It’s time to ready the family truckster and hit the road. And we’ve got some apps to ease your travel angst.

Best Road Trip Ever
The app-eal: It highlights the coolest offbeat spots along your route.
Helpful factor: Among the 7,000+ locations, pit stops like Route 66 landmark Snuffy’s Grill make Mom and Dad the best tour guides ever.
Who’s driving: Front-seat passengers.
Works on: iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad.
Cost: $4

GasBuddy
The app-eal: Find service stations with the cheapest gas for miles.
Helpful factor: Save money. Upgrade to a motel with HBO. Need we say more?
Who’s driving: Front-seat passengers.
Works on: iOS, Android, and Windows devices.
Cost: Free

Family Car Games
The app-eal: One hundred activities entertain on long stretches of interstate.
Helpful factor: The alphabet and license plate games will eventually play out. Arm yourself.
Who’s driving: Backseat passengers.
Works on: iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad.
Cost: $2

Bartleby’s Book of Buttons Vol. 1: the Far Away Island
The app-eal: Buttons, switches, and sliders, oh my.
Fun factor: The interactive puzzles that kids need to solve before moving on with the story are ideal for readers, amusing for everyone.
Who’s driving: Backseat passengers.
Works on: iPad.
Cost: Free

Faces iMake
The app-eal: Choose from hundreds of items like food, utensils, tools, toys, and candy for eyes, nose, mouth, and ears.
Fun factor: Thousands of combinations make it a time-passer of cross-country proportions.
Who’s driving: Backseat passengers.
Works on: iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad.
Cost: $1-$2

Road-Trip-Bingo
The app-eal: Watch for signs, animals, and types of cars to get the heralded five in a row.
Fun factor: Roll down the windows and be prepared to hear squeals of “Bingo!”
Who’s driving: Backseat passengers.
Works on: iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad.
Cost: $1-$2

	Getting there is half the battle. We’ve found games and gear to get little ones from point A to point B — as well as more ideas on where point B should be.

GROOVE
Baby Loves Disco Superheroes Tour
What: Go in costume and boogie the afternoon away.
Why: He’s dying for an excuse to wear his cape in public.
When: Sun., 2-5 p.m.
Where: Loews Miami Beach Hotel, 1601 Collins Ave. (305-604-1601). Tickets online at babylovesdisco.com. Adults and children, $20; babies, free.

SPLASH
Drawn to the Sea
What: See the colorful exhibit of illustrations by local children’s book author Janeen Mason.
Why: The talented artist drops by for a reading on Sun.
When: Fri.-Sept. 11. Exhibit, daily, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Opening reception, Sun., 1-3 p.m.
Where: Biscayne National Park, 9700 SW 328th St., Homestead (305-230-7275). Admission is free.

SAVOR
Redland Summer Fruit Festival
What: Sample the area’s produce and mouthwatering treats.
Why: A perfect opportunity to introduce your Johnny Appleseed to unfamiliar flavors.
When: Sat. & Sun., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: The Fruit & Spice Park, 24801 SW 187th Ave., Homestead (305-247-5727). Adults and children 12 and up, $8; under 11, free.

Photo: Image Source / Getty Images