25 Best Audiobooks For Family Road Trips
The season of family road trips is upon us, and many people are seeking recommendations for the best audiobooks to keep their families entertained during the journey.
Fortunately, I have compiled a list of 25 audiobooks that are perfect for family road trips. Whether you have young children or teenagers, there is something for everyone on this list.
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Where to Get to Audiobooks for Family Road Trip
When looking for audiobooks for your family road trip, there are several great platforms to consider:
- Overdrive (Public Library): Check with your local public library, which may offer access to OverDrive. With a library card, you can borrow and listen to a wide variety of audiobooks for free. It’s an excellent way to support your local library and discover great audiobooks.
- Audible: Audible is a popular platform that offers a vast selection of audiobooks, including bestsellers, classics, and exclusive content. You can purchase and download audiobooks to your devices, making it a convenient option for road trips.
- Scribd: Scribd is a subscription-based service that provides access to a vast library of audiobooks, ebooks, magazines, and more. It’s a great option if your family enjoys consuming a variety of written content. Keep in mind that Scribd operates on a subscription model.
- Audiobooks.com: Audiobooks.com is another subscription-based service that offers a wide range of audiobooks. With a subscription, you can stream or download audiobooks for your road trip. They also provide personalized recommendations based on your preferences.
Audiobooks For Young Children (Ages 4-8)
“Charlotte’s Web” by E.B. White
Narrated by E.B. White himself, this classic tale of friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a spider named Charlotte is both heartwarming and timeless. White’s gentle narration captures the magic of this beloved story, making it a perfect listen for young children.
“The Gruffalo” by Julia Donaldson
With its rhythmic text and engaging story, this audiobook, narrated by Imelda Staunton, captures the adventures of a mouse who outwits various predators. The playful language and lively narration make it an instant favorite for young listeners.
“Where the Wild Things Are” by Maurice Sendak
This beloved story about a boy named Max who sails to the land of the Wild Things is beautifully narrated by Peter Schickele. The imaginative tale and evocative narration will captivate young minds and encourage their own adventures in storytelling.
“Matilda” by Roald Dahl
Kate Winslet’s narration brings the story of Matilda, a smart young girl with magical powers, to life with charm and whimsy. Dahl’s quirky characters and Winslet’s dynamic voice work make this audiobook a delightful experience for kids.
“Paddington Bear” by Michael Bond
Narrated by Stephen Fry, this series of delightful stories about the lovable bear from Darkest Peru will enchant young listeners. Paddington’s humorous misadventures are perfect for keeping young children entertained on the road.
Audiobooks For Middle Grade (Ages 8-12)
“Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” by J.K. Rowling
Jim Dale’s award-winning narration makes the magical world of Harry Potter an immersive experience for the whole family. Dale’s distinctive voices for each character add depth and excitement to the story, making it a journey everyone will enjoy.
“Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief” by Rick Riordan
Jesse Bernstein’s energetic narration takes listeners on a thrilling adventure with Percy Jackson, a modern-day demigod. The blend of ancient mythology and contemporary humor will keep kids engaged and entertained.
“The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” by C.S. Lewis
Narrated by Michael York, this fantasy classic transports listeners to the magical world of Narnia. The tale of four siblings discovering a land of talking animals and epic battles is a captivating journey that will ignite the imagination.
“Holes” by Louis Sachar
Kerry Beyer’s narration captures the humor and mystery of this unique story about a boy named Stanley Yelnats and his time at Camp Green Lake. The intertwining tales of Stanley and his ancestors create a compelling and thought-provoking adventure.
“The Tale of Despereaux” by Kate DiCamillo
Graeme Malcolm’s narration brings to life this enchanting tale of a small mouse with big dreams. The themes of bravery, love, and forgiveness resonate throughout this beautifully written story.
“Peter and the Starcatchers” by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson
Narrated by Jim Dale, this prequel to the Peter Pan story is an adventurous and imaginative tale about how Peter became the boy who never grew up. Dale’s masterful storytelling will keep the entire family entertained from start to finish.
“The Bartimaeus Trilogy: The Amulet of Samarkand” by Jonathan Stroud
Simon Jones’s narration of this fantasy series about a young magician and a sarcastic djinni is both thrilling and humorous. The clever interplay between the characters and the richly detailed world make it a fantastic listen for older kids.
“Ways to Make Sunshine” by Renée Watson
Narrated by Sisi Aisha Johnson, this heartwarming story about a young girl named Ryan navigating life’s challenges with optimism and creativity is perfect for middle graders. Watson’s vibrant characters and relatable themes make this an engaging audiobook.
“Princess Academy” by Shannon Hale
Laura Credidio’s narration brings to life this enchanting story about a group of girls attending a training academy to become princesses. The themes of friendship, courage, and self-discovery are beautifully woven into this captivating tale.
“Savvy” by Ingrid Law
Narrated by Lily Blau, this magical realism story about a girl discovering her supernatural ability on her thirteenth birthday is both fun and touching. The unique premise and heartfelt moments make it a wonderful choice for family listening.
Audiobooks For the Whole Family
“Anne of Green Gables” by L.M. Montgomery
Rachel McAdams’s narration captures the spirit and charm of Anne Shirley’s adventures in Avonlea. Anne’s vibrant personality and imaginative escapades will delight listeners of all ages.
“The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy” by Jeanne Birdsall
Narrated by Susan Denaker, this delightful story of family and summer adventures is perfect for all ages. The Penderwick sisters’ escapades are both humorous and heartwarming.
“Peter Pan” by J.M. Barrie
Jim Dale’s narration of this timeless tale of the boy who never grows up is enchanting for listeners young and old. The magical world of Neverland and its memorable characters provide a perfect escape for the whole family.
“Winnie-the-Pooh” by A.A. Milne
Peter Dennis’s narration of the adventures in the Hundred Acre Wood is heartwarming and nostalgic. Pooh, Piglet, and their friends’ gentle adventures are perfect for calming and entertaining young children.
“The Wind in the Willows” by Kenneth Grahame
Narrated by Shelly Frasier, this classic tale of friendship and adventure is a wonderful listen for the entire family. The escapades of Mole, Rat, Toad, and Badger are timeless and engaging.
“The Trumpet of the Swan” by E.B. White
In this enchanting tale, E.B. White introduces readers to Louis, a trumpeter swan born without a voice. Determined to find his place in the world, Louis embarks on an extraordinary journey with the help of his loyal friend Sam Beaver. Armed with a stolen trumpet, Louis learns to communicate through music, touching the hearts of everyone he meets.
“Whatever After” by Sarah Mlynowski
Sarah Mlynowski’s “Whatever After” series follows the magical adventures of siblings Abby and Jonah as they tumble through the magic mirror in their basement and find themselves in the middle of well-known fairy tales. Each book presents a unique twist on classic stories, where Abby and Jonah often have to right the wrongs they’ve accidentally caused in the fairy tale world.
“Ribsy” by Beverly Cleary
“Ribsy” is a delightful story by Beverly Cleary that centers around the adventures of Henry Huggins’ beloved dog, Ribsy. After accidentally getting lost in a shopping center parking lot, Ribsy embarks on a journey to find his way back home. Along the way, he encounters a variety of people and experiences, each adding to the charming and humorous narrative.
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