Looking for the best podcasts, books, and shows for kids by age? This parent’s guide breaks down top entertainment picks for every childhood stage — fun, educational, and age-appropriate media your family will love.
Whether you're trying to keep a preschooler busy in the car, help your first grader wind down at bedtime, or find something the whole family can enjoy together, we’ve got you covered.
Here’s a roundup of our favorite podcasts, books, and shows for kids—broken down by age, packed with quality content, and curated with parents in mind.
🎧 Ages 2–5: Little Learners & Big Imaginations
📚 Books
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"Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!" by Mo Willems – Hilarious and interactive.
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"Little Blue Truck" by Alice Schertle – Sweet rhymes and animal sounds.
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"The Very Hungry Caterpillar" by Eric Carle – A timeless classic that’s also great for learning numbers and days of the week.
🎧 Podcasts
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Circle Round – Folk tales from around the world, told with music and narration.
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Noodle Loaf – Music, movement, and silliness that gets kids involved.
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Story Pirates – Real stories written by kids, acted out by professional performers.
📺 Shows
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Bluey (Disney+) – Heartwarming and actually funny for parents.
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Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood (PBS Kids) – Great for social-emotional learning.
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Ask the StoryBots (Netflix) – Quirky, musical answers to big kid questions.
🧠 Ages 6–9: Early Readers & Curious Minds
📚 Books
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"Magic Tree House" by Mary Pope Osborne – A fun mix of adventure and history.
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"Narwhal and Jelly" by Ben Clanton – Graphic novels full of humor and heart.
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"Judy Moody" by Megan McDonald – Perfect for spunky elementary-aged kids.
🎧 Podcasts
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Brains On! – Science and curiosity, answered by real experts and kids.
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Wow in the World – Big ideas, wacky humor, and incredible facts.
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Smash Boom Best – Debate-style podcast that pits fun topics against each other (e.g. Pizza vs. Tacos!).
📺 Shows
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Wild Kratts (PBS Kids) – Animals + science + action = win.
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Carmen Sandiego (Netflix) – Smart, stylish, and full of adventure.
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The Who Was? Show (Netflix) – Funny and surprisingly educational biographies.
📚 Ages 10–12: Independent Thinkers & Tween Vibes
📚 Books
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"Percy Jackson & the Olympians" by Rick Riordan – Fast-paced, mythology-rich fantasy.
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"Diary of a Wimpy Kid" by Jeff Kinney – Relatable, funny, and addictive.
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"Wonder" by R.J. Palacio – Thoughtful, kind, and discussion-worthy.
🎧 Podcasts
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The Unexplainable Disappearance of Mars Patel – Mystery meets sci-fi in this scripted series.
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Six Minutes – A thrilling serial podcast with cliffhangers and great voice acting.
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Greeking Out – Greek mythology retold with humor and modern flair.
📺 Shows
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The Deep (Netflix) – Oceanic adventure with a diverse family of explorers.
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Just Add Magic (Prime Video) – A cooking-based mystery with magical twists.
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Avatar: The Last Airbender (Netflix) – Action, humor, and emotional depth.
🌟 Bonus: Grown-Up-Approved Family Favorites
If you're looking for content that everyone—from toddlers to tweens to parents—can enjoy together, here are a few crowd-pleasers:
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Podcasts: Circle Round, Brains On!, Wow in the World
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Shows: Bluey, The Great British Baking Show, Nature Cat, Home (Netflix)
Final Thoughts: Curate with Confidence
The good news? You don’t need to fill every quiet moment with enrichment. A good story, a calming voice, or a favorite character can offer comfort, creativity, and connection.
Try rotating a few of these options each week to keep things fresh, and don’t be afraid to lean into what your kids love most—whether that’s narwhals, ninja cats, or Greek gods.
💬 What’s Your Family Into Right Now?
Tell us your kids’ current favorites in the comments—or tag us on Instagram @myneonkids so we can add to the list!