Podcasts are one of those magical home ed tools - a good one can be educational and great for downtime. The ones that have made the cut for this post are based on the ones we've enjoyed the most and actually learned from.
There are so many podcasts out there, but when it comes to quality, there’s a huge difference - and these are all ones that are bearable (and even enjoyable!) to listen to in the car, which is when we catch most of them. I guess I could give the kids headphones, but a lot of these are genuinely interesting for adults too.
Science Podcasts
Smologies
Ages 6+ (up to teens)
Episode length - 25 mins
Smologies with Alie Ward is the children's version of her podcast Ologies. She takes a scientific topic, for example, the sun (heliology), cockroaches (blattodeology) or squids (tautology), and breaks it down into really interesting facts and information, usually with a special expert guest on the topic. We've learnt a lot from this one.
Maddie's Sound Explorers
Ages 3 - 9
Episode length: 15-20 mins
Maddie’s Sound Explorers is an award winning and really fun and imaginative podcast hosted by Maddie Moate that turns ordinary science and nature topics into little audio adventures. Each episode takes you on a journey - into a cloud to learn where rain comes from or into a beehive to hear how bees 'talk.' Maddie chats with experts to break things down in a way that’s easy to follow and genuinely interesting and a piece of music is created in each show from the sounds they've discovered.
Fun Kids Science Weekly
Ages 7+
Episode length: Approx 35 mins
In the Fun Kids Science Weekly show, host Dan discusses interesting science stories from ancient giants and dinosaurs to black holes and sharks. He presents some very strange discoveries and answers listeners questions.
It's engaging without being too complicated and, like Smologies, there are expert guests with some really cool info about their area of expertise. The host Dan also shares his 'Dangerous Dan' beasts from the largest to the tiniest dangerous creatures on earth.
Maths Podcasts
Perfect Numbers.
Ages 5-11 (although some topics might be a bit too complex for children younger than 7 or 8)
Episode length: 10-15 mins
Perfect Numbers is a short, child‑friendly maths podcast that turns figures and famous mathematicians into interesting stories rather than dry facts. Stories are such a brilliant way to introduce any learning and this podcast does it really well. Previous episodes have covered topics like Euclid, Gauss, negative numbers and the Fibonacci sequence.
It's kept short and breezy despite tackling some complex mathematical topics and the host speaks really slowly and clearly. It's great for finding out about the why and how behind maths.
Detective Mathema’s Maths Puzzles for Kids
Ages 7+
Episode length: Super short, around 3-4 mins
Detective Mathema’s Maths Puzzles for Kids is a short, playful little maths‑themed series from Fun Kids that follows detective Algebrus Mathema as he solves mini puzzles using things like sequences, fractions, timing and addition.
These are perfect for a quick maths boost or puzzle when you're at a loose end and each one feels like a tiny story rather than a lesson. It’s simple and quirky although some kids might find the puzzles a bit easy and there aren’t many episodes yet. Others might need to listen to it a couple of times to work out the puzzle - a pen and paper can be very handy with this one!
History Podcasts
Greeking Out
Ages 6-10
Episode length: 20-30 mins
Greeking Out is a lively kids’ podcast that brings ancient Greek myths to life with fun narration and humour. Each episode retells a classic myth in a way that’s easy for older kids and adults to enjoy together, with a host and a playful "Oracle of WiFi" dropping in extra facts and jokes along the way.
It’s fast-paced (possibly too fast for some) and funny, and while there are battles and epic quests, the storytelling keeps it kid-friendly and engaging. If your kids are into ancient gods, this is definitely one to try.
The Past & The Curious
Ages 7-12+
Episode length: 25-35 mins
The Past and the Curious is a really fun history podcast that turns weird, surprising and overlooked stories from the past into engaging audio adventures. The host Mick Sullivan mixes solid research with humour, original music, quizzes and storytelling to bring history to life.
You’ll hear everything from spies and inventions to surprisingly interesting details about everyday life in the past. It’s the kind of show that can easily lead you off on curious little tangents.
History Storytime for Kids
Ages 5-10
Episode length: 7-10 mins
History Storytime for Kids is a podcast hosted by 7-year-old Sophie, 5-year-old Ellie and their dad. They tell short, exciting stories from the past - about knights, Romans, Tudors, World Wars, explorers, scientists, animals and more in a very simple, narrative way.
The fact that the stories are read by other children seems to make it more intriguing for kids. It won a Silver award at the BritPodAwards and is a lovely little show to listen to now and again.
General Podcasts
But Why?
Ages 4-10
Episode length: 10-30 mins
But Why? is a brilliant podcast that answers the kinds of random questions kids ask - from "Why do we have belly buttons?" to "How do aeroplanes stay in the air?"
Each episode is built around real questions sent in by kids and answered by friendly experts in a clear, non-patronising way. It’s curious, thoughtful and surprisingly engaging for adults too, making it a great listen for car journeys or quiet moments.
The Week Junior Show
Ages 8-14
Episode length: 25-30 mins
The Week Junior Show is a weekly podcast spun out of the popular The Week Junior news magazine.
Each episode is a round-up of child-friendly current events. Bex from Fun Kids and the magazine team chat about the most interesting stories of the week, dive into a 'hot topic' and even play "Real or Rubbish?" guessing games about whether something’s true or not - helping kids practise a crucial skill these days: spotting what’s true and what’s fake.
Ask the Nincompoops
All ages
Episode length: 20-25 mins
Ask the Nincompoops is probably our favourite. It ended recording in 2023 but you can still listen to all of the past episodes.
Although not technically educational, it's really funny and creative. Andy Stanton and Carrie Quinlan take questions from kids and intentionally answer them in the most absurd way possible.
Kids’ questions like "Who invented cheese?" or "Does time only go forward?" (this is my favourite one!) get tackled with silly logic and lots of laughter, so it's more like comedian-led nonsense than straight facts.
It’s genuinely funny for kids and adults and is a great one for car rides.
Annoyingly it includes adverts aimed more at adults within the podcast - they're not inappropriate, just annoying more than anything.
👂 If you have any other podcasts to share that your family have loved, feel free to drop them into the comments below (you'll need to be logged in to comment. You can sign up here if you aren't already).
Alternatively, send them to me at jo@thehomeedhelp.com and we'll take a listen and add it to the post.
💡 Need more inspiration for learning?
Take a look at these posts:
📖 6 Magazines to Boost Home Learning for Kids
🎲 Maths: 5 Great Board Games That Really Build Number Skills & Confidence