How to Replace Tablets with Audiobooks During School Holidays
Why Vacation Is the Perfect Time to Rethink Screens
If you’re a parent of a child between 6 and 12 years old, you know that balancing rest and stimulation during school breaks is no small feat. Vacations should be a time for family, play, and recharging—yet too often, screens creep in and dominate those precious hours. Perhaps it's the long car ride to Grandma’s or the downtime after a beach day; the tablet becomes the default. But what if there was a better alternative—one that still entertains, yet also nourishes your child’s developing mind?
Enter the world of audiobooks. Swapping screen time for audio storytelling might feel like a leap, but it’s a gentle transition that can ease stress, ignite imagination, and support learning without the overstimulation of screens. The best part? You don’t have to do it perfectly—you just have to try.
The Shift from Screen to Story
Moving from tablet time to audio storytelling isn’t about going cold turkey on screens; it’s about creating more balance. Start by thinking of times when your child typically turns to a tablet during vacation. Is it in the car? Before bed in the hotel room? While waiting at the airport? These are all moments audio can slip in naturally.
For example, instead of handing your child a device on the drive, try playing a high-quality audiobook series tailored for their age. You’ll find that immersive storytelling not only passes the time quickly but often sparks conversations afterward. In fact, many parents report smoother car rides when audiobooks become the primary entertainment.
Build a Vacation Routine Around Audio Moments
One of the reasons screens are so appealing is because they’re part of a routine. Breakfast with cartoons. iPad during downtime. Replace these anchors with audio-based time instead. For example:
- Mornings: A short audiobook while eating breakfast can ease the day in gently.
- Afternoons: After a busy morning at the beach or hiking, a snack and an audiobook can offer a calm reset.
- Bedtime: Swap YouTube for a nightly storytime audio ritual, which helps transition to sleep more smoothly.
Start small. Even 15–20 minutes a day can be enough to establish a habit. In fact, research shows that regular listening supports vocabulary and comprehension skills—without the glowing screen.
What Makes Audiobooks So Powerful for Kids?
You might be wondering: Is audio really that much better? The answer lies in how children engage with stories. When kids listen, they’re constructing entire worlds in their mind. This kind of imaginative work is rich territory for cognitive and emotional development.
Unlike passive screen viewing, listening to a story requires kids to pay attention, decode meaning through tone and pacing, and even visualize scenes and characters. It’s both calming and stimulating—perfectly suited for a vacation setting where structure is lower but the opportunity for learning still exists.
There’s also the bonus of portability. You can take audiobooks literally anywhere: headphones on a plane, Bluetooth speaker at the beach, or simply using your phone on the go. Beach days mixed with audio? It works better than you'd expect.
Finding the Right Audiobooks for Your Child
This is where many parents hesitate: What stories will really hold my child’s attention? The key is to choose narratives created specifically for children—ones that are engaging, age-appropriate, and diverse in theme. Not all audio content is created equal.
One resource worth exploring is the LISN Kids app, which offers original audiobooks and audio series made just for children aged 3 to 12. With a wide variety of stories—from mystery to fantasy to everyday adventures—it’s a helpful tool for families looking to spend less time staring at screens and more time dreaming together. Available on iOS and Android, the experience is child-friendly and screen-light, meaning once the story begins, the focus remains on listening.
Encouraging Buy-In from Your Child
We all know that even small changes can feel big to children. To help your child embrace this shift with enthusiasm, try including them in the process. Let them scroll through audiobook options (with your help), or set up a few listening "experiments" during the trip to see what genres they enjoy most.
You can also link audio time with a cozy setting—a soft blanket in the hammock, a picnic in the backyard, or a shared story time under the stars. When the environment is calming and intentional, children associate storytelling with relaxation and safety.
And if you’re commuting or taking public transportation, audiobooks are a discreet and soothing option for everyone. Learn how they can be lifesavers during long train rides too.
This Summer, Keep Curiosity Alive—Without the Glare
Vacations are a special window in childhood. They offer chances to connect, be silly, and explore—far from the pressure of school and schedules. As you look for ways to recharge as a family, consider slowly swapping out one tablet session at a time for an audio moment. You might be surprised at how naturally children respond.
Whether you’re home, away, or somewhere in between, your child deserves a break that nurtures both body and mind. And sometimes, all it takes is a good story.