Here’s a suggestion for some screen-free fun for kids:  Podcasts. They are certainly entertaining and often educational. Great for bedtime, road trips, or afternoon quiet time, it’s not surprising that podcasts are growing in popularity. Here are two we really like:  But Why: A Podcast For Curious Kids, and This American Life. 

Produced by Vermont Public Radio (VPN) and hosted by Jane Lindholm, But Why: A Podcast For Curious Kids has a new episode every two weeks. Basically, kids ask questions (large and small) and VPN finds the answers! Here’s a review from a pleased parent: “I just found this podcast when looking for something to listen to with my kids in the car. We just finished, ‘Are Unicorns Real?’ This was such a fantastic episode and resource for me. Watching my 5– year–old daughter (who wants nothing more than to believe that unicorns ARE real) take in all of this information was so pure and beautiful. This episode did a far better job of explaining myth and mystery than I have in the past. Great work and thank you!”  

Here’s the deal – seemingly simple questions have surprisingly complex answers!  Recent topics include, “Why Can’t Kids Vote?”, “Why Are Some Animals Pets And Others Are Lunch?”, “Why Do Dogs Have Tails?”, and “Why Is The Sky Blue?” Adults can easily submit their kids’ questions; educational guides, transcripts, and even coloring pages are available. This podcast is great for all ages. 

Currently the most downloaded podcast in the country, This American Life combines personal stories, journalism, and even stand-up comedy for an enthralling hour of content. This Chicago Public Media-produced podcast is best for teens and their parents. Host, Ira Glass, says, “When I’m trying to explain our program to someone who doesn’t know it, I stammer a bunch of words like ‘entertaining,’ ‘funny,’ surprising plot twists,’ ‘true stories but not boring I swear’ … and then I just give them this list.” Here’s a sampling of topics: “Switched at Birth,” “It’ll Make Sense When You’re Older,” and “If You Don’t Have Anything Nice to Say, SAY IT IN ALL CAPS.” 

New to podcasts? Read this handy guide from Common Sense Media to get you started.