This post is sponsored by Johnson County Library.
There’s something magical about the open road, the windows down, snacks within reach and miles of adventure ahead. Then you remember there are kids in the back, and your dreams of a peaceful drive crash back to reality!
Our family barely hits the highway before the “Are we there yet?” chants begin. That is where audiobooks have been a lifesaver on our summer vacations. They are the secret sauce to keeping kids from hours of screen time and endless asks for rest stops. Great stories entertain, spark imagination and create conversation. Whether you are headed to the mountains, beach or just Grandma’s house, these audiobooks will turn your car into a storytelling sanctuary.
We have rounded up some of the best family friendly audiobooks, grouped by age range, so everyone from toddlers to teens (and parents, too!) can get in on the fun.
Audiobooks to Entertain Kids on Summer Road Trips
For Little Listeners (Ages 3 to 6)
Short, whimsical and full of charm, these audiobooks are perfect for younger kids with shorter attention spans.
Frog and Toad All Year by Arnold Lobel
The stories are great and the music that accompanies them will keep little listeners engaged.
Mercy Watson to the Rescue by Kate DiCamillo
Hilarious pig antics and a fast paced story make this an easy favorite. There’s several in the series, so this one can entertain for hours.
Mrs. Piggle Wiggle by Betty MacDonald
These funny stories are about Mrs. Piggle Wiggle curing all sorts of funny habits of children like nose picking and wanting to stay up late.
The Peter Rabbit Collection by Beatrix Potter
Classic stories that kids will love and parents will appreciate the nostalgia from their own childhood.
For Early Elementary (Ages 6 to 8)
Audiobooks for this age must be fun, fast-moving and full of lovable characters.
The BFG by Roald Dahl
Whimsical language and a larger than life story that will keep everyone on the edge of their seat.
Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White
Classic storytelling and a warm, nostalgic voice make this a multi-generational favorite.
The Magic Tree House Series by Mary Pope Osborne
Adventure and history meet in these quick, easy-listening gems. There’s a ton of books in the series so it’s perfect for a far away destination.
Matilda by Roald Dahl (narrated by Kate Winslet)
It’s a story that is great for boys and girls, full of adventure, mystery and self-discovery.
The Ramona Quimby Collection by Beverly Cleary
Relatable family life from a kid’s perspective, with tons of humor.
Sideways Stories from Wayside School by Louis Sachar
The wackiness of all the antics will make the kids crack up!
The Trumpet of the Swan by E.B. White
This is a great book for younger listeners, but older kids will still love and appreciate the story of a voiceless swan.
For Middle Grades (Ages 8 to 12)
These longer listens dive deeper into plot and character while still keeping things accessible.
Bunnicula by Victor Barber
A little scary, but not enough to deter the youngest within this age group. There’s several books to follow, that are all short, a little spooky and a lot addicting!
How to Train Your Dragon by Cressida Cowell
Wildly fun narration paired with dragon fueled adventure.
Percy Jackson and the Olympians Series by Rick Riordan
Action, mythology and humor that hook even reluctant readers.
A Single Shard by Linda Sue Park
It’s a Newbery Award winning book that will keep everyone in the car entranced, and maybe even shed a few tears.
The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo
Beautifully told with layers of courage, love and storytelling magic.
When Stars are Scattered by Victoria Jamison and Omar Mohamed
It’s a powerful book with many voices that make the storytelling poignant and the reality of a child’s difficult existence come to life.
The Wild Robot by Peter Brown
A robot survives in the wild and the story is surprisingly emotional and engaging. Follow it up by watching the movie in the car after!
Willa of the Woods by Robert Beatty
The story Willa of the Woods is set in the Smoky Mountains, so it is great for children before visiting. A young, sprite girl encounters a human, and it leaves her questioning her very existence.
Wonder by R.J. Palacio
Inspires empathy and conversation, perfect for family listening.
For Tweens & Teens (Ages 12+)
Deeper themes, complex characters and gripping stories are what will draw teens into a story.
Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery (narrated by Rachel McAdams)
Heartfelt, funny and full of charm, and McAdams’s narration is perfection. Follow it up with the rest of the books in the series if this is a hit.
Eragon by Christopher Paolini
For fantasy lovers ready to dive into a rich, dragon-filled world.
The Giver by Lois Lowry
Thought provoking dystopian tale that sparks great discussions.
Holes by Louis Sachar
Mystery, history, and humor all rolled into one unforgettable story.
Savvy by Ingrid Law
Everyone in a family gets a magical talent when they turn 13. When a tragedy occurs, the magic is what they rely on to save their loved ones.
The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
A moving historical story of resilience that appeals to parents and teens alike.
Bonus: Any Age Will Love!
Yes, even the grownups deserve some entertainment, or maybe you have a car full of kids of all different ages. If so, reach for the following titles.
Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo
Gentle, hopeful and full of heart.
The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate
Told from a gorilla’s perspective, this one’s as profound as it is kid-friendly.
Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls
A classic story that is too important to not listen to!
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle
Sci-fi adventure with rich language and moral depth.
This list of road trip ready audiobooks will keep the whole crew quiet (in the best way), give everyone something to look forward to between rest stops and might become part of your family’s summer memories for years to come.
Checkout these titles and many more at Johnson County Library! Read here on how to link to the Johnson County Library Libby App and listen from the time you start up the car until you arrive at your destination.
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