Old Time Radio Shows for Kids

Before the television came around, much of children's entertainment came from listening to radio shows. I've found that old time radio for kids features a variety of shows that provide better quality, more entertainment and far fewer commercials than the current children's shows on television. As such, I've taken to playing old time radio shows for the kids I babysit (who enjoy old time radio shows greatly!) and for my own entertainment. Many old time radio shows can be found in podcasts, online downloads or even recorded on tapes and CDs at the local library. The following three old time radio shows for kids are my favorites.

1. The Adventures of Superman

This long running old time radio serial was originally adapted from the popular DC comic strip. The Adventures of Superman is great to listen to on your own (for the sake of nostalgia) or with kids who recognize and love this superhero. The Adventures of Superman follow the adventures of strong and powerful superhero who has the ability to fly but is vulnerable to kryptonite. Today, many people can still recite the introduction to the radio version of The Adventures of Superman:

Faster than a speeding bullet!
More powerful than a locomotive!
Able to leap tall buildings at a single bound!
Look! Up in the sky!
It's a bird!
It's a plane!
It's Superman!

"Yes, it's Superman--strange visitor from another planet who came to Earth with powers and abilities far beyond those of mortal men. Superman--defender of law and order, champion of equal rights, valiant, courageous fighter against the forces of hate and prejudice, who, disguised as Clark Kent, mild-mannered reporter for a great metropolitan newspaper, fights a never-ending battle for truth and justice."

2. The Cinnamon Bear

The Cinnamon Bear was a special old time radio broadcast played between Thanksgiving and Christmas every year. The story followed two children named Judy and Jimmy Barton. Judy and Jimmy lose a silver star that belongs on their Christmas tree and visit the enchanted Maybeland in hopes of recovering it. Aiding them in this quest is the Cinnamon Bear, a teddy bear with a bright green scarf and button eyes. Judy, Jimmy and Cinnamon Bear encounter several other magical characters, including Fe Fo the Giant, the Wintergreen Witch and Santa Claus, himself.

The Cinnamon Bear is still considered the most popular Holiday old time radio show. Even today, a broadcast of The Cinnamon Bear is heard on various radio stations every year. Listening to The Cinnamon Bear with your children is still a great way to celebrate the holidays.

3. The Lone Ranger

The ultimate in Cowboy stories, The Lone Ranger was an old time radio broadcast that played from 1933 until 1954. The Lone Ranger also became a popular television series, starring Clayton Moore and Jay Silverheels. The title character of The Lone Ranger was originally thought to be Wild Bill Hickock, but was eventually revealed as a Texas Ranger named Reid. The plot of The Lone Ranger was similar to that of other old time radio Western dramas: the Lone Ranger character was a vigilante who fought injustices on the range with the help of a Native American named Tonto. In addition to inspiring a popular television series, The Lone Ranger old time radio Western led to a series of films, animated cartoons and comic strips, all entitled The Lone Ranger.