Embarking on a family road trip? Don’t forget about entertainment! The best family podcasts for road trips offer a mix of fun and learning that can keep everyone engaged. From toddlers to adults, there’s a podcast out there for every age and interest. So buckle up, hit the open road, and let these top family podcasts transform your travel time into an adventure of its own.
Why Podcasts for Road Trips?
Benefits of Listening to Podcasts on Road Trips
Podcasts have become a popular form of entertainment for those long drives down the open road. They offer a deep dive into a variety of topics, from pop culture to American history, and everything in between. Whether you’re embarking on a journey to national parks or just heading out for a long trip, a good podcast can make the miles fly by.
Top Family Podcasts for Road Trips
Thomas & Friends Storytime
This podcast translates the world of Thomas and his locomotive friends into an old-timey storytime. It’s engaging and classic, making it a crowd-pleaser for kids.
Ages 3 to 6.
Spare the Rock, Spoil the Child
It’s the NPR All Songs Considered of kids’ radio shows, complete with soothing intro, interjected commentary, special requests, and familiar tunes. It features fresh tunes from They Might Be Giants and a bunch of lesser-known but still insanely talented musicians.
Ages 4 and up.
The Past and the Curious
This podcast features comedic actors performing little-known stories from history in a playful manner. It’s not about racing, and Vin Diesel is not the host. Stay tuned for the quiz segment, where you and your little one can face off for bragging rights.
Ages 6 and up.
Story Seeds
This podcast for kids and teens is a series of collaborations on original story ideas between established authors and young writers aged 6 to 12. Together, they craft great narratives while illuminating the creative process itself.
Ages 6 to 12.
Story Pirates
The Story Pirates are a bunch of actors, comedians, and improvisers who act out original stories created by kids. Sometimes it all holds together — and sometimes, it devolves into silly madness.
Ages 5 and up.
Wow in the World
Hosts Guy Raz and Mindy Thomas lead listeners through a conversation around the most incredible kid-friendly stories of the week. Each episode kicks off with a series of questions about a new amazing scientific discovery or finding that are answered through comedy and debate.
Ages 5 and up.
Aaron’s World
A classic kids’ podcast and one of the few created by an actual kid, Aaron’s World is all about dinosaurs. It’s marked by science and an unmistakable sense of adventure. Over 50 episodes, the podcast follows a boy named Aaron as he travels through the age of dinosaurs accompanied by his trusty computer INO.
Ages 6 and up.
But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids
“But why?” is a question parents become familiar with as soon as their first kid learns how to ask questions. Host Jane Lindholm is here to satisfy and encourage that curiosity by tackling questions from the mundane to the complicated. The topics are crowdsourced from actual kids who submit questions using the voice note feature on phones.
Ages 5 and up.
The Unexplainable Disappearance of Mars Patel
This podcast is a serialized mystery that centers around Mars Patel and his pals, who are on a quest to find their missing friends. It’s a kid-centric adventure story that your kids will love.
Ages 8 and up.
What If World
No question is too silly for this storytelling podcast hosted by Eric O’Keefe. What if sharks had legs? What if a tiny dragon lived in your closet? These topics are all fair game, making What If World an incredibly entertaining listen for parents and kids alike.
Ages 5 and up.
Fierce Girls
This Australian podcast showcases the true stories of Australian women. From athletes to spies, Fierce Girls promotes a theme of adventurous girls with “guts and spirit.” The stories are kid-friendly but don’t shy away from telling stories as they happen.
Ages 8 and up.
Planet Storytime
Offering a mix of classic stories and lesser-known content, Planet Storytime aims for a mix of entertainment and education. It releases new episodes every Thursday and features a long episode at the end of each month with an entire month’s worth of content.
Ages 3 and up.
Brains On
This science podcast is aimed at kids, but adults can learn from it too. Brains On is educational and covers various topics, from how insects walk on walls to where poo and pee go when you flush the toilet.
Ages 6 and up.
Warrior Kid Podcast
Based on the books of the same name, the Warrior Kid Podcast is hosted by Jocko Willink, a decorated, retired Navy SEAL officer. The podcast answers kids’ questions about everything from how to avoid eating candy to what it takes to be a Navy Seal.
Ages 8 and up.
Anorak: The Happy Podcast for Kids
A production of Anorak Kids Magazine, The Happy Podcast for Kids is educational and entertaining. It explores themes similar to Anorak’s magazines, covering everything from sea life to imagination to linguistics.
Ages 6 and up.
But Why
Another NPR podcast, But Why aims to answer kid questions about everything from nature, politics, culture, science, even the end of the world. Your kids can submit their own questions too.
Ages 5 and up.
Saturday Morning Cereal Bowl
This weekly two-hour music show is released every Saturday. It’s not just kids’ music; it’s music kids will enjoy. This is also a great way to discover music your kids love that won’t drive you crazy.
Ages 4 and up.
PodcEarth Rangers
This podcast has a biology slant but makes a good listen for any kids interested in digging in the dirt, learning about animals, or listening to tales of the ecosystems in far-off lands.
Ages 6 and up.
Circle Round
Circle Round adapts folktales worldwide into sound- and music-rich radio plays for kids ages 4 to 10. Each episode explores important issues like kindness, persistence, and generosity.
Ages 4 to 10.
Tumble Science Podcast for Kids
Tumble is a science podcast created to be enjoyed by the entire family. Hosted & produced by Lindsay Patterson (science journalist) & Marshall Escamilla (teacher), it’s an excellent resource for kids and adults to learn about scientific discoveries and concepts.
Ages 6 and up.
If you’re taking a family trip to Las Vegas, make sure to check out our guide, Family Trip to Las Vegas Unforgettable Adventures for Kids and Parents!
How to Access These Podcasts
Accessing these podcasts is a simple process that can be done on various devices, including smartphones, tablets, and computers. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Choose a Podcast Platform: Many platforms are available for listening to podcasts, including Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Stitcher. Choose the one that works best for you and your device. I use an app called PocketCast that I love!
- Search for the Podcast: Once you’ve chosen your platform, use the search function to find the podcast you’re interested in. You can usually do this by typing the name of the podcast into the search bar.
- Subscribe or Follow: When you’ve found the podcast, click on it to view its main page. There should be an option to subscribe or follow the podcast. This means that new episodes will automatically appear in your feed.
- Download Episodes: If you’re going to be on a road trip without reliable internet access, it’s a good idea to download the episodes you want to listen to ahead of time. There should be a download option next to each episode.
- Enjoy: Now that you’ve downloaded your episodes, you’re ready to hit the road and start listening!
How to Find New Podcasts for Kids
Finding new podcasts that are suitable for kids and enjoyable for the whole family can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are some tips to help you discover new podcasts for your next family road trip:
- Use Podcast Platforms: Platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts have categories dedicated to kids and family content. Browse these categories to discover popular and highly-rated podcasts.
- Check Out Podcast Reviews and Ratings: Reviews and ratings can give you an idea of what other listeners think of the podcast. Look for podcasts with high ratings and positive reviews.
- Listen to Sample Episodes: Before committing to a new podcast, listen to a few episodes to see if it’s a good fit for your family. This can give you a sense of the podcast’s content, style, and appropriateness for your kids’ ages and interests.
- Ask for Recommendations: Reach out to other parents, teachers, or librarians for podcast recommendations. There are also online forums and social media groups where you can ask for suggestions.
- Search for Specific Interests: If your child is interested in a particular topic, like science, history, or storytelling, search for podcasts on that topic. There are podcasts out there to suit a wide range of interests.
- Subscribe to Podcast Newsletters: Many podcast platforms and individual podcasts offer newsletters. These can be a great way to discover new podcasts, get updates on upcoming episodes, and find out about similar podcasts you might enjoy.
The Perfect Podcast for Your Road Trip
Finding the perfect podcast for your road trip depends on your interests. If you’re a fan of pop culture, consider tuning into a weekly podcast that features celebrity guests. These podcasts often provide a behind-the-scenes look at the world of entertainment, offering engaging travel tales that can make long hours on the road feel shorter.
For history buffs, consider a podcast that takes a deep dive into American history. These podcasts can turn a long drive into an educational experience, making them a good podcast choice for family members of all ages.
Fiction Podcasts for the Adventurous
If you’re looking for something a bit different, consider fiction podcasts. These podcasts, like the “NoSleep Podcast,” offer thrilling stories that can keep you on the edge of your seat. Just be aware some of these may not be suitable for younger kids.
Special Guests and Unique Topics
Some of the best friends you’ll make on your road trip might be the hosts and special guests of your favorite podcasts. From celebrity interviews to deep dives into unique topics like Star Wars lore or American public media, these podcasts offer something for everyone.
Recent Episodes and New Seasons
When choosing a podcast for your road trip, consider checking out recent episodes or starting a second season. This can provide hours of entertainment for your journey. For example, the podcast “How Did This Get Made?” hosted by June Diane Raphael and Paul Scheer, is a hilarious exploration of bad films that’s currently in its second season.
FAQs – Best Family Podcasts for Road Trip
What Age Group Are These Podcasts Suitable for?
Most of these podcasts are suitable for children aged 6 and up, but it’s always a good idea to listen to an episode first to make sure it’s appropriate for your child’s age and maturity level.
Do I Need a Special App to Listen to These Podcasts?
No, you can listen to these podcasts on any app that supports podcast listening, such as Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Stitcher.
Can I Listen to These Podcasts Without Internet Access?
Yes, you can download episodes ahead of time when you have internet access, and then listen to them offline. It’s really one of the best things about getting into Podcasts during a family road trip.
Are These Podcasts Free to Listen to?
Yes, all of these podcasts are free to listen to, although some might have optional premium subscriptions for ad-free listening or extra content.
How Often Are New Episodes Released?
The release schedule varies for each podcast. Some release new episodes weekly, while others might release new episodes every other week or once a month. You can usually find this information on the podcast’s main page on your podcast platform.
Wrapping Up Best Family Podcasts for Road Trip
Podcasts can be a great way to keep the whole family entertained on a long road trip. They’re not just fun; they’re also a great way to learn new things and spark interesting conversations. So next time you’re planning a road trip, why not try adding some of these family-friendly podcasts to your travel playlist? You might just find that they become a new favorite part of your family’s road trip tradition.