Forget YouTube. For kids who need all the answers (and need them now), try a podcast! Whatever piques their curiosity, you’ll be able to find a program that will not only educate but will also entertain your precocious humans. From NPR’s popular podcast to story-telling programs, here are our top picks for podcasts that are perfect for curious kids.
Wow in the World
NPR’s popular show, hosted by Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz, will have you following along on adventures throughout the world and tackling topics like animals, science and technology. Throw in hilarious voices and silly humor, and you’ll be begging for the next episode as much as your littles.
Ages 5+
Cost: Free
Get more info here and listen on multiple streaming platforms, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids
It might just be the most dreaded question a kid can ask a parent, and this bi-weekly show could be your saving grace. The hosts take questions that have complex answers (think “Why is the sky blue?”) and break them down in a kid-friendly way. There are also kid-submitted questions, and experts explain with interesting, uncomplicated answers.
Ages: All ages
Cost: Free
Get more info here and listen on multiple streaming platforms, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Brains On
This is a similar show to But Why, but this one tends to skew a bit older and has a different kid co-host every week. The experts still answer the kid-submitted science questions, but there’s a nice combo of silliness and insight, too.
Ages: 8 & up.
Cost: Free
Get more info here and listen on multiple streaming platforms, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Greeking Out
Is your kiddo interesting in Greek mythology? National Geographic's podcast for kids "Greeking Out" tells some of the greatest tales of heroes, Gods, and humans in this engaging series of stories adapted for little ears. Think Prometheus, Heracles, the Muses, and many more.
This podcast covers everything from tech and culture to arts, current events and science. And the correspondents are kids from all over the world, so listeners get information that's created just for them, presented by kids just like them.
Ages: 7 & up
Cost: Free
Learn more here and subscribe on your favorite platform including Apple, Spotify, Pandora and more.
The Past & the Curious
It’ll remind you of Drunk History (minus the alcohol), as this podcast tells little-known stories from history with an emphasis on fun and humor. We love the fact that there’s also a quiz, so your curious kids will learn something new, too.
Ages: 7 & up
Cost: Free
Get more info here and listen on multiple streaming platforms, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Purple Rocket Audio Adventures
This show tells a new story every episode, and there are nuggets of knowledge sprinkled throughout each one. Discover exactly how tricky it is to hatch a dinosaur egg, find out how far you can get into the universe on a Space Train and what happens when your grandpa's magic globe can transport you to other countries all over the world.
Ages: 5 & up
Cost: Free
Find out more here and subscribe via Apple Podcasts.