Are your kids constantly asking “Why?” or “How did that happen?” Do they have a knack for grand stories, ancient tales, or the lives of remarkable people? Then you’ve stumbled upon the perfect solution for engaging their curious minds: history podcasts! Forget screen time; these audio adventures are a fantastic way to make learning about the past fun, accessible, and totally captivating.
Finding the best history podcast for kids can feel like a treasure hunt, but we’ve done the digging for you. We’re talking about shows that turn historical facts into thrilling narratives, introduce incredible figures, and explain complex events in a way that even the youngest listeners can understand and enjoy. Get ready to spark their imaginations and send them on a journey through time, all from the comfort of your living room, car ride, or even their bedroom!
We’ve scoured the audio landscape to bring you a hand-picked selection of top-tier podcasts and audio experiences that are perfect for your budding historians. Let’s dive into our favorite picks!
Yoto Horrible Histories Collection: Volume 1 – Kids 5+
If your kids love their history with a side of hilarious (and often gross) facts, the Horrible Histories Collection is an absolute must-have. While not a traditional podcast series, this Yoto audio collection delivers the iconic Horrible Histories books in a wonderfully produced audio format that perfectly complements any podcast lineup. It’s a brilliant way to introduce fascinating historical periods and infamous characters, making learning genuinely entertaining and sometimes a little bit… horrible! It’s an ideal screen-free experience that turns historical lessons into an auditory feast.
- Key Features:
- HORRIBLE HISTORIES COLLECTION: Discover some of history’s most foul facts in this audio collection full of horrible stories. Nasty bits included!
- IN THE BOX: Pack of 5 audiobook cards; Author: Terry Deary and Neil Tonge; Read by: Various; Language: English; Accent: UK; Running Time: 6 h 19 min; Ages 7+
- EASY TO SET UP & USE: Simply pop an audiobook card into the Yoto Player or Mini (sold separately) to play & remove to stop. Use the dials to adjust the volume & tracks. Alternatively, control the device via the free Yoto App!
- KID-FRIENDLY WITH PARENTAL CONTROL: Enjoy hours of screen-free entertainment with the Yoto Player & Mini. All content is safe & has been specially chosen & created with children in mind. No cameras. No mics. No ads.
- CONTENT THAT GROWS WITH KIDS’ MINDS: Explore 1000+ Yoto cards of bestselling novels, music, activities, free podcasts, radio, soundscapes, timers or even create content with a Make Your Own card!
- Pros:
- Highly engaging and humorous content makes history exciting.
- Screen-free and safe listening environment.
- High production quality with various readers.
- Expansive library available on the Yoto platform for future listening.
- Cons:
- Requires a separate Yoto Player or Mini device.
- Not a traditional, free podcast subscription.
- User Impressions: Parents rave about how this collection makes history stick with kids. They love the combination of education and entertainment, often reporting that their children laugh out loud while learning about everything from the Groovy Greeks to the Vile Victorians. Many see it as a fantastic alternative to screen time.
- See it on Amazon here
Greeking Out: Epic Retellings of Classic Greek Myths
Get ready for an epic journey back to ancient Greece with “Greeking Out”! This fantastic podcast brings classic Greek myths to life, introducing young listeners to gods, goddesses, heroes, and monsters in a way that’s both educational and incredibly entertaining. Each episode dives into a famous myth, often drawing connections to modern language and culture, making these ancient stories surprisingly relevant. It’s a superb best history podcast for kids who love mythology and thrilling narratives.
- Key Features:
- Engaging storytelling perfect for elementary and middle school kids.
- Explores a wide range of popular and lesser-known Greek myths.
- Connects ancient stories to modern concepts and language.
- Hosted by enthusiastic storytellers who make learning fun.
- Episodes are typically short and digestible for young attention spans.
- Pros:
- Introduces kids to classical literature and ancient history.
- Excellent voice acting and sound design.
- Promotes critical thinking about moral dilemmas in myths.
- Free and widely available on podcast platforms.
- Cons:
- Focuses primarily on mythology rather than broader historical events.
- Some myths can be complex, though explained well.
- User Impressions: Listeners frequently praise “Greeking Out” for making complex myths understandable and exciting for kids. Parents appreciate how their children learn new vocabulary and historical context, often discussing the stories long after the episode ends. It’s often highlighted as a family favorite for car rides.
- See it on Amazon here
The Past and The Curious: A History Podcast for Kids
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Prepare for a delightful dive into some of history’s most unusual, lesser-known, and absolutely fascinating stories with “The Past and The Curious.” This podcast doesn’t just list facts; it tells incredible tales, often focusing on hidden figures, peculiar inventions, and quirky events that are guaranteed to spark curiosity. Each episode is a standalone adventure, making it easy to jump in anywhere, and it consistently ranks as a top contender for the best history podcast for kids who love a good story.
- Key Features:
- Focuses on unique and often overlooked historical anecdotes.
- Features engaging narration and original music.
- Designed for kids aged 6-12, but enjoyable for the whole family.
- Episodes include a mix of storytelling and interactive elements.
- Covers a wide range of periods and places, from ancient to modern.
- Pros:
- Exposes children to diverse historical events beyond standard curriculum.
- High production values and creative storytelling.
- Encourages active listening and critical thinking.
- Free and easily accessible on all major podcast platforms.
- Cons:
- Some stories might be too niche for very young listeners looking for broader overviews.
- Infrequent release schedule compared to daily news podcasts.
- User Impressions: Parents absolutely adore “The Past and The Curious” for its ability to captivate both kids and adults. Reviewers often mention learning new facts themselves alongside their children, praising the engaging host and the show’s knack for finding truly interesting historical tidbits. It’s widely recommended for curious minds.
- See it on Amazon here
Who Smarted?
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“Who Smarted?” is the ultimate knowledge podcast that brilliantly incorporates history into its broad range of topics. While it covers science, tech, and more, a significant portion of its content delves into historical events, inventions, and biographical stories, making it an excellent resource for young history buffs. The show excels at breaking down complex subjects into digestible, entertaining segments, often using humor and interactive questions to keep kids engaged. It’s truly a fantastic all-rounder and a strong candidate for the best history podcast for kids who love to learn about everything.
- Key Features:
- Daily episodes covering a vast array of topics, including significant historical moments.
- Features fun sound effects, catchy songs, and engaging hosts.
- Includes “smarted” facts and questions to encourage participation.
- Designed for kids aged 6-10, making learning accessible.
- Each episode is about 10-15 minutes, perfect for short attention spans.
- Pros:
- Provides a daily dose of learning across various subjects, including history.
- Interactive format keeps kids actively involved.
- Hosts are energetic and great at explaining concepts clearly.
- Free to listen on most podcast platforms.
- Cons:
- Not exclusively a history podcast, so history topics appear alongside others.
- Some kids might prefer a deeper dive into pure history.
- User Impressions: Families love “Who Smarted?” for its consistent quality and ability to make learning fun. Many parents report their kids begging to listen to it every day, absorbing facts and stories without even realizing they’re learning. It’s frequently praised for sparking conversations and inspiring further research.
- See it on Amazon here
Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls: The Podcast
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Inspired by the bestselling book series, “Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls: The Podcast” celebrates incredible women from history who broke barriers, made discoveries, and changed the world. Each episode tells the biographical story of a remarkable woman, making it an inspiring and educational listen for all children, especially girls. It’s an empowering way to introduce kids to historical figures and the concept of making a difference, offering a unique perspective on the past.
- Key Features:
- Shares inspiring true stories of groundbreaking women throughout history.
- Each episode focuses on one historical figure, from scientists to artists to activists.
- Narrated by diverse and accomplished women.
- Aims to empower young listeners and broaden their understanding of history.
- Offers valuable lessons on perseverance, bravery, and intelligence.
- Pros:
- Promotes positive role models and diverse historical perspectives.
- High-quality narration and engaging storytelling.
- Encourages discussions about gender equality and social justice.
- Free to listen on most podcast platforms.
- Cons:
- Focuses exclusively on female historical figures, which might not appeal to all listeners seeking a broader scope.
- Some themes might be more suitable for slightly older children (8+).
- User Impressions: “Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls” is a hit with parents and educators alike for its uplifting and educational content. Listeners praise the show for its well-researched stories and its ability to inspire children with tales of courage and innovation. It’s often cited as a powerful tool for fostering confidence and ambition.
- See it on Amazon here
History Storytime for Kids
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If you’re looking for straightforward, engaging historical narratives for younger children, “History Storytime for Kids” is a fantastic choice. This podcast delivers captivating stories from various historical periods, making complex events and figures approachable and fun for a younger audience. It’s perfect for bedtime, quiet playtime, or long car journeys, offering a gentle yet informative introduction to the vast world of history.
- Key Features:
- Simple, clear storytelling designed for young children (ages 3-8).
- Covers a range of historical topics from around the world.
- Focuses on making history engaging and understandable without overwhelming details.
- Episodes are relatively short, fitting well with young attention spans.
- Offers a relaxed listening experience, great for winding down.
- Pros:
- Excellent for introducing basic historical concepts to preschoolers and early elementary kids.
- Soothing narration perfect for quiet time or bedtime.
- Completely free and easy to access.
- Encourages imaginative play inspired by historical themes.
- Cons:
- Content might be too simplistic for older or more advanced listeners.
- Less frequent updates compared to some other podcasts.
- User Impressions: Parents appreciate this podcast for its gentle approach to history. Many note that their children enjoy the stories and retain the information, often asking questions or wanting to learn more about the topics presented. It’s a go-to for families wanting a calm, educational audio experience.
- See it on Amazon here
But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids
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While “But Why” isn’t exclusively a history podcast, it frequently delves into historical questions submitted by kids themselves. From “Why do we have different languages?” to “How did the pyramids get built?”, this NPR podcast takes children’s burning questions and seeks out expert answers, often involving a fascinating journey into the past. It’s an excellent choice for broad, inquisitive minds that appreciate learning across various subjects, with history being a significant and recurrent theme.
- Key Features:
- Answers real questions submitted by kids, often with historical context.
- Features interviews with experts, making learning authentic.
- Covers a wide range of topics, including science, nature, and history.
- Aimed at elementary school-aged children but enjoyed by all.
- High-quality production from Vermont Public Radio.
- Pros:
- Fosters critical thinking by addressing children’s direct questions.
- Exposes kids to expert knowledge in an accessible way.
- Encourages curiosity about the world and its past.
- Free and widely available.
- Cons:
- History episodes are interspersed with other topics.
- Some answers can be quite detailed, which might challenge very young listeners.
- User Impressions: Families love “But Why” for its clever approach to answering challenging questions. Listeners consistently praise its ability to make complex topics simple and engaging, with many reporting that their children feel smarter and more curious after listening. It’s often described as a podcast that truly respects a child’s intelligence.
- See it on Amazon here
TinkerClass: Historical Stories for Curious Kids
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“TinkerClass” is a delightful and relatively new entrant to the world of kids’ history podcasts, focusing on bringing engaging historical stories to young, curious minds. It strives to make history not just a series of dates and names, but a vibrant collection of human experiences, inventions, and fascinating periods. With clear narration and a focus on inspiring wonder, it’s quickly becoming a solid contender for the best history podcast for kids who are eager to explore the world’s rich past.
- Key Features:
- Delivers engaging and age-appropriate historical narratives.
- Aims to make history exciting and relatable for young listeners.
- Covers diverse topics from various eras and cultures.
- Encourages children to think about how the past shapes the present.
- Episodes are crafted to be informative and entertaining.
- Pros:
- Fresh and creative approach to historical storytelling.
- Good for sparking imaginative play and further learning.
- Focuses purely on history, providing dedicated content.
- Free and accessible on major podcast platforms.
- Cons:
- As a newer podcast, its library of episodes is still growing.
- Might not have as much listener feedback as more established shows yet.
- User Impressions: Early feedback for “TinkerClass” highlights its clear narration and interesting choice of historical topics. Parents appreciate its dedicated focus on history, making it a reliable source for educational audio. Children are reported to be captivated by the stories, often eager to learn more after each episode.
- See it on Amazon here
Understanding the Other Items We Encountered
During our research for the best history podcasts for kids, we encountered a few other items on our list that, while interesting, don’t quite fit the ‘history podcast for kids’ category. It’s important to clarify what these are, so you know what to look for!
- Seek and Find: Old Testament Bible Stories: This is a book, likely a visual activity book, not a podcast. While it covers stories from history (biblical history), it’s not an audio format and not broadly considered a general ‘history’ resource in the same vein as the podcasts reviewed.
- Mama Bear Apologetics: Empowering Your Kids to Challenge…: This is a book for parents, focusing on Christian apologetics. It’s not a podcast for kids, nor is its primary focus broad history.
- Hot H2O History Podcast T-Shirt / Hot H2O History Podcast Premium T-Shirt: These are merchandise items (T-shirts) related to a podcast called “Hot H2O History Podcast.” While the podcast itself might be historical, these are not the podcast content itself, and the podcast doesn’t appear to be specifically for kids.
- The Last Book On The Left: Stories of Murder and… / Killing For Company: The No. 1 bestseller behind the ITV…: Both of these are books related to true crime. They are definitely not for kids, and while they might delve into historical crime, they are far from the family-friendly educational content we’re looking for.
- Outdoor Kids in an Inside World: Getting Your Family Out…: This is a book about parenting and encouraging outdoor activities. It’s neither a history podcast nor for kids in an audio format.
- Just a Girl Who Loves Murder Podcasts Funny Quote T-Shirt: Another merchandise item, this T-shirt is about adult true crime podcasts and is not content for children.
It’s clear that while the provided list had some intriguing titles, only a couple were actual audio content relevant to kids and history. Our curated list above focuses on delivering genuine, high-quality historical audio experiences designed specifically for young listeners!
FAQ Section: All Your Questions About History Podcasts for Kids Answered
Q1: What exactly is a “history podcast for kids”?
A1: A history podcast for kids is an audio series specifically designed to teach children about historical events, figures, and cultures in an engaging and age-appropriate way. They often use storytelling, sound effects, and enthusiastic hosts to make learning about the past fun and accessible.
Q2: How do history podcasts benefit my child?
A2: History podcasts offer numerous benefits! They can spark curiosity, improve listening comprehension, expand vocabulary, provide screen-free entertainment, and introduce children to diverse perspectives and critical thinking about the past. They also make learning flexible, perfect for car rides, chores, or quiet playtime.
Q3: What age range are these podcasts best for?
A3: The age range varies by podcast. Some are tailored for preschoolers (3-6), others for elementary school kids (6-10), and some for pre-teens and middle schoolers (10-14). Always check individual podcast descriptions for specific age recommendations, but most on our list are great for elementary-aged children.
Q4: Are these podcasts free to listen to?
A4: Most podcasts, including those for kids, are generally free to listen to on popular podcast platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and Stitcher. Some may offer premium content or ad-free versions through subscriptions, and some, like the Yoto collection, are paid audiobooks requiring a specific player.
Q5: How can I integrate history podcasts into my child’s learning?
A5: It’s easy! Listen together during family time or car trips, discuss the episode afterward, or encourage them to draw what they imagined. You can also use podcasts as a jumping-off point for further research, library visits, or even creative writing inspired by the historical topics covered.
Q6: Are history podcasts a good alternative to screen time?
A6: Absolutely! Podcasts provide excellent screen-free entertainment that stimulates the auditory senses and imagination without the visual distractions of screens. They allow children to create their own mental images of the stories and information being presented.
Q7: How do I find specific episodes or topics my child is interested in?
A7: Most podcast apps allow you to browse episode lists, read descriptions, and even search within a podcast’s library for specific keywords or themes. Many kids’ history podcasts also organize their episodes by topic or historical period, making it easier to find what you’re looking for.