Whether you’re looking for the best audiobooks for a road trip or you are simply looking for a family-friendly podcast to keep everyone entertained on a rainy day, this post is for you.
Over the years, we have listened to countless hours of podcasts and audiobooks. Between travel and homeschool, stories are a big part of our daily lives.
When we are taking in the scenery on a road trip, an audiobook is a perfect way to pass the hours without resorting to videos.
During homeschool art sessions, listening to podcasts can be a great way to learn while little hands are busy.
But, let’s be real. Sometimes audiobooks or podcasts made for kids can make me reach for my noise-canceling headphones faster than the speed of light. 🤷♀️
Thankfully, there are some fantastic options out there now, and we’ve rounded up some of our family favorites for the next time you need some audio entertainment.
Best Podcasts for Kids
Wow in the World
Wow in the World is a spectacular podcast by National Public Radio (NPR), especially for kids. They always have an episode we are all interested in.
One of our favorites was an episode that went into the science behind why being bored isn’t a bad thing. Now, at least it’s not just me telling them they’ll survive! 😉
Brains On!
Brains On! is the brainchild of American Public Media. This podcast is great because it covers all those burning questions your kids have.
You know the ones.
Those 5,000 “Why” questions they ask every day?
They can find the answers to those questions about how GPS works, what sound waves are, and the weird and gross things our bodies do from Brains On!
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Stories Podcast
Stories Podcast is exactly what you would expect from their name. 🤪 It’s full of classic retellings of tales you know to original stories you’ve never heard.
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Our kids love the lighthearted, silly original story, The Golden Screw, from February 9, 2018.
Story Pirates
Another podcast full of stories, Story Pirates is typically more goofy and comedic. You’ll hear fantastical stories written by actual children, adapted for the show. They add comedy and music for a truly unique podcast.
Circle Round
Circle Round is another excellent podcast by NPR. They adapt folktales from all over the world into radio plays for kids. It’s a great way to learn a little history and culture from around the world.
But, thankfully, the kids will be so entertained, they won’t realize it.
We won’t tell if you don’t. 😉
Best Audiobooks for Kids
A Cricket in Times Square
by George Seldon
We LOVED this entertaining story of a country cricket who finds himself in Times Square. He befriends a Tucker, a mouse, and Harry Cat. Tucker and Harry Cat become his guides to the city in this adventurous story.
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
by L. Frank Baum
The Wizard of Oz is a classic that we thoroughly enjoyed as an audiobook on a recent family road trip. Even though we weren’t quite ready to show the original film to the kids (was anyone else as terrified of the flying monkeys as I was as a kid?!), the audiobook was a perfect introduction to this story.
On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness
by Andrew Peterson
On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness is a gripping tale of fantasy and adventure that is sure to keep the entire family engaged. Join the three Igiby children as they journey through a story that will keep you on the edge of your seat one moment and laughing the next.
We loved this story. However, I do want to mention that it can get thematically intense at times. So, if you have a younger child (under 6 or 7), or one who is easily scared, I would suggest waiting until they are slightly older.
The Green Ember
by S.D. Smith
In this entertaining story, Heather and Picket are two young rabbits who find themselves thrust into an experience they were never expecting. They encounter danger and adventure along their journey.
This story could be a little intense for kids under six or those who are sensitive to perilous situations.
Fantastic Mr. Fox
by Roald Dahl
Our kids are fans of anything by Roald Dahl, but when we listened to this one on audiobook, they were literally laughing out loud.
Fantastic Mr. Fox is a short story about a fox who has been stealing food from several farmers who determine to capture him. However, he’s smarter than they give him credit for. The book is clever and perfect for kids and adults alike.
Final Thoughts on Podcasts & Audiobooks for Kids
Hopefully, this list of some of our favorite family-friendly podcasts and audiobooks makes the next time you hear “I’m bored” on a road trip or a rainy day a little less painful.
We’re always looking for more suggestions, so we’d love to know – what are the best audiobooks and podcasts you and your family have found?
