If you’re anything like us when driving in the car with kids in the back seat, you avoid commercial radio stations in case of swearing or sudden news breaks, argue over whether to listen to Dad’s nineties metal or Mum’s classical music, and after half an hour, it doesn’t matter what you do, the children are fidgety and whining.

But it doesn’t need to be like that any more!  Thanks to smartphones, with a bit of forethought, we always have something to listen to that keeps the children engaged and quiet and keeps the parents relaxed.  Here is what we’ve been using.

Borrow Box

Borrow Box is an app that allows you to borrow digital audio books using your local library card. With more titles being added daily, there’s a selection for children of all ages and the quality of the reading is great.  We recently listened to Stephen Fry reading Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone on a nearly three-hour car trip. Need I say more?

Wow in the World Podcast

Wow in the World is our latest favourite thing to listen to in the car and now Mr almost-7 listens to it in his room.  It’s a fun, educational podcast with two episodes per week exploring amazing science, cool facts and interesting innovation.  I found this suggestion on Messy Motherhood, if you’d like more kids’ podcast suggestions, see the full list here.

Kinderling Radio

Radio for kids! According to their website, “Carefully curated music will modulate all moods in the household. Available 24/7″.  Stream online or via an app and you can listen all day and all night!  Check out Kinderling.

I hope that brings some peace to your car trips or even at home.  If you have any other suggestions, send them my way!