Let’s be honest: getting kids excited about history is usually about as easy as convincing them that vegetables are actually candy in disguise. Between the dusty textbooks that make the fall of Rome sound less exciting than watching paint dry, and teachers who somehow manage to make Viking invasions boring (seriously, how?), it’s no wonder most kids think history is just memorizing dates for tests they’ll immediately forget.
But here’s the thing, history is actually packed with the kind of wild stories that would make a Marvel movie look tame: exploding toilets that changed royal succession, teenage pharaohs, accidental inventions, and enough plot twists to put any Netflix series to shame. The trick is finding someone who can tell these stories without sounding like they’re reading from a 1950s encyclopedia. Lucky for you (and your screen-addicted offspring), there are some genuinely hilarious and engaging history podcasts out there that make the past feel less like homework and more like the greatest story ever told. These history podcasts for kids will have your little ones actually asking to learn about history. Miracles do happen.
The Ancients
A audio program designed for enthusiasts of early civilizations! The Ancients focuses on exploring humanity’s remote historical periods. Showcasing conversations with scholars and excavation specialists, every installment examines a particular subject from classical times. Spanning topics from Stone Age Britain through Rome’s collapse. Presented by Tristan Hughes.
Bedtime History
Bedtime History consists of informative, calming tales intended for children and their households. Discover remarkable figures including Jackie Robinson, Sacajawea, Neil Armstrong, and Maya Angelou. Additional subjects encompass cosmic discovery, contemporary happenings, and impressive accomplishments in construction like The Transcontinental Railroad.
The Past and The Curious: A History Podcast for Kids and Families
An educational audio series about the past designed for young listeners! Guardians appreciate it, educators embrace it, and crucially, children enjoy it as well! The study of bygone eras can prove fascinating, motivating, and meaningful to all. The program delights in presenting accounts of espionage agents, peculiar cuisines, George Washington’s mishaps, pioneering developments in animated art and aerial flight, plus many other topics!
Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls
A magical storytelling audio program for children featuring actual remarkable women from across the globe. Drawing from the popular book collection Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls, every episode delves into the experiences of women featured in the volumes, inspiring youthful audiences to pose inquiries and pursue their curiosities.
Historical Records
An energetic blend of rap music and historical tales crafted for young audiences and their families. Produced by Questlove and the Story Pirates, Historical Records demonstrates that creating history requires making sound. Weekly, presenter Nimene, alongside comedic scholars and rhythm-producing raccoons, transmits from a hidden underground location, transforming overlooked historical figures into hip-hop tracks.
Gone Medieval
From ancient Norse vessels to monarchs interred in surprising locations; from assassinations and political maneuvering, to legends, spiritual beliefs, and the experiences of common folk: Gone Medieval serves as History Hit’s audio program devoted to the medieval era, spanning Europe and distant regions.
Forever Ago
Brains On Universe offers Forever Ago®, a historical program suitable for entire families! Each installment investigates the unexpected and captivating origins of items considered mundane, yet prove otherwise — such as frozen dessert varieties, electronic entertainment, bathing practices and beyond. The show transforms exploration of bygone times into an enjoyable experience while instructing audiences to analyze history with discernment.
History Storytime – For Kids
Historical tales for children narrated by seven-year-old Sophie, five-year-old Ellie, and their father. Thrilling accounts of medieval warriors, Tudors, Romans, global conflicts, uprisings, voyagers, researchers, and athletes. Features compelling narratives about creatures, passionate sagas of devotion and treachery, and influential women who shaped the past.
The Explorers Podcast
The Explorers Podcast focuses on the most renowned adventurers and expeditions throughout history.
Real Cool History for Kids
Real Cool History for Kids shares captivating historical tales from a Biblical perspective. The program features unusual, fascinating events and figures from the past. Angela O’Dell, creator of America’s Story and The World’s Story, delivers episodes twice monthly exploring eerie abandoned locations and lesser-known facts about famous historical personalities.
You’re Dead to Me
The humorous program that treats history with respect. In every installment of You’re Dead to Me from BBC Radio 4, Greg Jenner teams up with a comic performer and a historical scholar to discover and enjoy the past. The show explores everything from ancient monuments and cultural movements to notable figures across eras, royalty, rebels, performers, and leaders.
Anytime Now
Discover stories missing from textbooks. Anytime Now takes children through time with captivating historical narratives and sounds. Produced by Honest History for ages 8 and up. The podcast motivates young listeners to explore deeply and make their own mark on history. The journey begins with one press of “play.”
Who, When, Wow!
Carly Q (portrayed by Carly Ciarrocchi), a wannabe temporal investigator, covertly examines historical enigmas. As a junior employee at The Bureau of Universal Time Travel and Historical Exploration Department (B.U.T.T.H.E.D), Carly Q journeys through time investigating puzzling events like the Loch Ness Monster, pursuing answers to perplexing questions while bringing listeners along.
Cool People Who Did Cool Stuff
Throughout the existence of tyranny, individuals have resisted it. This regular audio program delves into the past to uncover the most audacious revolutionaries, the most remarkable uprisings, and all those who yearn for, and struggle for, liberty. The show examines intricate tales of defiance that provide guidance and motivation for contemporary audiences, highlighting the collective groups that comprise each historical moment.
Do you know of another history podcast for kids that you think should be on this list? Let me know
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