A new ad-free podcast app for kids that's worth paying for.

We're big podcast fans in my house, and no, not just because we've got a Cool Mom Picks podcast (shameless plug for Spawned with Kristen and Liz). They're fantastic screen-free entertainment for the whole family. As more and more podcasts for kids keep popping up, it can be hard for parents to figure out which ones are best for their kids, which is why I was very curious to try the new ad-free podcast app Pinna aimed at kids ages 4-12.

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I have to be honest that when I first downloaded the app, I was taken aback by the immediate free trial registration request (with charges starting after 30 days at $7.99/month), and I put off trying it out. But, given my son's voracious appetite for podcasts and audio books, and my own annoyance at having to listen to the same three over and over again until new episodes get released, I figured it couldn't hurt to try.

 

My 10-year old son loves this game show! 

And as it turns out, I'm glad I did! Not only are there are slew of fantastic podcasts for kids of all ages that we had never heard before (with some that we had, which that's cool too), you get access to a bunch of audio books as well, so it's really an audio entertainment app for kids vs. just a podcast app. The curation is excellent, and if you care about ads (which full disclosure: I'm fine with ads because as a podcaster myself, I know it's how listeners get to hear those podcasts for free), then I think you'll be pleased.

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If you're still wary of signing up for the free trial (and then, the $7.99/month fee), you can take a listen to some of the podcasts on their other Pinna app (yes, a little confusing) to see if they're something your kids will like. Just be sure if you do sign up, do it on your kid's phone (if that's where they listen), because it's connected to that user's Apple account. Overall, I've been impressed with the quantity and the quality of the content, and am perfectly happy to pay for it. Download the Pinna app. Make sure it's the one with the icon that just has bunny ears.  Top photo: Photo by Malte Wingen on Unsplash