all three.

NPR’s goofball science podcast Wow in the World is packed with as much comedy as information. Hosted

by Mindy, a klutz with a time machine, and Guy, her uptight foil, Wow in the World takes on serious scientific inquiries and makes learning fun – even for parents. The expanding cast of silly characters, led by Reggie the carrier pigeon, keeps the episodes fresh. A few listens and your kiddo will want to be a Wowzer, too.

A podcast that’s all about social justice, in Queer Kid Stuff’s podcast Activist, You! host Lindz Amer interviews youth activists, finding out all about their dedicated social justice topic and why they decided to become activists. The podcast has tackled issues including racial justice, immigration, homelessness, LGBTQ+ activism and more.

Perfect for the budding feminists in your life, Girl Tales is a podcast that reimagines beloved fairytales through an empowering lens. Don’t expect to find any damsels in distress here...

Perfect for curious kids (eight and up) who aren’t afraid to turn off their nightlight, Unspookable offers a family-friendly take on popular urban legends, scary stories and myths (think clowns, vampires and other topics that’ll give ‘em the heebie jeebies).

With a touch of humour and a helping of curiosity, Short & Curly focuses on ethics while exploring topics in pop culture, tech and everyday life. Previous episodes include, ‘Was Robin Hood right? Should you rob the rich to help the poor?’ and ‘What’s the point of a school uniform?’

Do your kiddies have a burning question? Perfect! Send ’em in! Brains On! finds a different expert for each episode who will address tots’ curiosity. Anything from animal farts to narwhals have been covered.

Indoctrinate your tykes with this weekly playlist of ‘indie music for indie kids’. Not only will children enjoy starting the day listening to music made for kids, but parents will be delighted to discover that age-appropriate tracks from some of their favourite bands routinely make the cut.

Now on season four, this fairytale-style podcast adapts Elena Favilli and Francesca Cavallo’s global best-selling illustrated book of the same name into a podcast. Each episode runs about 15 to 20 minutes and tells the inspiring story of real-world extraordinary women, read by equally as extraordinary women.

If you have a budding scientist on your hands then Tumble is an absolute must. Experts in the field stop by to discuss their own work, uncover phenomenons and ask questions that will inspire curious minds. This podcast will make your kids fall in love with science.

Here’s how Story Pirates works: Kids supply the ideas and the characters, then sketch comedians bring the tales to life. While the stories are good and silly, the performances are terrific fun.

When eyelids get heavy, tuck the kids into bed and select the perfect adventure on audiobook podcast Story Time. These ten- to 20-minute-long episodes are great for the end of the day and are split up according to age brackets.

Five Minutes with Dad is not unlike the conversations that happen in your family. You’ll love how this pop and his two kids tackle everyday issues, from staying positive in school, to losing a tooth, to showing appreciation for your relatives. The hosts are as charming as they are relatable.