Our Summer MVP: Why the Yoto Player Is a Screen-Free Lifesaver for Travel, Quiet Time, and Independent Play
Photo by Oliva Steele Photography
Summer break: long days, loose routines, and lots of questions like “Can I watch something?” or “What should I do now?” Sound familiar?
If you desire more screen-free moments and allowing room for boredom to take place during your child’s summer —let me introduce you to our summer MVP: the Yoto Player.
We’ve had ours since Christmas 2022, and it’s truly grown with my kids. I can’t think of a more used “toy” in our family. I hesitate to even use the word “toy” because of the deep enrichment it’s brought to my children’s lives through story-telling. Whether it’s during quiet time, in the car on a road trip, or staying at a cabin near the Great Lakes - the Yoto Player is ALWAYS with us.
Here’s what we love most about it:
• It’s totally screen-free. No battling over shows or tablets. Just rich audio on Yoto content cards—stories, music, learning cards, and more.
• It encourages independent play. My kids can operate it completely on their own (my youngest, now 4 yo, has had his since he was 2), giving me time to prep dinner, tend the garden, fold a load of laundry, or just breathe.
• It turns quiet time into something they look forward to. With classic stories from Beatrix Potter, Arnold Lobel, and even the entire Chronicles of Narnia collection by C.S. Lewis, my kids curl up with books and listen—often together. Rich stories like Charlotte’s Web are enjoyed by my 4 and 6 year olds as much as my 8 year old!
• It travels so well. We bring our Yoto Minis on every trip. Hotel rooms, long drives, beach rentals— there is never a trip where we’re without it.
• It’s durable and kid-proof. Thanks to the silicone adventure jackets, it’s been dropped, stepped on, and still going strong!
As a mom who values literature, independent learning, and calm pockets of the day, the Yoto Player has become one of our most-used tools. It’s not just a fun gadget—it’s helps foster healthy independent play (inside or outside!) and a love for learning through reading.
Thinking about getting one? I’ve linked it here through my affiliate link—thanks for supporting our family when you shop through it! I’ve also shared a few of our favorite cards below:
Chapter Book Audiobooks (ages 6-8) *with input from my daughter ;)
The Chronicles of Narnia
Charlotte’s Web
The Jungle Book
The Boxcar Children
The Secret Garden
Stuart Little
Little Women
Anne of Green Gables
Ella Enchanted
Magic Treehouse
The Tale of Despereaux
Charlie & the Chocolate Factory
Picture Book Audiobooks (ages 2-5) *with input from my sons!
A Sick Day from Amos McGee
Are You My Mother?
Brown Bear & Friends
Charlie Cook’s Favorite Book
Corduroy Collection
Frog and Toad
The Little Engine Collection
Miss Rumphius
On the Night You Were Born
Stellaluna
The Gruffalo
Pout-Pout Fish COllection
The MOG Collection
The Beatrix Potter Collection
The Very Hungry Caterpillar & Other Stories
Make Way for Ducklings
