How to Entertain Kids on a Road Trip

If you are planning a road trip whether it is a few hours or several days, you need to be prepared to entertain the kids. Having a plan before time will allow you to stay on top of the complaining and make the trip easier on all of you. Read on to learn more.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• snacks
• coloring books, colored pencils
• small games
• small toys
• books
• electronic games
• DVD player and movies

1. You first need to be sure to have plenty of snacks. Packing healthy snacks will reduce the sugar surges that often accompany sugary foods. People, especially kids tend to eat when they are bored, so having healthy snacks will keep their tummy's happy.

2. Have a bag for all the things you need to entertain your child. This bag can be a "family" bag with everyone's activities, or each child can have an individual bag.

3. Grab several books for each child. Ensure the books age appropriate. For younger children that do not read, or do not read well, you may want to record the book onto a tape (or CD) and take a player and headphones so the book can be read to the child without disturbing others.

4. Coloring books can provide entertainment as well. Crayons are not ideal as they can be lost in a car and end up melting in the heat, ruining the carpet or upholstery. Colored pencils are a great substitute, but bring a sharpener just in case. Markers are fine for older children, but may be used to draw on everything by a younger child.

5. There are several great small games that can be used in the car. There are several travel versions of popular games including Hungry Hungry Hippos! These should be age appropriate since small pieces could be eaten by a small child.

6. If you have any electronic games, they are wonderful on road trips. Educational games are ideal; but any game you are comfortable with will keep your child happy for a while. If the gaming system allows for headphones, get them! The extra noise from several different sources may give you a headache.

7. Keep a supply of small toys with you. Take them out one at a time as your little one gets bored. Take away the previous toy and save for later. You can bring favorite toys, or buy a few new ones for your trip. The new ones will bring extra excitement.

8. Research the internet for travel games. These are the games you play together such as license plate tag or I spy. Write down a list of these games and start one when the kids get restless. You can modify the games based on your child or as you run out of things to play.

9. If you have a portable DVD player, grab some favorite movies. When everything else has been used and the kids are still bored, you can throw a movie on. This will get them happy and may encourage a nap for some kids. After the movie, you can try the other activities again.

Tips & Warnings

• Try one activity at a time and play it until boredom kicks in, then switch. You can come back to that activity later.
• If you use headphones, make sure the volume is low to prevent hurting your child's hearing.
• Keep small plastic bags available when playing video games or watching movies. Your child may get motion sickness.

Resources

• Road Trip Games
• Family Fun - road trip games

[travelwithkids]

on 7/27/2009 Great tips on family travel. Thanks! 5*