How Audiobooks Can Turn Car Rides into a Joyful Experience for Kids

by LISN Kids | available on iOS & Android

• 3 min read

Why Car Rides Can Be a Struggle for Parents and Kids

If you've ever dreaded the start of a car ride with your child because you know what’s coming — the whining, the restlessness, the arguments over screen time or music — you are not alone. Whether it's the daily school commute, a weekend trip to Grandma’s, or a longer holiday drive, many families struggle to make the time in the car feel less like a chore and more like a shared experience.

For children aged 6 to 12, who may already experience stress or frustration related to school or learning difficulties, long car rides can feel especially daunting. They may be tired or overstimulated, or simply too bored to stay engaged. Parents, for their part, juggle keeping their eyes on the road while also tending to their child's needs — not to mention managing their own stress levels.

The Transformative Power of Storytelling on the Road

What if a car ride didn’t have to be another battleground for your patience and their boredom? What if it could become a time of quiet focus, laughter, and meaningful connection?

That’s where audio stories step in.

Unlike the quick-fix of screens, audiobooks and audio series offer a screen-free, immersive experience that taps into your child’s imagination. They can be both calming and captivating, helping children regulate emotions and pass the time without the constant need for snacks, entertainment, or intervention.

Listening to a story together helps shift everyone's focus. Instead of complaining about traffic, your child is wondering what will happen next in the plot. Instead of asking "Are we there yet?" you're both engaged in a shared listening experience that brings calm and joy rather than tension and complaints.

Creating a Car Ride Ritual That Kids Look Forward To

One of the easiest ways to make car rides something your child actually looks forward to is to anchor them in enjoyable rituals. Children thrive on routines, and car rides — however predictable — can feel more grounding with familiar, soothing habits.

For example, designate specific audio stories for certain types of trips. Maybe you listen to silly adventure stories on the way to soccer practice, or chapter tales for longer road trips. You could even let your child help choose the next story, giving them a sense of ownership and anticipation for the ride ahead.

This sense of predictability can be particularly helpful for children with learning or attention difficulties. The audio environment becomes a structured, safe space — one they’ll associate not only with the reward of a good story but with family connection and emotional safety.

Good Stories Make Good Travel Companions

Not all content is created equal — and not all audiobooks will resonate with your child. That’s why curated, age-appropriate content is so important. Parents often ask how to manage their child’s media intake while still giving them something meaningful and fun. The answer often lies not in strict limitations, but in offering quality alternatives.

One resource designed specifically for children is the iOS / Android app LISN Kids, which features original audiobooks and audio series specially created for kids aged 3–12. With diverse stories ranging from humor to adventure to gentle life lessons, it offers a wide variety of options for different listening tastes and attention spans.

LISN Kids App

What Makes Audiobooks Especially Helpful for Stressed-Out Learners

For children who struggle with reading or learning, audiobooks offer a safe and enjoyable entry into the world of stories — without the pressure of decoding each word. Listening exercises language processing skills, builds vocabulary, and strengthens focus, all while lowering the stakes.

Moreover, stories often reflect emotional experiences in ways that help children make sense of their own inner worlds. A character overcoming a challenge at school, feeling left out, or discovering a hidden talent can feel immediately relatable, especially when those themes mirror your child’s own experience.

The car, with its closed-in environment and minimal distractions, can be a uniquely perfect setting to absorb these stories. You might be surprised how often a child will open up emotionally after hearing about a character that resonates with them. In this way, audiobooks go beyond keeping your child entertained — they can create moments for connection and healing.

Making the Most of Travel Time with Audiobooks

The beauty of this simple tool — press play and listen — is that it fits into nearly any family routine. Whether you’re navigating the school drop-off line or headed out for a weekend trip, having a few audiobooks queued up can turn time in the car into something your child genuinely looks forward to.

Looking for more ideas on when and how to enjoy audiobooks with kids? You might enjoy these helpful reads from our blog:

Car rides might never become anyone’s favorite part of the day—but with the help of rich, engaging audio stories, they can become smoother, quieter, and even joyful for you and your child alike. All it takes is the right story, a bit of planning, and an open ear.