Summer family road trips mean lots of time spent in the car — which can also mean an increase in screen time. Thankfully, screen time options go beyond brain-numbing fluff. Using a tablet or phone on the go, kids can draw without losing marker caps, create with the click of a button and explore hundreds of educational activities. (As always, be sure to monitor which apps your child is using.)
Teach Your Monster to Read
This teacher-approved reading app makes the perfect summer road trip companion for your 4- to 6-year-old. This slow-paced, systematic approach to phonics is easy for your budding reader to navigate. With games, exploration, reading practice and more, Teach Your Monster to Read offers a magical and exciting adventure. Just like your travels!
BrainPOP
BrainPOP is a great kid-centered educational app that keeps your child not only entertained, but learning. Your child will love all the BrainPOP (or BrainPOP Jr.) videos and activities. They've got science, reading, math and more for your road trip adventure!
Stack the States
Are you traveling through multiple states on your trip? Time for a geography lesson! Stack the States helps your child learn basic state facts through fun and interactive play.
Khan Academy Kids
Khan Academy Kids is a free educational app for ages 2-8 that promotes math, reading, motor and social-emotional skills. Using games and lessons, Khan Academy Kids helps kids learn and grow on the go!
PBS KIDS
The PBS Kids apps offer reputable, straightforward entertainment. Your child can explore a variety of content and games in subjects like math, science and reading alongside their favorite characters, like Daniel Tiger, Wild Kratts and Cat in the Hat. (Note: There’s a PBS Kids Games and PBS Kids Video app — try both to find which is best for your family!)
Super Simple Songs
Need something for your younger child? Super Simple Songs is a popular and adorable subscription-based app that offers beloved nursery rhymes and songs with no ads or distractions.
Drawing Pad
Looking for a creative alternative to games or music? Try a drawing app like Drawing Pad. This is a great digital option for creativity and expression on the go.
Pok Pok
Pok Pok is a Montessori-based app that’s great for longer travels. It doesn’t focus on traditional academic skills like reading or comprehension, but it heavily encourages children to build, create and tinker with lots of free play! With new games and toys added regularly, your child can explore activities like building a dollhouse, creating a dinosaur ecosystem or making geometric art.
Podcast, Kindle and Audiobook Options
There are so many options out there for reading or listening to stories! Download the Kindle app on your child’s tablet or check out your public library’s database using the Hoopla or Libby app.
Podcasts are another resource. Check out platforms like the Apple Podcast app or Spotify for kid-centered shows like Julie’s Library, Stories Podcast, Pinkalicious & Peterrific, Story Pirates and Story Train. For science-based podcasts, try Tumble, Brains On!, Curious Minds, or What’s the Point.
Don’t forget — you can also download your child’s favorite shows and movies from Disney+ and Netflix for offline viewing. Just make sure there’s enough storage space on your device ahead of time.
Whether you’re driving cross-country or just popping across state lines, these road trip apps will keep the whole family engaged and entertained on the go!