It’s that time of year when families are hitting the open road – taking vacations, traveling for youth sporting events, or visiting friends and family out of state. Road trips with family can be one of the most rewarding experiences, filled with laughter, exploration, and shared memories. However, long hours in the car can sometimes lead to restlessness and boredom, especially for younger passengers. Enter eBooks and audiobooks—the perfect entertainment solutions that can transform your road trip into an engaging adventure for everyone. Here’s how to make the most out of these digital formats during your family travels.

One of the greatest advantages of eBooks and audiobooks is the extensive selection available for all ages. Whether your family members are into picture books, young adult novels, or inspiring biographies, you can find titles to cater to everyone’s interests. Listening to an audiobook or reading an eBook can spark engaging conversations. Use the story as a springboard to discuss themes, characters, and personal insights, deepening the family connection during the journey. Long car rides can also be an ideal time to introduce educational content. There are many high-quality non-fiction eBooks and audiobooks available on diverse topics that can teach your children something new while keeping them entertained.

When browsing titles for your journey, select interactive and engaging books. Look for eBooks with interactive elements or audiobooks with captivating narrators who create lively performances. These features can keep younger listeners engaged and make the story feel even more immersive. Consider titles like “The Secrets of Ormdale” series, “New Kid,” “The Penderwicks,” and “Princess Academy.” These books offer engaging stories, diverse characters, and are often available in full-cast or with sound effects, enhancing the listening experience. Additionally, classics like “The Hobbit,” “The Chronicles of Narnia,” and “The Lightning Thief” continue to be popular choices for family road trips.  

As you prepare for your trip, download your free ebooks and audiobooks ahead of time with our Libby app, Boundless app, or Kanopy for free videos. All can be accessed through our website, and use your library card to log in. It is always a good idea to download your titles to avoid any potential connectivity issues during remote stretches of your trip. Also, consider creating a selection of titles everyone can refer to throughout the trip. This library can include read-aloud selections, solo reads, and a mix of learning materials to keep everyone entertained during long drives. Plan a couple of breaks during the journey for family discussions about the stories or activities related to what you’ve listened to. This can help break up the monotony and allow everyone to contribute thoughts or ideas inspired by the books.

Incorporating eBooks and audiobooks into your family road trip can turn the hours spent in the car into a delightful experience. With engaging titles, discussions, and shared laughter, your family can create lasting memories while discovering new stories together. Our staff can assist you with using the Libby, Boundless, and Kanopy apps or help you obtain a library card to access these free services, as well as recommend titles for your family. So, load up, buckle up, and enjoy the adventure!