Looking for some podcasts for your road trip or just searching for a few new podcast episodes to try out during a short excursion? Carefully picked and categorized by age, this road trip podcasts list will surprise you with its variety and content. This isn’t just a laundry list of shows- this list includes links to specific shows that will inspire laughter and curiosity (not groans) from listeners.
Please share with your friends to further publicize the true awesomeness of podcasts.
Road Trip Podcasts
Younger Children and Elementary Age
RNZ: Nanogirl’s Great Science Adventures
How High Can Birds Fly? (19 min)
Highly engaging, this just under 20-minute episode features Nanogirl blasting off with her friends in search of the answer you may have heard from your backseat travelers: “How high can birds fly?” The content may trigger further questions and discussions about different kinds of birds!
Lewis and Clark and the Corps of Discovery – Part 1(53 minutes)
If you are road tripping, it’s a fantastic time for the family to learn (or relearn) about the expeditions of Lewis and Clark. In just under an hour, listeners will hear about the travelers’ background and trip prep, as well as the historical issues occurring in that era.
Reading Bug Adventures – Original Stories with Music for Kids
Bonus: An Airplane Adventure: Full Story, Parts 1 & 2 (1:18)
Younger listeners will adore this adventurous story (this one is lengthy; over an hour). Download it for the plane or just play it while packing and give your children a glimpse of the challenges the Wright brothers (and sister) faced on their first manned airplane trip.
A Robot Exploring Mars & The Science Behind Delicious Chocolate
Before you stop at a convenience store for snacks, you may want to play this episode for your kiddos- it will provide a scientific explanation for why chocolate is so delicious! Not only that, they will learn a bit about space, specifically Mars in just over 20 minutes.
I Spy the Sky (21 min)
Tired of playing I Spy and need something to change it up? Play this podcast and make it do your work for you. Produced by the popular Highlights magazine, the audio content is diverse -your little ones will love the variety provided in the just over 20- minute episode and will beg you to play another one!
What If World: Stories For Kids
What If Kids Love Chores? (18 min)
If you are on vacation and chore-free, it’s a good time to listen to an episode about why children might actually love chores! This podcast is always sure to engage the little ones and this episode will have them on the edge of their seat waiting to hear what happens with Alabaster Zero. Important note: your kids will learn some valuable life lessons from this episode!
Kids Listen Road Trip #2 (55 min)
Not sure what to play, so you want an hour full of different episodes wrapped in one? Created just under a year ago, this is a playlist of popular podcast episodes for littles – you may find some new ones you want to explore.
How Does GPS Know Where You Are? (24 min)
The title says it all with this episode- as you travel your route with Siri spouting out directions, just how does GPS know your location?
Family Road Trip Trivia Podcast
Geography Trivia (15 min)
Play this episode for the entire family and you will be surprised by the level of quality time it inspires. Everyone loves trivia, and this podcast features multiple episodes all comprised of 15 minutes of trivia on different topics.
Tumble Science Podcast For Kids
The Animal Road Trip Adventure (1:24)
Perfect for a longer segment on the road, this episode is comprised of almost two hours of stories about animal science.
Blue-Ringed Octopus (19 min)
Kids will love listening to this podcast about various animals, including this episode about the deadly, but adorable blue-ringed octopus. Prepare to learn lots of new facts!
Science Adventure Stories For Kids
Simon’s Honey Bee Adventure (21 min)
Wait until your kids find out why bees love to dance, AND what their personal super power is. They (and you) will be surprised how fast time on the road goes when listening to interesting animal facts!
Brains On! Science podcast for kids
Mystery Sound Extravaganza 2019 (31 min)
Kids and adults will love listening to this episode- mystery sounds are provided with time to guess what you’ve heard. Some will stump even the most careful listener!
Pizza Vs Tacos (26 min)
Trying to decide what to have for dinner en route your vacation? This is a true debate on what’s better, pizza or tacos.
Teens and Adults
SMNTY Classics: Where Did Spring Break Come From? (30 min)
For the older children and adults, a quick history lesson on the origin of Spring Break will instigate questions and discussion – why exactly is Spring Break a thing?
Billboards (24 min)
Sick of watching your teens stare at their screen? Play this short 25 minute episode on the power of billboards (did you know some are watching you) and break up the monotony of a long car ride.
Stuff You Missed In History Class
Commercial Aviation in the U.S. Part 1 (34 min)
Most kids have a quick history lesson about air travel in school, but the early attempts at commercial aviation are quite interesting and the perfect content for a trip.
One Of The Germiest Places In The Airport (7 min)
Sick of watching your teen roll their eyes when you remind them yet again to watch their hands? Play this short 7 minute episode and watch their faces shudder as they learn about one of the germiest places at the airport!
SYSK Selects: How Maglev Trains Work (36 min)
While we might not use them in the United States, Maglev trains are fascinating, and teens and adults will be engaged with this physics lesson on how they work.
Asking For a Friend (1:07)
Teens are often afraid to ask certain questions (and hey, maybe adults are too). This episode features answers to the questions floating around in most listeners head that they are hesitant to ask.
Famous Fates: Billy The Kid (38 min)
For listeners interested in history, this episode is just one of several on the Historical Figures podcast you may enjoy. Teens will find the discrepancy between the tall tales and reality fascinating.
How Kids Can Help Design Cities (14 min)
Older kids and teens will love learning about how their opinions matter! This episode highlights how kids had a role in designing a park in Boulder, Colorado.
Your Future Self (17 min)
Aren’t we all thinking about the future- including our teens? This podcast provides some helpful tips on how to plan for our future while not losing track of the ‘now’. A vacation is the perfect time for some self reflection and personal development.
Learning To Travel Happier (51 min)
Travel can be stressful, even though it’s supposed to be a vacation! Road trip podcasts can make time fly! Listen to this 50 minute episode as a family to make sure you maximize your experience on your break.
Want even more podcasts?
Make sure to check our our ultimate guide for kids and complete directory for teens!
