20 Best Bedtime Audiobooks and Podcasts for Kids in 2026
Bedtime doesn’t have to feel rushed, chaotic, or screen-heavy—especially when the right stories help kids unwind at the end of the day. Bedtime audiobooks and children’s podcasts offer a soothing, imaginative way to transition from high-energy evenings into a restful routine. With gentle narration, calming music, and predictable storytelling, audio can help little ones settle their bodies, quiet their minds, and look forward to bedtime rather than resist it.
To make choosing easy, we’ve organized the 20 best kids’ audiobooks and podcasts for bedtime in 2025 by age group. All selections feature calming tones, age-appropriate themes, and relaxation-friendly pacing, making them perfect companions for peaceful nights.
Best for Toddlers & Preschoolers (Ages 2–5)
Gentle, rhythmic, and simple stories perfect for the youngest listeners.
1. Goodnight Bedtime Stories
Goodnight Bedtime Stories is designed entirely around peaceful nighttime listening. The episodes are short, comforting, and crafted to help kids gently release the day. The themes are simple and reassuring, focusing on kindness, imagination, and quiet moments that help children feel ready for rest. The narrator’s calm voice and minimal sound effects create a sleep-friendly atmosphere that parents trust. This podcast is an ideal option for younger kids or families who want a consistent nightly ritual.
2. The Gruffalo
The Stories Podcast production of The Gruffalo captures the rhythmic charm and playful storytelling style of Julia Donaldson’s classic tale. The narration is expressive but controlled, making it suitable for bedtime even though the story contains mild adventure. The narrator uses a gentle delivery to keep the tone light, helping kids follow along without becoming overstimulated. The short length also makes it perfect for nighttime routines when families want a “just one more story” option. Young listeners will enjoy the imaginative woodland creatures while staying in a relaxed, sleepy state.
3. Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons
The Stories Podcast adaptation of Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons brings the beloved character to life with upbeat yet bedtime-appropriate narration. The story’s repetitive rhythm and simple message help kids wind down while reinforcing early math and emotional regulation concepts. They balance the fun tone of Pete’s adventures with calm pacing, ensuring young listeners stay relaxed rather than energized before sleep. The musical flow of the story pairs well with nighttime routines for kids who enjoy gentle sing-song storytelling.
4. Wiggle to Wind Down (Cocomelon Podcast)
Wiggle to Wind Down was created to help young children transition from energetic play to restful listening, making it ideal for bedtime or pre-bed routines. The podcast uses soft music, rhythmic narration, and calming cues designed specifically to soothe toddlers and preschoolers. Though it ties into the Cocomelon universe, the episodes are much quieter and gentler than the TV show, focusing on slow storytelling and relaxation instead of overstimulation. The structure helps kids release energy gradually before settling into a more restful state.
5. Little Stories for Tiny People
Little Stories for Tiny People is one of the most beloved sleep-friendly kids’ podcasts, created by a single storyteller who writes and narrates original calming stories. The narration is warm, slow, and expressive—perfect for young listeners who enjoy gentle characters and predictable plots. Episodes often include themes of kindness, friendship, and imaginative play, with no loud sound effects or story moments that could overstimulate. Parents love the podcast’s cozy tone and creative storytelling crafted specifically with bedtime in mind.
6. The Day the Crayons Quit (Audiobook)
The Day the Crayons Quit is a charming, humorous picture-book audiobook that becomes surprisingly soothing when narrated for bedtime. The story—told through letters written by tired, overworked crayons—keeps kids entertained without overwhelming them with action or intensity. Its gentle pacing, expressive but calm narration, and familiar school/art themes make it an ideal nighttime listen for preschoolers. Because each “crayon letter” functions as a mini-story, it naturally fits shorter bedtime windows or wind-down routines.
Best for Early Elementary (Ages 5–8)
Imaginative journeys and beloved characters that keep kids engaged but calm.
7. Koala Moon: Kids Bedtime Stories & Sleep Stories for Kids
Koala Moon is one of Starglow Media’s flagship bedtime podcasts, specifically created to help children unwind and transition into sleep. Each episode features gentle narration, calming storylines, and soft soundscapes that make it ideal for nighttime routines. The stories are intentionally slow-paced and designed to soothe rather than stimulate, giving kids an easy way to relax after a busy day. Whether your child needs help settling in or simply enjoys a peaceful story, Koala Moon provides consistent, comforting bedtime content.
8. Story Train: Magical Bedtime Stories
Story Train is a beloved podcast that takes young listeners on gentle, imaginative journeys narrated as if they’re riding a cozy storybook train. Each episode features whimsical tales that are magical but never overwhelming, making it an excellent choice for winding down. The narration is slow and soothing, with thoughtful pauses and warm storytelling to support bedtime relaxation. Each story is crafted with predictable, comforting patterns that help children feel safe and calm as they drift off.
9. Winnie-the-Pooh
The Stories Podcast version of Winnie-the-Pooh brings A.A. Milne’s classic stories to life with warm, gentle narration perfectly suited for bedtime. The audiobook podcast preserves the charm, simplicity, and sweetness of the Hundred Acre Wood, making it ideal for young listeners who need calm, predictable storytelling. The production emphasizes soft pacing and clarity, ensuring that even listeners new to chapter stories can follow along without overstimulation. With its timeless characters and low-conflict adventures, this audiobook helps kids wind down comfortably.
10. The Wizard of Oz
This adaptation of The Wizard of Oz offers a softer, bedtime-friendly version of the beloved classic. While the story retains core elements of Dorothy’s journey, Amanda Weldin’s (Stories Podcast host) narration and pacing make the audiobook feel gentle and magical rather than intense. The familiar characters, whimsical settings, and imaginative storytelling keep children engaged without heightening their energy levels before sleep. The careful attention to tone makes this version suitable even for listeners who might find other versions too dramatic.
11. Sleep Tight Stories – Bedtime Stories for Kids
Sleep Tight Stories is a gentle storytelling podcast created specifically to help children relax and drift off to sleep. The hosts use soft, calming narration and simple storylines that avoid fast-paced action or intense emotions, making it ideal for nighttime routines. Episodes include original tales and adapted classics, all delivered with a soothing warmth that supports winding down. The production prioritizes quiet background music and slow pacing to create a peaceful listening environment.
12. Circle Round
Created and produced by WBUR, Circle Round adapts folktales from around the world into sound- and music-rich radio plays for kids. While the production is high-quality and engaging, the stories are carefully selected to explore gentle themes like kindness, persistence, and generosity. The narration is warm and inviting, making it a favorite for families to listen to together before bed. The episodes usually end with a simple prompt for conversation, allowing parents and kids to connect quietly before lights out.
13. The Princess in Black and the Mermaid Princess (Audiobook)
This audiobook adaptation of The Princess in Black series blends light adventure with gentle storytelling, making it a great choice for bedtime. The narration is clear, friendly, and thoughtfully paced so that the action feels exciting but not overstimulating. The story promotes bravery, teamwork, and kindness—values that resonate well with young listeners drifting off to sleep. Because chapters are short and neatly contained, it’s easy to listen to just one before bedtime.
Best for Big Kids & Tweens (Ages 8–12)
Longer plots, science facts, and mindfulness for older minds winding down.
14. The Sword in the Stone
This adaptation of The Sword in the Stone transforms the Arthurian tale into a calm, approachable bedtime audiobook for older children. While the story is traditionally filled with action and magic, the production softens the tone without losing the enchantment. The narrator’s steady pacing helps keep kids relaxed as they follow young Arthur’s journey of curiosity, learning, and character. This version makes the story accessible to beginners and experienced listeners alike, offering a bedtime-safe way to explore classic literature.
15. Sleep Tight Science
Sleep Tight Science answers the big questions curious kids have—like “why do we dream?” or “how do fish sleep?”—in a way that’s soothing rather than stimulating. Hosted with a gentle tone, the show mixes fascinating facts with a sleep-friendly vibe, making it the perfect choice for little scientists who need to quiet their minds before bed. It’s an ideal bridge between learning and dreaming, designed for curious young minds but simple enough for anyone to enjoy while drifting off.
16. The Alien Adventures of Finn Caspian
The Alien Adventures of Finn Caspian is a serialized sci-fi podcast for kids that offers fun, imaginative escapism in digestible, child-friendly episodes. Though the theme involves exploring space, the storytelling remains lighthearted and humorous rather than intense, making it suitable for older kids who enjoy a little adventure before winding down. Each episode is short and structured, which helps maintain bedtime predictability and prevents overstimulation.
17. How to Train Your Dragon (Audiobook)
The audiobook version of How to Train Your Dragon is narrated with warmth, humor, and a gentle sense of adventure that appeals to both kids and parents. While the story has comedic action, the narration remains controlled and bedtime-appropriate, especially for older children who enjoy fantasy before sleep. The world of Vikings and dragons is imaginative without being frightening, and the episodic storytelling makes it easy to pause at natural breaks.
18. Swallows and Amazons (Audiobook)
The audiobook version of Swallows and Amazons brings Arthur Ransome’s classic children’s adventure to life with gentle narration and beautifully paced storytelling. While the book is traditionally associated with daytime imagination and outdoor exploration, the audiobook offers a calmer, sleep-friendly adaptation thanks to its steady voice work and nostalgic tone. The story emphasizes friendship, exploration, and teamwork—values that feel warm and reassuring before bed.
19. Storynory
Storynory is a long-running storytelling podcast that offers a wide library of fairy tales, fables, myths, and original stories. While not exclusively a bedtime podcast, it includes many soft, slow-paced episodes that work beautifully for winding down. The narrators are calm and articulate, giving each story a classic, magical feel that helps children relax. Storynory’s vast library allows parents to choose shorter, gentler episodes appropriate for nighttime listening.
20. Peace Out
Peace Out is a mindfulness podcast that helps children calm down and relax by guiding them through visualization and breathing exercises. Each episode takes listeners on a gentle journey—like a walk through a forest or a float in space—combined with simple mindfulness techniques. It’s a powerful tool for teaching emotional regulation while helping kids drift off to sleep. The stories are specifically designed to lower energy levels and prepare the mind for rest, making it one of the most effective "wind-down" tools available.
Starglow Media for Children’s Audiobooks and Podcasts
If you’re looking to build a safe, enriching, and screen-free nighttime routine for your child, Starglow Media for Children’s Audio is an excellent place to start. Their catalog of calming podcasts and audiobooks is crafted specifically for young listeners, using gentle pacing, warm narration, and imaginative storytelling that help children feel secure as they wind down. From soft bedtime tales to comforting classic adaptations, Starglow Media offers age-appropriate content families can trust—and kids genuinely enjoy. Whether your child is new to audiobooks or already loves drifting off to stories, Starglow provides a reliable, high-quality listening experience perfect for bedtime and beyond.