There's an increasingly popular way to keep kids entertained for hours and hours at a time, and it doesn't even involve staring at a screen: podcasts and audiobooks.
We've found a selection of audiobooks and podcasts that the whole family – yes, even parents – can enjoy.
They're particularly great for long road trips, but can be enjoyed any time.
How to play podcasts and audiobooks
If you’re dipping your toe into podcasts and audiobooks for the first time, there are a number of apps that will play podcasts and audiobooks. Some are free, such as BBC Sounds. Others, like Amazon’s Audible, have a monthly subscription, with a 30-day free trial to see if you like it. It includes one book per month, and you pay for any additional books. Podcasts are also available through free-to-use apps such as Spotify, Google Podcasts and Soundcloud.
Here’s a list of some of the apps you might need.
To get you started, these are our favourite audiobooks and podcasts for you and your family to enjoy.
The Harry Potter books, read by Stephen Fry
What could be more quintessentially British? All seven of J.K. Rowling’s iconic Harry Potter books, read in Stephen Fry’s mellifluous voice. You’ll wonder where the hours disappeared - “Evanesco!”
Available on Audible (Harry Potter).
Take to the skies with How To Train Your Dragon
For 8 to 12-year-olds - but really for everybody - Cressida Cowell’s ‘How To Train Your Dragon’ series is an absolute joy, set in a world of Vikings and misunderstood winged beasts. This series is also voiced fabulously by David Tennant.
Available on Audible (How to Train Your Dragon).
For very young children, Hairy Maclary
Also wonderfully read by David Tennant, Hairy Maclary (from Donaldson’s Dairy) is a lovely set of stories by Lynley Dodd written in rhyming verse. This one even comes with its own interactive app.
Ladybird Classics, for timeless tales
For some well-loved classics sensitively retold, this is a real gem. There are 18 stories - including ‘Alice In Wonderland’, ‘Oliver Twist’, ‘Little Women’, ‘The Jungle Book’ and ‘Treasure Island’. Clocking in at 10 hours and 45 minutes, it’s ideal for cross-country road trips.
Available on Audible (Ladybird).
Storygoblins, a range of funny fantasy stories
Storygoblins is the equivalent of the old tape-and-magazine format for the streaming age. There’s a range of captivating original stories, available as lovingly illustrated magazines and CDs… Or you can download them to an impressive selection of apps.
Find out more on the Storygoblins website.
Roald Dahl classics
For fans of the wonderfully grisly imagination of Roald Dahl, you’ll be spoilt for choice. There are lots of readings on Spotify, including a very good three-part reading of Fantastic Mr Fox by London primary school teacher Ms Harwood. And Kate Winslet reading Matilda is great, too - available on Audible (Roald Dahl) and as a CD.
Fun true tales of yesteryear with Homeschool History
The BBC’s Homeschool History podcast delivers entertaining history lessons with bite-sized episodes. Hosted by Greg Jenner of Horrible Histories fame, the lessons come alive with fun facts and jokes, while also ticking the educational box.
Available on BBC Sounds.
With this selection of audiobooks and podcasts, there’s something for every family member to enjoy.
