Planning a family road trip can be daunting. Depending on the age of your kids, it’s important to pack snacks, some kind of entertainment, enough clothes, meals when there’s no time to stop and more. As far as entertainment is concerned, libraries can help cover the gap for road trip necessities.
Taking a trip to your local library can feel like going on a shopping spree. Thousands of books, movies, magazines, video games, board games and more line the walls — all free for the taking as long as they are returned on time and in the same condition. Make sure your kids can take proper care of the borrowed materials for the duration of the trip to avoid hefty fees upon return.
Libraries typically have pretty liberal borrowing policies. All libraries have different restrictions, but some allow guests to check out up to 50 physical items at a time.
Libraries are packed with content of all kinds. From picture books to young adult and teen novels, there’s bound to be something for kids of all ages and preferences. You can also pick a book or two for downtime when you aren’t driving or for unwinding before bed.
Make sure to make use of the library’s electronic media offerings. Lots of travelers, be they little kids or adults, have game systems that work while traveling. One of these, the Nintendo Switch, offers tons of family-friendly options, perfect for entertaining one or more kids on a road trip. Libraries often have pretty good stock of these games, making sure kids can get something fun for their long road trip.
Make use of local libraries during your journey. Maybe you will need to print tickets or documents for school or work — libraries can definitely help out in these situations.
Keep due dates straight. Make sure you will be returning to your town before the borrowed items are due back. Most libraries are lenient, and many have even begun to abolish due dates, but returning books on time and in good condition is respectful and considerate to the institution that provided entertainment for the entire family on your trip.
Read This Next
5 Tips for First-Time Campers
Travel Tips
Apr 26, 2024#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedSlideshow
Apr 25, 20247 Curaçao Destinations for Family Travel
It’s time to start dreaming of your next family trip. Here’s some destination inspiration for you. Take a visual journey through Curaçao with us.
Sponsored Content
Make the Most of Hamad International Airport When Transferring
Making travel plans can be exciting; did you know planning on how to spend time at the airport the right way can enrich the overall trip experience? As a transfer hub, traveling through Doha's Hamad International Airport is a unique experience, as waiting never feels like waiting at one of the best airports in the world.
Destinations / Africa
Apr 24, 2024Enjoy an African Beach Safari with Jek Tours and Safaris
An African safari is a dream vacation for many. For family travelers, it is a great way to introduce the kids to a lifestyle in which people coexist compassionately with the world around them. Not everyone is looking for the same experience, so choosing the right safari for the family is an important decision when planning your vacation.
Destinations / North America
Apr 24, 2024Colorful Kids Programming Awaits at The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch
Before the season is over, take your family travel to The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch. Kids rule the world at the Flower Fields this spring and, with flowers officially in bloom, it creates the perfect rainbow backdrop for a family day out. Here are can’t-miss springtime activities and deals for children you won’t want to miss.
Sponsored Content
United Airlines Celebrates its First Class of United Aviate Graduates
As the only major U.S. airline to own a flight school, United Airlines already hit a major milestone, and now the carrier celebrates another important — and historic — step as the inaugural class of United Aviate Academy pilots graduates, leading the next generation of aviators. The 51 students in the graduating class were majority, at 80 percent, women and people of color — another stride toward United’s goal of training 5,000 new pilots by 2030 with half women or POC.
Parents
Apr 24, 2024Treat Mom to Tea at The St. Regis Atlanta
Are you planning family travel to Atlanta for Mother’s Day this year? For those in the area on May 11 and 12, celebrate mom with a Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea at The St. Regis Atlanta. Afternoon tea is a hallmark at the property and this year’s Mother’s Day version will honor Audrey Hepburn and her iconic role in Breakfast at Tiffany’s.
ShareThis