Podcasts are such an underrated screen-time alternative for toddlers and preschoolers. It’s important to select the right podcasts for kids that’s engaging and age-appropriate. Podcasts that focus on storytelling, songs, or simple concepts can stimulate their imagination and language development without the need for screens.

Here are a few things to consider when selecting podcasts: choosing quality content, keeping listening sessions short, encouraging active listening and keeping a balanced routine when it comes to how much time is spent on podcasts daily.

Now, here are my recommendations for toddlers and preschoolers!

Toddler Recommendations (ages 2+)

My 2.5 year old has really been into listening podcasts lately so I’ve gone through a bunch of options to shortlist which are appropriate for her right now. I think 2 years is the right age to start podcasts, and before this, we would only listen to nursery rhymes on audio. Here are 5 podcast recommendations for toddlers aged 2 and up!

Pinkalicious & Peterrific: Each episode you’ll go on a pinkcredible adventure – dancing, singing, and making believe with the pinka-tastic sister and brother podcast hosts, Pinkalicious and Peter.

Deep Blue Sea: Climb aboard submarine Sea Lab Alpha to join underwater explorers Marina and Reef on awesome adventures in the magical oceans covering our planet. Meet amazing sea creatures, learn tons of fun facts, and discover ways to protect the oceans these creatures call home.

Gardenkeeper Gus: Sweet, calm, immersive stories that follow 6-year-old Gus and his squirrel best friend Rel as they listen to nature sounds and go on fun adventures in a larger-than-life garden.

Little Stories for Tiny People: Little Stories for Tiny People features original stories the whole family will love. Filled with endearing characters and inventive story lines, this podcast is sure to spark your child’s imagination and to delight the entire family.

Super Simple Imagination Time With Caitie: Join Caitie and her piano-playing pal Zach on an imagination audio adventure filled with play, music, and social-emotional learning moments. Each episode is inspired by a Super Simple Song and begins with a mindfulness activity before we dive into our imaginations to explore and learn together.

Noodle Loaf: Noodle Loaf is an interactive music education podcast for kids that has received the Common Sense Media Selection seal for creating high quality kids content. Episodes contain fun music for kids, movement activities, rhythm games and plenty of learning through play!

Disney Story Time: Enjoy classic Disney tales like The Lion King, Toy Story, and The Little Mermaid, narrated for young listeners.
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Sesame Street Story Time: Join Elmo, Cookie Monster, and friends as they bring beloved stories to life, perfect for toddlers and preschoolers.
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Thomas & Friends Story Time: Embark on adventures with Thomas and his engine friends through enchanting tales from the Island of Sodor.
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Preschooler and Up Recommendations (ages 3+)

Circle Round: Circle Round adapts carefully-selected folktales from around the world into sound- and music-rich radio plays for kids ages 3-103. Each 15 to 25-minute episode explores important issues like kindness, persistence and generosity. And each episode ends with an activity that inspires a deeper conversation between children and grown-ups.

Molly of Denali: Journey with Molly Mabray, an Alaska Native girl who helps her parents run the Denali Trading Post in the rural village of Qyah! Each season is a brand-new story.

WOW in the World: The #1 science podcast for kids and their grown-ups. Hosts Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz share stories about the latest news in science, technology, and innovation. Stories that give kids hope, agency and make us all say “WOW”!

The Arthur Podcast: Arthur Read is back and starting his own podcast! Listen in as he shares his favorite adventures with, DW, Buster and all their friends from around Elwood City.

Storynory: A collection of beautifully read and written audio stories for kids.

School Aged Kids (5 and Up)

Brains On!
An award-winning science podcast where curious kids and adults explore fascinating questions about the world. Each episode features a different kid co-host who joins Molly Bloom to find answers to questions like “How do weather stations predict the weather?” and “Why do we feel pain?”
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Story Pirates
Professional actors perform stories written by kids, turning them into hilarious and imaginative adventures. It’s a celebration of creativity and storytelling, with episodes like “The Tooth Fairy Room Mate” and “The Baby Who Never Grew.”
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But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids
Kids ask questions like “Why is the sky blue?” and “How do airplanes stay up?” and the hosts explore the answers with experts, making complex topics accessible and fun.
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Smash Boom Best
A debate-style podcast where two contestants argue for their favorite things, like “Cats vs. Dogs” or “Pizza vs. Tacos,” encouraging critical thinking and friendly competition.
Listen on Spotify

Did I Miss Something You Love?

If you have more podcast recommendations for kids, drop them in the comments below and remember to subscribe for more screen-free alternatives and tips for screen-free parenting!