This Simple Travel Hack Might Stop Your Kids From Asking: ‘Are We There Yet?’

A new study finds podcasts may help families get through a long road trip easier.

Fact checked by Sarah ScottFact checked by Sarah Scott

When it comes to summer travel, many people are ditching planes and cruises for road trips. One study finds 76% of Americans are planning to drive for their vacation sometime between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekend, an increase of 18% from 2023.

That includes families: The podcast network Wondery conducted a survey of 1,000 American parents with kids ages 3 to 12, and found more than half of families are planning to take a road trip lasting seven or more hours this summer.

Any parent knows a road trip can feel even longer when kids are your passengers. Between restlessness, drinks spilling, and arguments between siblings, there can be many hurdles to try and overcome in that one car ride. It makes sense then why 90% of parents in the Wondery survey say having good entertainment options can help a family road trip go more smoothly.

That’s where podcasts come in. Of the respondents, 85% say their family learns new things when listening to podcasts on their road trip, while 82% say it enhances their appreciation for the trip. More than 85% say podcasts spark conversations or ignite laughter and humor.

Perhaps an even greater plus of podcasts on road trips is their ability to help kids stay calm. More than three-quarters of the parents say listening to podcasts on their trip reduces the times their kids ask that dreaded question of “Are we there yet?” Almost as many parents say their children behave better overall or are less likely to argue.

To help parents through their journeys, Wondery is planning to release new audio content throughout May and June, along with activities, through its Summer of Wow campaign. Tinkercast’s Wow in the World, a popular science podcast for kids and their parents, will be one of those shows. For hosts Guy Raz and Mindy Thomas, the impact podcasts can have isn’t surprising.

“Listening together is a screen-free way for everyone to be entertained. It’s a shared experience that can get kids talking, laughing, asking questions, and thinking about things in a new way,” says Thomas. "Shows like Wow in the World give parents permission to laugh at poop jokes in the name of peer-reviewed science, and it gives kids (who already know fart jokes rule) a chance to learn amazing things about the world.”

Raz agrees, pointing out that podcasts can unite family members who typically each have their own screen when on vacation. That’s especially true for podcasts meant for all members of the family to listen to together.

“When you play a podcast and listen together, it creates a connection between everyone in the group,” he explains. “Our podcasts are designed to be fun and entertaining for both kids and grown-ups. There are jokes and references that only grown-ups may understand, but there is also deep serious science in every episode that’s hidden in a magical story that keeps everyone entertained.”

If science isn't your family's favorite subject, that's OK because there are a ton of other podcasts your kids can be listening to.

Overall, podcast engagement for kids has increased over the years. A 2023 study found about 48% of kids in the U.S. listen to podcasts weekly. The same percentage also said they listen with a parent at least most of the time. Research finds the pandemic lockdowns may have influenced the increase in podcast listening among our younger population. Whatever the reason, podcasts do come with benefits.

Along with possibly making a road trip with kids more enjoyable, podcasts can be educational, create needed social connections, and may boost a greater sense of meaning in life, according to research. So, why not give it a try and listen to one the next time your family hits the road?

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Read the original article on Parents.