Think you’ve got your kids all packed and ready for a summer road trip once you’ve worn your most comfortable travel boots and prepared to go?
Wrong! Not if you’ve neglected to supply them with the tools they need to keep themselves entertained for however many hours you’re traveling. As most parents know, kids get bored quickly.
One minute they’re happily kicking their feet and flipping through an old National Geographic magazine, and the next, they’re faking car sickness so that you’ll pull over at the next rest stop.
So how can you avoid pulling over every five minutes to soothe your child-turned-whiny nightmare?
Check out these five ways to keep your kids busy while traveling:
1. Play The License Plate Game
The license plate game is perfect for keeping your kids entertained while traveling in the car. It requires you to find an odd license plate that starts with a specific letter, then tries to find another one that begins with the same letter but ends with another. This can help keep everyone engaged and entertained during long trips.
Even young children can do this, and it’s a terrific way to help them learn about different nations, states, and their capitals.
There are many license plate game variations. The most popular one involves matching the state name with its corresponding abbreviation or nickname.
2. Download Fun Online Games and Apps
You can download online games and apps on your phone or tablet for your child to play when you’re on the road.
You should consider downloading educational apps that teach them something new or help them learn how to spell words correctly. For example, an online jigsaw puzzle can help improve concentration skills in your child’s brain.
This game is quite popular among kids and adults alike. It helps improve their imagination & problem-solving skills.
Online puzzles come in various categories, including people, nature, animals, cuisine, and many more. You can even find some branded ones like Disney Princesses, My Little Pony, and Transformers, to name a few!
Sudoku is another game that is easy to play and very addictive. You can teach sudoku to your kids and keep them occupied even during long flights and train rides.
Besides jigsaw puzzles and sudoku, many games are available for download, including word games and board games such as chess, checkers, monopoly, and mahjongg.
3. Coloring Books and Crayons
One of the most acceptable methods to keep your kids occupied when traveling is coloring books and crayons. They are compact and light, taking up minimal space in your baggage.
Choose a coloring book with lots of different pictures and colors. You can also buy different colored crayons (24 colors recommended) so that they can color each picture in the book differently. This will keep them engaged for hours together, and they will not get bored quickly.
If you have older children, try getting them a notebook and pen so they can write down their thoughts or draw pictures of what they see as you travel. This will help them stay engaged and focused during the drive.
4. Set Up Movie Time & Audiobooks
Setting up a movie time for your kids is one of the simplest methods to keep them entertained for hours.
This is an excellent way for kids to have fun on the commute if they have an iPad or tablet. They may view movies, listen to music, and play games. Consider purchasing a tablet or iPad if you don’t already have one for vacation.
If you don’t want your child to spend the entire trip watching movies, think about setting up a quiet space where they may read books or make art instead.
This is also a good way for them to learn more about new places and cultures they may encounter along the way!
Another excellent way for kids to stay entertained on long drives is audiobooks and podcasts.
While many people might not think they are educational enough, audiobooks can be a very effective learning tool for children as they can learn about a wide range of topics.
If your children are old enough, try getting them some audiobooks on science, history, or even mathematics. This will not only help them stay entertained but also educate them at the same time.
5. Use Dried Snacks for Crafts
You can use pretzels, Chex mix, or other snacks to make fun shapes and designs on paper. Kids will love making simple designs with their hands and eating snacks after they’re done.
You can also try giving your children dried peas or beads to make a necklace. String the beads onto a piece of twine or yarn before you add the peas so that they don’t get lost inside the beads when you wear them as jewelry. This craft is perfect for little girls who love wearing necklaces and bracelets.
Another excellent snack craft idea is to make a face with dried apples and bananas. Cut the apples into circles and stick them onto the bananas with toothpicks. Use raisins for the eyes and mouth.
Final Words
Whether you’re entertaining your children or mentoring kids traveling with you, there are plenty of ways to keep them busy. Make sure you have a bag of quick, fun activities ready before you get in the car to keep the kids occupied as you travel.
With just a little preparation and creativity, even the longest road trip can be a fun-filled experience for everyone.