Books to Pack for a Road Trip with Kids (That You Won’t Mind Reading 20 Times)
After spending hours in the car together, few things can fray your nerves faster than the classic, “Are we there yet?” Worse still: siblings squabbling, a fussy baby, or endless requests for snacks. Long car rides can be rough—but there are plenty of ways to make the journey more enjoyable for everyone. My go-to solution? Books!
Of course, there are many tried-and-true travel tricks to keep kids entertained. Bring along small handheld games (bonus points if they're magnetic), prep a few family sing-alongs (you know my musical books are perfect for this!), and try out some classic car games. Don’t forget to make regular stops to stretch your legs—great to pair with food breaks.
But back to the real secret weapon: books!
Bring a Variety of Books
There are several types of books that are perfect for packing in a carry-on tote or downloading in your audiobook app. Give everyone in the car their own reading material—even if it’s just to flip through the pictures. And don’t forget nonfiction! Kids love books filled with fun facts, animal photos, or weird history.
You might also consider choosing a book that takes place in or near your travel destination. It’s a great way to build excitement and connect reading with real-life experiences.
Audiobooks Are Your Road Trip MVP
Tired of arguing over what music to play? Switch things up with a family-friendly audiobook. Everyone can listen in, and it’s a great way to pass the time together. Try one of these kid-approved crowd-pleasers:
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Sideways Stories from Wayside School by Louis Sachar
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How to Train Your Dragon by Cressida Cowell
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The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall
Don’t Forget Activity Books
Sometimes, kids just want something to do with their hands. These mess-free activity books are ideal for car rides and can be tailored to different ages:
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Busy books for ages 1–3, like this one and this one (I want to get them for my new grandbaby!)
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Sticker books, search-and-find, and simple activity books for preschool and early elementary
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Water color or seek-and-find books, maze, and logic puzzles for older kids
Books are more than just entertainment—they help kids stay engaged, spark imagination, and offer quiet moments (a road trip rarity!). Whether it’s listening together to a gripping audiobook or flipping through silly seek-and-finds, having the right books on hand can turn a long drive into an adventure in itself.
So, load up your bags, charge the devices, and don’t forget to pack the books. Let’s make these last weeks of summer something to remember—without the constant chorus of “Are we there yet?”