Written by Mark BaileyLong road trips can be a nightmare if you’re not prepared, especially when traveling with kids. Keeping little ones entertained is crucial for maintaining your sanity and ensuring everyone has a pleasant journey. Luckily, with a bit of planning and creativity, you can turn a potentially tedious trip into a fun adventure for the whole family. Here are nine tried-and-true ways to keep kids entertained during long road trips.
1. Car Games
Classic games like “I Spy,” “20 Questions,” and “License Plate Bingo” can keep kids engaged for hours. These games are not only fun but also help in developing observational and cognitive skills. To play “I Spy,” one player picks an object within sight and says, “I spy with my little eye something that is [color or feature].” The others then take turns guessing what the object is. In “20 Questions,” one player thinks of an object, and the others can ask up to 20 yes-or-no questions to guess what it is. “License Plate Bingo” involves looking out for different state plates and marking them off on a bingo card.
Personal Anecdote: During one of our road trips, my daughter managed to stump us all with “20 Questions” by thinking of a unicorn. It took us forever to figure out that she had chosen something imaginary!
2. Audiobooks and Podcasts
Audiobooks and podcasts are fantastic for keeping kids entertained while also providing educational content. Choose age-appropriate audiobooks and engaging podcasts that can captivate young minds. Some popular audiobook series include “Harry Potter,” “Percy Jackson,” and “The Magic Tree House.” For podcasts, try “Story Pirates,” “Brains On!” or “Wow in the World.”
Audiobooks and podcasts help improve listening skills and can spark interesting discussions. They also provide a break from screens, making them a great alternative for screen time.
3. Snack Packs
Preparing individual snack packs with a variety of healthy options and a few treats can be a lifesaver. Include items like sliced fruits, cheese sticks, crackers, granola bars, and a couple of special treats. Use small, reusable containers to minimize mess and keep snacks fresh.
Personal Anecdote: I remember one trip when my son had a meltdown just as we hit a traffic jam. Luckily, I had a snack pack ready, and a little bag of his favorite crackers saved the day!
4. Arts and Crafts Kits
Pack portable arts and crafts supplies like coloring books, crayons, sticker sheets, and travel-friendly craft kits. These supplies can keep kids busy and allow them to express their creativity. Opt for mess-free options like Crayola Color Wonder markers, which only work on special paper.
To avoid car chaos, store supplies in a small, easily accessible box or bag. This way, kids can grab what they need without creating a mess.
5. Tablets and Educational Apps
Tablets loaded with educational apps and games can keep kids entertained and learning. Set screen time limits to ensure a healthy balance with other activities. Some great educational apps include “ABCmouse,” “Khan Academy Kids,” and “Toca Boca” games.
Make sure to have headphones handy to avoid a cacophony of different sounds. Emphasize the importance of taking breaks from screens to look out the window, play a game, or chat.
6. Sing-Alongs and Road Trip Playlists
Creating a family-friendly playlist with everyone’s favorite songs can make the trip more enjoyable. Encourage sing-alongs to keep spirits high and make the journey feel shorter. Include a mix of upbeat songs, classic hits, and kid-friendly tunes.
A well-curated playlist can cater to different tastes and keep everyone entertained. Don’t forget to add a few silly songs that can spark laughter and fun.
7. Travel Journals
Encourage kids to document their journey with travel journals and disposable cameras. Journaling can be a fun and educational activity that promotes writing and observation skills. Kids can write about places they see, draw pictures, and collect small souvenirs like tickets or postcards to add to their journals.
Personal Anecdote: My son’s travel journal from our trip to the Grand Canyon is filled with adorable drawings and his unique perspective on the sights we saw. It’s now one of our cherished keepsakes.
8. Rest Stop Activities
Plan for frequent breaks and suggest activities for each stop. Activities like picnics, short hikes, or playground visits can help burn off energy and keep kids from getting too restless. It’s important to stretch and move around during long trips to avoid stiffness and crankiness.
Bring along essentials like a frisbee, a soccer ball, or a jump rope to make the most of each stop. These little breaks can make a big difference in the overall mood and energy levels of everyone in the car.
9. Mystery Bags
Prepare small surprise bags with toys, games, or treats to be opened at various milestones during the trip. These mystery bags add an element of excitement and anticipation. Fill them with items like small puzzles, travel games, or a new book.
You can tailor the contents to your child’s interests and the length of the trip. For example, include a new toy car for a child who loves vehicles or a mini craft kit for a budding artist.
Conclusion
With a bit of preparation and creativity, long road trips can be enjoyable for both kids and parents. Share your own tips and tricks for keeping kids entertained during road trips in the comments below!