Podcasts are great ways to pass the time, to learn new things, to entertain yourself in a different manner than a screen, and – to many people’s surprise – a fun way to bond with your kids.

Children like podcasts as much as adults, a fact that the creators and hosts of these 7 podcasts must have known when they put these ideas out into the world.

7. The Unexplainable Disappearance of Mars Patel. 

If you loved movies like The Goonies and The Explorers (or even Stand By Me) growing up, you (and your kids) should check out Blobfish Radio’s serialized mystery, The Unexplainable Disappearance of Mars Patel.  The series was even voted one of the best of 2016.

Listen here.

6. Dream Big

Eva Karpman might only be 7 years old, but that doesn’t stop her from turning in killer interviews with celebs, award-winning experts, and all manner of trailblazers.

Listen here.

5. Short and Curly

This (oddly named) podcast teaches kids between the ages of 7 and 12 about ethics, taking on difficult topics like whether or not it’s okay to fight a bully. They also throw in occasionally silly topics, like “should pugs exist,” to lighten the mode.

Listen here.

4. Saturday Morning Theatre

This is fashioned after old-time radio broadcasts and gives kids short, imaginative adventures like superhero tales, westerns, and mysteries.

Listen here.

3. Spare the Rock, Spoil the Child

With fresh tunes from They Might Be Giants, soothing intros interjected commentary, and special requests, this is basically All Songs Considered for kids.

Listen here.

2. Story Time

If your kid always wants one more story, why not let this 20-minute podcast do the curtain call? There are new, exclusive stories, narrated by Brit Rob Griffiths, a couple of times a week.

Listens here.

1. Brains On!

This podcast teaches a different science lesson every episode, and its hosted by kid scientists who are full of excitement and enthusiasm. Trust me, they cover a wide range of topics your kids are going to love.

Listen here.

I love the concepts behind all of these and can’t wait to try them with my kids!

What are your favorite podcasts to listen to with your kids?

If it’s not already on the list, tell us about it in the comments!