Bedtime History: Inspirational Stories for Kids and Families

Bedtime History: Inspirational Stories for Kids and Families

Bedtime History is a series of educational, relaxing stories for kids and families. Learn about inspirational characters such as Jackie Robinson, Sacajawea, Neil Armstrong, and Maya Angelou. Other topics include space exploration, current events, and great feats of engineering such as The Transcontinental Railroad.

Episodes

October 27, 2025 • 11 mins
Pumpkins are one of fall’s most famous symbols—and they have a long history! Native Americans were among the first to grow pumpkins, using them for food long before they became decorations. When European settlers arrived, they learned to cook and bake with pumpkins, helping them survive tough winters. Over time, pumpkins became a fall favorite, especially at harvest festivals and Halloween. Today, people carve pumpkins into glowing...
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The Sydney Opera House is one of the most famous buildings in the world and a symbol of Australia. Located on the harbor in Sydney, it looks like a group of giant white sails floating on the water. Designed by Danish architect JĆørn Utzon, it opened in 1973 and became a center for music, theater, and dance. This video explores how the Opera House was built, what makes its design so unique, and why it’s loved by people around the wor...
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Some towns in America take Halloween to the next level! Sleepy Hollow, New York, is famous for the Legend of the Headless Horseman, where spooky stories and lanterns light up the streets each October. Salem, Massachusetts, is known for the 1600s witch trials, and today it celebrates Halloween with parades, costumes, and haunted tours. Anoka, Minnesota, calls itself the ā€œHalloween Capital of the World,ā€ with celebrations that go bac...
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October 18, 2025 • 8 mins
Ferdinand Magellan was a brave explorer who lived a long time ago. He was the first person to lead a voyage around the whole world. Magellan set sail from Spain with five ships and many sailors. They faced storms, hunger, and even battles, but they kept going. Magellan discovered a way through the sea that is now called the Strait of Magellan. Although he didn't make it back home, his journey changed how people saw the world foreve...
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October 16, 2025 • 6 mins
Stonehenge is a mysterious and ancient stone circle in England. People from long ago built it over 4,000 years ago, and we still don't know exactly why. Some think it was used for ceremonies or to watch the stars. Each giant stone is very heavy, and it’s a big mystery how they moved them there. Many people visit Stonehenge every year to see the amazing sight and learn about its history. It's a special place that helps us understand...
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October 13, 2025 • 8 mins
Welcome to the magical world of Central Park, a big, beautiful park in the middle of a busy city! It's filled with tall trees, colorful flowers, and lots of open spaces to run and play. You can see cute squirrels and listen to birds sing as you walk along the winding paths. There's a huge playground where kids can climb and slide to their heart's content. In the winter, you might even find ice skaters gliding across a frozen pond. ...
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October 11, 2025 • 8 mins
Dive deep into the icy waters of the North Atlantic to discover the lost treasures of the Titanic. When the Titanic sank in 1912, it took with it a world of fascinating and valuable items. Some of these treasures include beautiful jewelry, fine china, and even love letters. Scientists and explorers have worked hard to find these hidden treasures on the ocean floor. Each item tells a story about the people who sailed on the Titanic....
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October 8, 2025 • 10 mins
Taylor Swift is one of the most popular singers and songwriters in the world. Learn about her journey when she started singing country music as a teenager and grew into a global pop star. Her songs tell stories about her life, friends, and dreams. Over the years, she’s created many ā€œeras,ā€ each with a different style and message. Taylor inspires millions of fans with her music, creativity, and kindness. šŸ’µ Get a free month of Ac...
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October 6, 2025 • 11 mins
Antarctica is the coldest, windiest, and driest place on Earth. It’s a frozen continent at the bottom of the world, covered almost entirely by ice. Even though people don’t live there permanently, scientists travel to Antarctica to study its wildlife, glaciers, and weather. Penguins, seals, and whales survive in this extreme environment, showing how life can adapt to the harshest conditions. This video explores the icy landscapes o...
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October 2, 2025 • 5 mins
Meet Mary Cassatt, a talented artist known for her beautiful paintings of mothers and children. Born in 1844, Mary grew up in America but spent most of her life in France, where she became friends with other famous artists. She loved to paint pictures that showed the special bond between mothers and their little ones. Mary's artwork is full of bright colors and soft, gentle lines that make you feel warm inside. She was one of the f...
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September 29, 2025 • 9 mins
Travel back in time to meet Benjamin Franklin, one of America’s most famous inventors and thinkers. Discover how he helped start the first public library and even invented the lightning rod. Learn about his love for books and experiments that changed the world. Find out how he helped write important papers that began the United States. See how he was both a scientist and a leader who cared about helping people. Get ready to be insp...
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September 25, 2025 • 7 mins
Discover the exciting world of Broadway in New York City, where magic happens on stage. Learn how Broadway began over a hundred years ago with small theaters and grew into the famous place it is today. Meet some of the amazing actors, singers, and dancers who make Broadway shows special. Find out about the most famous musicals and plays that have been performed there. See how Broadway has changed over time and why it's important to...
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September 22, 2025 • 12 mins
Long before European contact, the city of Cahokia near modern-day St. Louis was home to a powerful Mississippian civilization. With massive earth mounds, plazas, and trade routes, Cahokia was one of the largest cities in North America in its time. This episode explores the culture’s achievements, their mysterious disappearance, and what archaeology reveals about life in this forgotten American city. šŸ’µ Get a free month of Acorns E...
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September 18, 2025 • 6 mins
The Brooklyn Bridge changed the face of New York City—and of bridge-building itself. Completed in 1883, it was the longest suspension bridge of its time, connecting Manhattan and Brooklyn. Built with courage, creativity, and cutting-edge engineering, it became a symbol of progress. This episode explores how the bridge was built, the Roebling family’s role, and how it still stands strong today. šŸ’µ Get a free month of Acorns Early: ...
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September 15, 2025 • 8 mins
Aristotle was one of the greatest thinkers in history. A student of Plato and teacher to Alexander the Great, he wrote about science, ethics, government, and more. His methods of observation and logic influenced Western thought for centuries. This episode explores how Aristotle asked big questions about the world—and helped create many of the ideas that still shape philosophy, politics, and science today. šŸ’µ Get a free month of Ac...
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September 11, 2025 • 7 mins
Join us as we set sail across the ocean to learn about Christopher Columbus and his famous journey in 1492! What was he looking for, and what did he actually find? We’ll discover amazing facts, bust some common myths, and talk about how Columbus’s adventures changed the world. Gather the family for a voyage into history and curiosity—come explore with us!šŸ’µ Get a free month of Acorns Early: ⁠⁠acornsearly.com/bedtimehistory⁠ šŸŽ Fir...
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September 8, 2025 • 8 mins
Eleanor Roosevelt redefined what it meant to be First Lady. A powerful voice for human rights, she fought for justice, equality, and peace both in the U.S. and around the world. After FDR’s death, she helped write the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This episode tells the story of her courage, her leadership, and how she became one of the most respected women of the 20th century. šŸ’µ Get a free month of Acorns Early: ⁠⁠acorn...
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September 4, 2025 • 6 mins
Cuneiform is one of the oldest systems of writing in the world, first used in ancient Mesopotamia over 5,000 years ago. Written on clay tablets with a wedge-shaped tool, it was used to record everything from taxes to literature. This episode explores how cuneiform was developed, what it tells us about early civilizations, and why writing was one of the most important inventions in human history. šŸ“– We published our first book, ⁠...
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September 1, 2025 • 8 mins
Meet JosĆ© Rizal, a brave and smart hero from the Philippines! He loved to read and write, and he used his words to help his country. Rizal dreamed of a place where everyone could be free and happy. Discover how his amazing stories and strong spirit inspired people to stand up for what is right. Get ready to learn about a real-life superhero who changed the world with a pen! šŸ“– We published our first book, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Explorer Society: W...
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Cyrus the Great was the founder of the Persian Empire, one of the largest and most influential empires in history. Known for his military brilliance, innovative leadership, and policies of tolerance, he united vast territories under one rule. This episode explores his conquests, the creation of the Cyrus Cylinder, and his enduring legacy as a leader who valued both power and justice. šŸ’µ Get a free month of Acorns Early: ⁠⁠⁠⁠acor...
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