Whether you are heading out on a road trip or just trying to knock out some chores, listening to podcasts with your kids is a fun way to pass the time, spark conversation, and bond — with no screens required. According to a 2023 PodNews study, nearly half of American kids tune into podcasts weekly, and many do so with their parents. If you are hoping to get in on the fun but are unsure of where to start, no worries. Below, we share five fan-favorite family podcasts handpicked and reviewed by Bark for safety and quality.
The Top 5 Podcasts for Kids and Families
Recommended ages: Under 5
Story Pirates has consistently ranked in the top three family podcasts in the world, and it’s racked up over 85 million downloads by simply listening to kids. Podcast hosts and A-list actors from Julie Andrews to Lin-Manuel Miranda, Kristen Bell, and David Schwimmer bring to life songs and sketches inspired by kids’ ultra-creative and out-of-the-box stories.
Listen in as Seth Meyers tells the story of The Hanukkah Ghost, written by 7-year-old Raia, or dive into 13-year-old Ezra’s story about The Spy Who Couldn’t Lie. With over seven award-winning seasons, you can count on a kid-friendly story to explore whatever the occasion. The best part? Story Pirates is always taking new story submissions. Brainstorm with your kid and submit their story at StoryPirates.com. While only a few stories are chosen to be adapted for the podcast, the team reads and responds to every story submitted.
Recommended ages: 6 and up
This clever, feel-good podcast presents the real-life story of a remarkable person in less than 20 minutes. The twist? You don’t find out who it’s about until the very end. Each episode invites listeners to step into the shoes of the main character with immersive storytelling and playful hints like “You are part of a royal family,” “You find math problems easier to understand than people,” or “You light up on the basketball court!”
Together, kids and parents can guess the identity of inspiring figures like Amelia Earhart, Ariana Grande, and Alan Turing. Along the way, kids will build empathy, curiosity, and maybe even discover a passion that shapes their own amazing life.
Recommended ages: 6 and up
If there’s one question every parent can count on, it’s the inevitable “...but why?” Vermont Public’s But Why podcast leans into that curiosity and aims to answer everything little minds might be wondering about, from why some people like spicy food to whether horseshoe crabs are actually crabs.
Each 20–30 minute episode explores a wide range of topics in a thoughtful, engaging, and kid-appropriate way. Fascinating subject experts like champion whistler Emily Eagen and Paralympian Emelia Perry break down big ideas with clarity and warmth, often teaching grown-ups a thing or two along the way. Kids can submit their own questions at VermontPublic.org for the chance to be featured on the bi-monthly podcast.
Recommended ages: 8 and up
Greeking Out is a thrilling dive into the world of mythology and adventure produced by National Geographic. Hosted by Kenny Curtis and joined by the “Oracle of Wi‑Fi” (voiced by Tori Kerr), who pops in to define hard words like ‘agora’ or ‘myth,’ this dynamic podcast brings ancient myths to life using fascinating facts that are easy enough for elementary schoolers to understand and plenty of humor and creative writing to entertain adults.
Whether your family is full of history buffs or just the casually curious, each G or PG-rated episode weaves exciting tales of gods, heroes, and epic quests that spark imagination, conversation, and curiosity about the past. And with more than ninety 20-30 minute episodes and new seasons released twice a year, you and your little one will always have something to learn and laugh about on quick errands or after school pickups.
Recommended ages: 8 and up
Looking for something that’ll keep older kids truly hooked? Six Minutes is a fast-paced, suspenseful audio drama tailor-made for tweens and teens. The story follows Holiday, an 11-year-old girl rescued from the ocean with no memory and a mysterious past that unfolds over more than 300 six-minute episodes.
The most downloaded family audio drama in history, Six Minutes’ short episodes work great for those in-between moments and will keep teens and adults on the edge of their seats waiting to find out what happens next. Think action, secrets, emotional twists, and just the right amount of sci-fi without getting too scary or mature.
How Bark Can Help
With thousands of podcasts out there, it can be hard to figure out which ones you can trust. If you are looking to expand beyond these five suggestions or want to dive deeper into your kid’s favorite new podcast, Bark is here to help. In Bark’s content review hub, experts review popular shows, podcasts, and games so you can rest assured your new podcast is a winner.
Read more
Bark helps families manage and protect their children’s digital lives.
