A Recipe for Quiet Car Rides (with a Side of Peaceful Listening)
Driving around town, kids are talking to you, but you kinda just want to turn your ears off…know the feeling? Sometimes when life gets tiring or you just need a break from hearing your little ones chat all day long, the perfect solution is turning to podcasts. Not only will the kids love them, but they’ll actually ask for them—and just a heads-up, they may enjoy them so much that you get a little peace and quiet during the ride (yep, that’s right, no constant chatter).
As part of our “Recipes for Life,” we believe in gathering the little ingredients that make family moments smoother. And for us, that includes podcasts! Whether we’re winding down, running errands, or taking a longer drive, having something engaging to listen to has been a game changer. Here are some of our favorites from Spotify—because let’s be real, Spotify is always a must. I’ve had an account for years—it’s essential as a dance teacher, meditator, and a busy mom in the car.
Want to try it out? Here’s a link for Spotify Premium free for 3 months—a little gift from me to you!
Our Favorite Podcasts for the Car (A Recipe for Peaceful Drives & Curious Minds)
Now, onto the good stuff! Here are a few of our favorite podcasts that make every car ride feel a little more peaceful and a lot more fun:
🍲 Circle Round
This one uses actors from some people’s favorite shows and movies! Created by parents of young children, WBUR’s Circle Round adapts folktales from around the world into engaging, sound-rich radio plays using actors from popular shows and movies. Each 15–25 minute episode explores important themes like kindness, persistence, and generosity. It’s a perfect listen for kids (and adults!) ages 3–103, and each episode ends with an activity to spark deeper conversations. We love it for those moments when you need to connect without the screen.
🌱 Gardner Keeper Gus
This calm, sweet podcast follows 6-year-old Gus and his squirrel friend, Rel, as they embark on gentle garden adventures. The nature sounds and immersive storytelling make it perfect for little ones, especially ages 3–5. It’s a peaceful, cozy escape that even parents can enjoy on a busy day.
🌊 Deep Blue Sea
Join Marina and Reef aboard the Sea Lab Alpha to explore the wonders of the ocean. This podcast is filled with fun facts about sea creatures and ways to protect our oceans. If you’ve got curious little explorers in the car (ages 3–5), they’ll be hooked on these underwater adventures.
These podcasts have become a cherished part of our routine. Whether we’re driving to gymnastics, heading to the store, or out on a longer trip, they help make our family time in the car feel like an adventure of its own.
Want more podcast inspiration? Here is a list of 50+ podcasts for children from Preschool of Business.
Because here at Recipes for Life, we’re all about mixing up moments that nourish the body, heart, and soul.
