11 best audiobooks for family road trips
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Are you pumped up for your upcoming family road trip? We've got a great way to make that long drive even more enjoyable and entertaining for the whole family: audiobooks! That's right, with a great audiobook playing in the background, every mile will fly by and your kiddos will be happily engaged (and, let's be honest, you'll be hooked, too!).
Let's dive into 11 of our favorite family audiobooks for your next road trip:
1. "Percy Jackson & The Olympians" series by Rick Riordan:
For all the mythology lovers out there, this entire series is an absolute must-have for your family road trip. With narrator Jesse Bernstein bringing these action-packed adventures to life, your young children will be hooked on the demigod world of Percy Jackson. From discovering their powers to battling mythical creatures, this series has it all.
(Recommended ages: 9-13)
2. "Matilda" by Roald Dahl:
Ah, Roald Dahl, the master of storytelling. If you haven't introduced your young children to Matilda yet, now's the perfect time. This audiobook, narrated by Kate Winslet, brings the charming and empowering tale of Matilda to life. Get ready to cheer on this fearless young girl as she takes on mean grown-ups and discovers her magical powers
(Recommended ages: 9-11)
3. "Charlotte's Web" by E.B. White:
Get ready to fall in love with the charming and heartwarming story of a kind-hearted spider and a special pig named Wilbur. This classic story, narrated by the talented E.B. White himself will have your young kids hooked from start to finish during those long road trips. Charlotte’s Web is a true gem that teaches important lessons about friendship and the beauty of life.
(Recommended ages: 7-12)
4. "The Chronicles of Narnia" series by C.S. Lewis:
If your family can't get enough of Narnia after "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe," fear not! There are six more fantastical books in this series, and all of them are beautifully narrated by various talented actors. These great adventures will keep your kids glued to their seats (or car seats) and spark their imagination on your family road trip.
(Recommended ages: 10-14)
5. "Wonder" by R.J. Palacio:
This family-friendly audiobook, narrated by Diana Steele, Nick Podehl, and Kate Rudd, is an absolute must-listen. Join Auggie, a young boy with a facial difference, on his brave journey through fifth grade. "Wonder" teaches valuable lessons about empathy, kindness, and acceptance. It's a powerful story that will resonate with the whole family, no matter their age.
(Recommended ages: 9-11)
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6. "The BFG" by Roald Dahl:
Get ready for some giant-sized fun with this captivating audiobook, voiced by David Walliams. Join Sophie as she befriends the Big Friendly Giant and helps him conquer his fear of the other not-so-friendly giants. It's a whimsical tale that celebrates the power of friendship and the importance of standing up for what's right.
(Recommended ages: 6-9)
7. “The Princess and the Goblin” by George MacDonald:
This family favorite audiobook combines a magical princess, a mischievous goblin, and a captivating adventure that will have the whole family hooked from the very first word. Join Princess Irene on her quest to outsmart those pesky goblins, and watch your little ones' eyes light up with joy and excitement. It's a fairy tale that will capture their hearts and ignite their imaginations.
(Recommended ages: 5-11)
8. “Magic Tree House Collection: Books 1-8” by Mary Pope Osborne:
Packed with eight enchanting adventures, this collection (totaling 6 hours) will transport your kiddos to different time periods and far-off lands with just a turn of a page (or a press of a play button!). With every adventure, they'll learn about history, geography, and the power of imagination.
(Recommended ages: 4-8)
9. "Frog and Toad Audio Collection" by Arnold Lobel:
We’re throwing it back a little with this one, but trust us - this amphibian duo stands the test of time. Frog and Toad are best friends who embark on all sorts of escapades together. From overcoming fears to learning important life lessons, they truly inspire readers of all ages. In these audiobooks, their charming and humorous adventures come to life through the talented narration.
(Recommended ages: 4-8)
10. "The Princess Diaries" series by Meg Cabot:
Calling all princess enthusiasts! This series, narrated by Anne Hathaway, follows the hilarious and relatable journey of a young girl named Mia Thermopolis as she discovers her royal heritage. Full of humor, love, and life lessons, these audiobooks will have you and your kiddos laughing and cheering for Mia's every triumph during those long family road trips.
(Recommended ages: 12+)
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11. “Dragon Rider” by Cornelia Funke:
Get ready to embark on a wild adventure with another audiobook that’s perfect for the entire family on a long road trip. Join brave Firedrake and his friends, including an adorable brownie named Sorrel, as they journey to the mythical Rim of Heaven. With the incredible Brendan Fraser bringing this story to life, this is a great audiobook to ignite your family's imagination and keep them on the edge of their seats.
(Recommended ages: 8-12)
