Tablets and smartphones are great ways to keep kids busy in the backseat on holiday road trips. And you'll be glad to know that there are plenty of them that will not only keep them occupied but actually teach them something too!

HLN's digital lifestyle expert Mario Armstrong recommends four apps to download before you hit the road with your little ones: 
 

• 123 Color: Talking Coloring Book
  For Apple devices
  Sale price $.99
  On sale right now for $.99! Being featured by Apple as a “new and noteworthy app!"
  Offered in four languages (English, French, Spanish, and German); also helps teach the languages.
  Teaches numbers, letters (upper- and lower-case) and colors by way of artwork, voice-overs, sound effects and animation.
  Has sounds effects and songs.
  Allows you to save or email artwork.

• Stack The States
  For Apple devices and Windows phones
  Price $.99
  Has been voted “Best Kids App For iPad” — Best App Ever Awards.
  Voted “Best Educational Game App” — iEAR.org.
  Makes learning about the states so much fun! 
  Learn about capitals, state shapes, bordering states, locations on the map, flags, and more all while having fun! 
  Carefully stack the states to reach the checkered line to win each level.
  Asks hundreds of interesting questions. 
  Opportunity to unlock bonus games along the way.
  Great for about ages 8 and up.

• Family Car Games
  For Apple Devices and Android
  Price $1.99
  Remember all the games you used to play as a kid with your parents? 
  How-to-play instructions for 100 creative games that you can play anywhere with your family while traveling. 
  Brings back oldies but goodies like “I Spy,” “20 Questions,” “Who Am I” and much more. Fun for the whole family!

• Scribblenauts Remix
  For Apple Devices
  $.99  
  Encourages and rewards players for using their imagination.
  Players are given puzzles and must write in the objects they wish to use.
  Great for about ages 8 and up.