Parents' Guide to Kids Listen: Podcasts for Kids

Podcast content is a matter of personal preference -- but there are plenty of choices here to meet the needs and interests of a wide variety of kids. Kids Listen isn't an app with a lot of bells and whistles, but it does what it's supposed to. It's easy to browse the library of shows a few different ways, and the lists of suggested podcasts are helpful for kids who are just getting started. Items from well-known authors like A.A. Milne, who wrote the Winnie the Pooh book series, journalists, and other reputable sources are featured, and the podcasts generally cover a range of topics. Some, such as the shows featuring stories by or for kids, are well-suited for younger listeners. Others are probably best for older kids and teens -- such as the podcast on scary stories and urban legends, which examines phenomena like ghost ships and Slender Man.

The content quality can vary somewhat from creator to creator, and certain items might appeal more to parents than to kids. One show called Hello Family, for instance, poses questions like, "Would you rather have Christmas or your birthday everyday?" Other children answer the questions in the episodes, but parents might find using them as conversation starters to initiate discussion about things like adoption and growing up would be more helpful than listening to the provided responses. Even though the app's content isn't necessarily geared toward all audiences, age-appropriate suggestions are provided, making it a great way for kids to access podcasts ranging from fictional stories to news offerings. Kids Listen requires a somewhat hefty monthly fee -- $3.99, which will come to almost $50 a year -- but families can check some items out for free when they download the app before deciding to register.