When it comes to travel, there is always going to be downtime. For parents, this might mean some extra time to get ahead on work or start planning the next leg of the trip. For kids, though, this part nearly always means boredom.
Oftentimes, parents will pack the car or carry-on bag to the brim with things to keep kids individually engaged for the whole trip. Sometimes this means tablets, other times it means handheld video game devices. The core of the problem is keeping kids occupied while parents deal with the frustrating and tedious parts of travel.
Tablets, television and videogames are great for long trips, but with enough time, the batteries can die. In addition, many parents are probably rightly concerned about the quality of content available on sites like YouTube and services like Netflix. When electronics are off the table, parents should look to books for kids.
In elementary school, kids can start reading accessible chapter books as soon as they find themselves able to focus for long enough without losing patience. If you aren’t sure which books fit which age groups, the good news is many books intended for younger readers will have grade and age recommendations on the front cover.
Kids reading outside together. Photo: Oleksandra Polishchuk | Dreamstime.com
A good place to start looking for younger kids is for movies adapted to easy chapter books. Moana is just one recent movie the kids will be familiar with that received such a book. It seems like books of this variety are endless, and come in all flavors. If your kids like Star Wars, Barnes and Nobles outlines a few great options here.
As kids get a little older, they can begin to pick their own books. A trip to the library before a road trip can get everyone in the reading spirit when parents and children work to select appropriate books together.
Other series great for younger readers include The Boxcar Children, The Magic Treehouse, Geronimo Stilton and for kids with an inkling toward horror, Goosebumps.
As kids grow into teenagers, their options open considerably. Young adult favorites like Harry Potter, Twilight and The Hunger Games are great for all readers looking for a little immersion and adventure. A long flight or car ride is the perfect time to settle in with a book, whether you’re in elementary school or finishing college.
Read This Next
#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedDestinations / North America
Oct 20, 2026Snowy Lake Superior Town Does Holidays Differently
Did you know Marquette County, Michigan, is one of the snowiest destinations east of the Rocky Mountains? Every winter, Marquette County turns into a winter wonderland with snow-covered forests and winter fun, a great destination for family travelers. Highlights include:
Sponsored Content
Best of Both Worlds
Enjoy the best of both worlds when you fly with TAP Air Portugal thanks to the Portugal Stopover program. With the program, TAP passengers, whether traveling for business, leisure or both, can stop in Portugal for up to 10 days at no additional airfare on the way to their final destination. What does this mean for travelers wishing to explore by both land and sea? It means after flying to Portugal with TAP and experiencing the country in an entirely new way, travelers can then embark on scenic river and ocean cruises from Portugal’s port cities, or fly with TAP to another European destination.
Travel Tips
Oct 20, 2026The Importance of Savoring the Moment on Your Next Trip
In a rush to see as much as possible during your travels, it’s sometimes hard to remember the purpose of a vacation is to relax from your everyday world. It’s even more difficult on a family vacation, when everything seems to take a bit more time and your to-go list is longer. But remembering to enjoy the moment is even more important then.
Hotels
Oct 19, 2026Jumeirah Beach Hotel to Welcome Wayne Rooney for Family Soccer Experience
Soccer fans and family travelers will want to make for Jumeirah Beach Hotel as the resort prepares to again welcome an icon of the sport, Wayne Rooney, for an exclusive hosted family experience in collaboration with Football Escapes, Oct. 26–30. The program is part of a seven-night stay at the Dubai resort.
Sponsored Content
GET TO KNOW TAP FORBIZ
Unlock flexible, refined business travel with TAP Air Portugal’s program, TAP FORBIZ. Developed for small, medium and large Companies, with options for corporate events, TAP FORBIZ offers exclusive advantages adapted to each type of business.
Destinations / North America
Oct 19, 2026Beyond Haunted Houses: A Luxe Halloween Getaway in the Poconos
Fall is in full swing and it's time for family travelers to plan a last-minute spooky season getaway. For East Coasters, there is no better fall escape than the Pennsylvania Pocono Mountains. Tucked away is The Pines at Woodloch, a luxury, all-inclusive escape offering an elevated take on a fall trip by pairing accommodations, dining and fall experiences.
ShareThis