Car Entertainment, Games, & Ideas

Keeping children occupied during car rides does not have to be a challenge if you keep these simple tips in mind on your next road trip. Not only will it keep the ride smooth and reduce your stress, but also keep the kids from being anxious and from fighting.

Snack-Pack:
Pack a goody bag for each child containing their favorite snacks like dry crackers, fruits, juice, and small cereal.

Games:
Small electronic games, deck of cards, or any light weight games that they can take with them and play in the car.

Audio Tapes or CD:
You can get audio tapes of children’s books and stories from the local library. Sing-along's and classical music are also popular.

Toys:
Have the kids pick a couple of their favorite toys to bring along for the ride. This will keep them entertained and occupied. Also drawing boards such as ‘Etcha Sketch’ and small dry erase boards & pens are great for toddlers.

TV-VCR::
Pop in your kids’ favorite video. Although more expensive, there are portable TV-VCR units that plugs into the car lighter.

Car Seat Activity Center:
For babies, an activity center is stimulating and attaches to the car seat or the seat in front of the baby.

Ideas for Car Games & Activities:

icense Plate Game:
Have each child write down the different state license plates that pass by. At the end of the trip, whoever has the most states wins.

Guess the distance:
Pick a large object a distance away and have each child guess how many miles to that object. Set the trip odometer to find which guess is the closest. The winner picks the next object for the others to guess the distance.

I Spy:
One player picks an object in their field of vision and gives a clue by saying, “I spy with my little eye something…” The clue can be the objects shape, color, size or its’ function. The other players can ask questions and the player only answers ‘yes’ or ‘no’. The player who guesses right becomes the new spy.

Map the way:
Copy a map of your road trip and have the kids use a crayon to follow the route that you are taking. They can also draw in interesting things or landmarks they saw along the way. This is a great way to teach young kids to read and use a map. Afterwards they can include their map in their travel journal or scrapbook of the trip.

Spelling Bee:
One person picks an object they see and the others take turns to correctly spell it. The first person to correctly spell it picks the next object for the others to spell.

Favorites:
“What is your favorite…color? movie? song? toy? food? etc”. Everyone must say what their favorite is to the question asked and then each person takes turns asking a different ‘favorite’ question.