Last summer my family drove over 2,700 miles on a road trip to Montana and through Yellowstone National Park. As part of my trip preparation, I downloaded a variety of podcasts and audiobooks for us to listen to as a family. These podcasts helped us pass the time in companionable listening, and we often paused for discussion (or debate, see Smash Boom Best information below). In addition, there’s plenty of reading research out there that listening to audiobooks (and podcasts) helps kids develop their reading skills, and they can listen and comprehend about 2-3 reading levels above their own ability to decode. My two children were 7 and 10 during our road trip, which may help you decide if these podcasts might also work for your family. Here are our favorite family podcasts:
Smash Boom Best
Whenever we are going to start a podcast, my kids ask, “Is there a new episode of Smash Boom Best?” so this is our family’s current whole-group favorite. Smash Boom Best is a debate show, and the premise of the show is to take two topics and battle it out (debate-style) to declare a winner. One of our favorite episodes put two superpowers head-to-head: invisibility or flying? There is a general argument in the beginning where each side presents the best features of their point of view. Then there are additional debate rounds that are less traditional (create a promo video, use only 6 words to make your final argument). Not only do kids hear solid opinions being backed up by facts, there are short “commercials” in each episode that teach a debate skill. Produced by American Public Media, which also produces another favorite of ours, Brains On.
Brains On
This science podcast for kids takes on traditional scientific topics (how does the flu vaccine work?) but also delves into emotional topics as well–definitely listen to the special series “All About Feelings” from earlier this year. While completely catering to kids, this listens more like an informational text than the game show style of Smash Boom Best. My kids have mentioned scientific tidbits days (and weeks) later that they heard on the show. Of course, the episode that talked about where our poo and pee go was a big hit with my 7-year-old. Produced by American Public Media.
Highlights Hangout
If you’ve ever read a Highlights magazine, you’ll feel right at home listening to the Highlights Hangout. This is my 7-year-old’s favorite podcast because it is just the right balance of silly and informative. The podcast includes the characters Goofus and Gallant from the magazine, a mystery sound to count throughout the episode, jokes, and even puzzles. The podcast truly encapsulates all aspects of the magazine that kids enjoy. Produced by Highlights for Kids/Tinkercast.
Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls
I actually included this podcast on my podcast roundup for adults, but its intended audience is kiddos. Dubbed “a fairy tale podcast about the extraordinary women who inspire us. The show is based on Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls, the global best-selling book series inspiring millions of girls and women around the world to dream bigger, aim higher, and fight harder.” The women featured in these stories are women I wish I had known about when I was growing up. At first my 7-year-old son thought he wasn’t allowed to listen because he wasn’t technically a girl, but after I assured him that these stories are for everyone to listen to and learn from, he is the first to ask for “just one more” episode. Produced by Timbuktu Labs.
But Why: A podcast for Curious Kids
All based on questions they receive from kids, But Why interviews experts to find the answers to kids’ questions. This listens almost like watching the news, as they incorporate more than one perspective in response to the questions. Your kids can call in and submit questions that might be included on a future podcast. Produced by Vermont Public Radio.
Fun Kids Science Weekly
A bit irreverent and lots of fun, this podcast lives up to its “Fun Kids” name. My kids love the fact that each episode includes more than one topic. The host has a great sense of humor, but personally my favorite aspect of this show is how they feature kid scientists. Produced by Fun Kids.
Libby app by Overdrive
In addition to podcasts, we use the Libby app to download audiobooks. Some of our favorites from the past few months were: The Season of Styx Malone, Max and Midknights, A Big Day for Baseball, Save Me A Seat, and The Last (Endling Series). It’s easy to link up your library card(s) and download currently available titles and place holds on titles you’d like to listen to in the future. There’s also the convenience of the auto-return on the due date–you don’t need to worry that you’ll forget to return a book.
Does your family have a favorite podcast to listen to? Share it in the comments below!
