After a long, lazy summer, the hustle and bustle of back-to-school time is upon us! Between morning drop-offs, ferrying kids to after-school activities and sports, plus weekend errands, parents often feel like they now spend their lives in the car. And for kids, those carpool rides and commutes can add up to hours (and hours!) of idle time each week. Instead of letting that time go to waste, doomscrolling on social media or with bored sibling squabbles, why not turn it into an opportunity to read? With a little creativity, travel time can become reading time. Kids stay engaged, build literacy skills, and may even look forward to the ride.

Audiobooks are the Perfect Car Companion

For busy families, audiobooks can be a lifesaver. They let kids “read,” even if they can’t physically hold a book. Audiobooks are perfect for those who get carsick or for younger readers who may not be independent quite yet. Reluctant readers may find audiobooks less intimidating, and hearing fluent reading can improve vocabulary and comprehension.

The best part? Audiobooks are a shared experience, and can be enjoyed by everyone in the car (including mom or dad!). Try classics like Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White or popular current titles like The Wild Robot by Peter Brown.

Short Stories for Quick Trips

Not all commutes are long enough for a full chapter book. That’s where short stories or kid-friendly magazines come in. Slip an issue of National Geographic Kids or Highlights into your child’s backpack for those 15-minute rides. The bite-sized format makes it easy to pick up and put down without losing track, and kids love flipping through colorful pages. Other suggestions include joke books, or titles like Ripley’s Believe It or Not! and Guinness World Records to share aloud.

E-Readers Offer Variety for On-the-Go Reading

If your child enjoys reading on a device, load up an e-reader or tablet with books before the week begins. Apps like Kindle, Libby, or Epic! Ensure that thousands of titles at right your fingertips (no lugging of heavy books needed).

For teens, consider tracking books on Goodreads or using Fable, which allows them to connect with friends in virtual book clubs. The ease and portability of e-readers means that your child’s whole library can fit neatly in their backpack.

Try a Carpool Book Club

If your child shares rides with friends, why not start a mini book club? Kids can all listen to the same audiobook during the ride and chat about it at school. For longer commutes, take turns picking the next book. This not only keeps everyone entertained, but fosters a sense of community around reading.

Reading Aloud in the Car!

For families with younger children, reading aloud during a commute can be a great way to keep them occupied. If there’s an older sibling, enlist their aid in the role of storyteller. Even a few pages at a time keeps kids engaged and also models fluent (and fun!) reading.

Make Reading Part of the Travel Routine

The key to turning travel time into reading time is consistency. Set a “car rule” that audiobooks are always playing in the morning, or keep a special “car library” tote bag with books and magazines that are rotated as necessary. Kids will quickly associate travel time with reading time, and will become a seamless (and anticipated) part of the day, much like nightly bedtime storytime.

Between pickups, practices, and commutes, time spent in the car doesn’t need to be wasted. With audiobooks, magazines, and e-readers, creative families can transform even the most mundane drives into opportunities to build literacy. So, the next time you buckle up, press play on an audiobook or hand over a magazine. Every mile can bring your child closer to a love of reading!

About Success Won’t Wait

Founded in 2002, Success Won’t Wait is a not-for-profit literacy organization based in Wilmington, Delaware. 

Want to learn more about Success Won’t Wait’s literacy projects, how to donate used books in Delaware, or volunteer your time? Click on the About Us tab to learn more.