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As a mom of three, I know how challenging it can be to keep everyone entertained on long road trips. It seems like there’s only so much “I Spy” and “20 Questions” that we can handle before we’re all ready to pull our hair out. But over the years, we’ve found a solution that keeps the whole family happy and engaged for hours on end – audiobooks!
During our summer road trips across Canada, we’ve listened to some of the best audiobooks out there (downloaded from Amazon), and it’s made all the difference. Not only do they help pass the time, but they also spark our imaginations and create lasting memories. And as a bonus, they’re a great way to get some reading in for the kids (and for me!) without having to stare at a screen.
So if you’re planning a family road trip this season, I highly recommend giving audiobooks a try. In this blog post, I’ll be sharing our family’s favorite audiobooks for road trips, including picks for both younger and older kids, as well as non-fiction and classic options. So sit back, relax, and get ready for some great stories – the open road awaits!
Audiobooks for young children
Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling Age group: 8+
The Harry Potter series is a classic coming-of-age story that is beloved by people of all ages. The audiobook version, narrated by Jim Dale, is a great way to experience the magic of Hogwarts and the adventures of the boy wizard. Not only is Jim Dale’s narration fantastic, but the full-cast production adds an extra layer of immersion to the story.
The first book, “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,” is a great place to start for younger kids. As the series progresses, the themes become more mature and the content gets darker, making it a great option for older kids and even young adults.
If you haven’t already read the Harry Potter books, a family road trip is the perfect time to dive in. And if you have, the audiobook version is a great way to revisit this beloved series. Plus, with a free trial from Audible, you can get your first audiobook for free and start listening right away.
The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis Age group: 6+
The Chronicles of Narnia is another classic series that has stood the test of time. This epic tale of adventure, magic, and redemption is a great choice for a family road trip, with themes that will appeal to both kids and adults.
The audiobook version, narrated by a full cast, is a great way to experience the world of Narnia. Each book focuses on a different main character and their journey through this magical land, making it easy for everyone to find a character to relate to.
For younger kids, “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” is a great place to start. Older kids and adults will appreciate the deeper themes and allegories found in the later books. Overall, the Chronicles of Narnia is a great story that will keep the whole family engaged for hours on end.
Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan Age group: 9+
The Percy Jackson series is a modern classic that has captured the hearts of kids and adults alike. The series follows the adventures of a young boy who discovers he is a demigod and goes on a quest to save the world of Greek mythology.
The audiobook version, narrated by Jesse Bernstein, is a great way to experience the wit and humor of this popular series. Jesse Bernstein does a great job bringing the characters to life, making it easy to get lost in the story.
The Percy Jackson series is a great choice for older kids, with themes that will resonate with anyone who has ever felt like an outsider. It’s also a great option for kids who are interested in mythology and want to learn more about the Greek gods and heroes.
Whether you’re driving through the United States or exploring the great outdoors in North Carolina, the Percy Jackson series is a great listen for any family road trip.
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins Age group: 12+
The Hunger Games is a gripping dystopian novel that takes place in a world where children are forced to compete in a fight to the death. This fast-paced and emotional story is a great choice for older kids and young adults.
The audiobook version, narrated by Carolyn McCormick, does a great job of bringing the story to life. McCormick captures the intensity and emotion of the characters, making it a truly immersive experience.
The Hunger Games is a great story for family road trips, as it raises important themes about government control, survival, and sacrifice. It’s also a great choice for families who enjoy a good action-packed adventure.
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams Age group: 14+
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy is a hilarious and irreverent sci-fi comedy that is sure to keep the whole family entertained. The story follows the misadventures of an unwitting hero as he travels through space, encountering bizarre aliens and improbable situations.
The audiobook version, narrated by the author himself, is a great way to experience the quirky humor of this beloved series. Douglas Adams does a great job of bringing his own words to life, making it a truly unique listening experience.
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy is a great choice for families who enjoy a good laugh, and for older kids who are interested in science fiction. It’s also a great option for families who are traveling through foreign lands, as it will provide a lighthearted distraction from the unfamiliar surroundings.
Audiobooks for the whole family
Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder Age group: 6+
Little House on the Prairie is a heartwarming series of books that follows the life of a young girl growing up on the American frontier. The stories are full of adventure, family, and the joys and challenges of pioneer life.
The audiobook version, narrated by Cherry Jones, is a great way to experience the warmth and charm of this beloved series. Jones does a great job of capturing the spirit of the main character, making it easy to become immersed in her world.
Little House on the Prairie is a great choice for families with younger children, as the stories are simple and easy to follow. It’s also a great option for families who are exploring the open road, as it will provide a nostalgic glimpse into a bygone era.
Becoming by Michelle Obama Age group: 16+
Becoming is a powerful and inspiring memoir by former First Lady Michelle Obama. In it, she shares her journey from a young girl on the South Side of Chicago to one of the most powerful women in the world.
The audiobook version, narrated by Michelle Obama herself, is a great way to experience the warmth and authenticity of her story. Obama’s narration brings an extra layer of emotion to the already powerful story, making it a truly moving experience.
Becoming is a great choice for families with older kids and young adults, as it raises important themes about identity, empowerment, and social justice. It’s also a great option for families who want to learn more about the inner workings of the White House and the experiences of one of the most influential women of our time.
The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien Age group: 14+
The Lord of the Rings is a classic high fantasy series that has captured the imaginations of readers for generations. The story follows the journey of a hobbit named Frodo as he sets out to destroy a powerful ring that has the potential to destroy the world.
The audiobook version, narrated by Rob Inglis, is a great way to experience the epic scale and sweeping adventure of this beloved series. Inglis does a great job of capturing the voices of the various characters and bringing the world of Middle-earth to life.
The Lord of the Rings is a great choice for families with older kids and young adults who are interested in high fantasy and epic adventure. It’s also a great option for families who are traveling through scenic landscapes, as the descriptions of the natural world are some of the most breathtaking parts of the series.
Stuart Little by E.B. White Age group: 6+
Stuart Little is a beloved children’s book that tells the story of a little mouse who sets out to find his place in the world. The story is full of adventure, humor, and heart, making it a great choice for families with younger children.
The audiobook version, narrated by Julie Harris, is a great way to experience the charm and whimsy of this classic tale. Harris does a great job of capturing the sweetness and innocence of Stuart’s character, making it easy to become invested in his journey.
Stuart Little is a great choice for families with younger children who are looking for a lighthearted and entertaining story. It’s also a great option for families who are traveling through busy cities, as it will provide a fun distraction from the hustle and bustle.
The Very Nearly Honorable League of Pirates by Caroline Carlson Age group: 8+
The Very Nearly Honorable League of Pirates is a swashbuckling adventure story that follows the misadventures of a young girl who dreams of becoming a pirate. The story is full of action, humor, and heart, making it a great choice for families with kids of all ages.
The audiobook version, narrated by Katherine Kellgren, is a great way to experience the energy and excitement of this fun series. Kellgren does a great job of capturing the various accents and personalities of the characters, making it easy to get swept up in their world.
The Very Nearly Honorable League of Pirates is a great choice for families with kids of all ages who are looking for a fun and exciting story. It’s also a great option for families who are traveling through coastal areas, as it will provide a fun and fitting backdrop for the story.]
Classic audiobooks for family road trips
The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis Age group: 8+
The Chronicles of Narnia is a classic fantasy series that follows the adventures of a group of children who discover a magical world hidden behind a wardrobe. The series is full of action, wonder, and memorable characters, making it a great choice for families with kids of all ages.
The audiobook version, narrated by a full cast, is a great way to experience the magic and wonder of this beloved series. The cast does a great job of bringing the characters and world of Narnia to life, making it easy to get lost in their adventures.
The Chronicles of Narnia is a great choice for families with kids of all ages who are looking for a classic and timeless story. It’s also a great option for families who are traveling through forests or other natural areas, as the descriptions of the natural world in the series are some of the most beautiful and enchanting parts of the story.
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas Age group: 14+
The Hate U Give is a powerful coming-of-age story that follows a young girl named Starr as she navigates the complexities of race and identity in modern-day America. The story is both heart-wrenching and inspiring, making it a great choice for families with older kids and young adults.
The audiobook version, narrated by Bahni Turpin, is a great way to experience the emotional depth and resonance of this important story. Turpin does a great job of capturing the various voices and emotions of the characters, making it easy to become invested in their struggles and triumphs.
The Hate U Give is a great choice for families with older kids and young adults who are looking for a thought-provoking and impactful story. It’s also a great option for families who are traveling through urban areas, as the story is set in the United States and deals with many of the social and political issues facing the country today.
Finding Your Audiobooks
Audio books are a great way to pass the time on long drives, and there are so many amazing options out there. One of the best audio books is undoubtedly Roald Dahl’s “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” narrated by the talented Kate Winslet.
It’s a classic story that’s perfect for the whole family, and the audio version brings the world of Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory to life like never before. If you’re looking for more road trip audiobooks, your local library is a great place to start. They might have a list of the best audiobooks, including some of the best family audiobooks for children of any age. Neil Gaiman’s “Coraline” is a great option for little kids, while Philip Pullman’s “His Dark Materials” is a fantastic series for older children and young adults.
You can also check out Audible by Amazon as they have a great selection of books you can simply download!
For a good reason, Stephen King’s books are also very popular, but they may not be suitable for young kids. If you’re looking for something more lighthearted, Kate DiCamillo’s “The Tale of Despereaux” tells the story of a brave young mouse, and the audio version is a delightful way to experience the book.
Other good audiobooks for family road trips include “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” and fairy tales by Hans Christian Andersen. No matter what kind of book you’re looking for, there’s sure to be an audio version that’s perfect for your next road trip or family vacation.
Bottom Line
Finding ways to keep the whole family entertained and engaged during a long road trip can be challenging, but audiobooks can be the perfect solution. Whether you’re a family of Harry Potter fans, Chronicles of Narnia enthusiasts, or looking for something more thought-provoking like The Hunger Games, there’s an audiobook out there that’s sure to appeal to everyone.
Not only do audiobooks help pass the time, but they also provide a great opportunity to spark imaginations, create lasting memories, and get some reading in without having to stare at a screen.
So if you’re planning a family road trip this season, be sure to consider bringing along some audiobooks – the open road awaits!
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