How to Entertain Children While Traveling

Traveling with children can be very stressful, especially if you are driving or going on long trips. The hardest part of the trip is keeping them entertained long enough for you to get there. With a little planning, you can reduce the stress on all of you.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Appropriate clothing and toiletries
• Medications needed
• Books
• Coloring Books
• Puzzles
• Small activities
• List of games to play
• Tape or CD of children's songs
• Recent photographs of children

Plan in Advance

1. Book a hotel that is child-friendly. If they don't have cribs or high chairs, keep looking.

2. Search online for tourist areas along your route that your children would like. Plan breaks in these areas. Keep in mind, however, they may not want to leave quickly, so plan for at least a thirty minute to an hour break.

3. Pack or help pack your children's bags. Be sure they have appropriate clothing and toiletries. If you have bathing suits in winter weather, you probably won't be able to leave the room until someone goes shopping!

4. Take any medications needed. Ask your doctor for a prescription if you think you will need more, and locate a doctor and pharmacy nearby, just in case.

5. Take a recent photo of your child with you. Also have a list of what they are wearing each day. This will help should your child get lost.

6. Count your children each time you get on and off your vehicle, and use the "buddy system". This is especially important when you have more than four children.

Locate Family Activities Near Your Destination

7. Search online for any events near your hotel.

8. Search online for tourist attractions and amusement parks.

9. Ask your hotel if they provide any entertainment.

10. Buy tickets in advance for popular destinations like Disneyland, amusement parks, and concerts.

Bring Familiar Objects

11. Discourage taking well-loved items. Tell your children they can each pick one or two toys to bring back with them instead.

12. Allow children to bring enough books to read during the trip.

13. Encourage your children to bring puzzles with a few large pieces that are easy to keep track of, or copy photos and make your own puzzles.

14. Encourage children to bring small activities such as coloring books or handheld games that are easy to keep track of.

15. Bring a tape or CD of children's songs and trip favorites, such as "The Wheels on the Bus Go Round and Round". Turn your trip into a sing-a-long.

16. Play "I Spy", "Slugbug" and other games you can play anywhere. Make sure the rules are clear ahead of time. You don't want to add crying children to your list of things to worry about!

Tips & Warnings

• Never leave your children alone while traveling, even for a minute.
• Don't forget important items like medications, inhalers, glasses and contacts.