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-alongs 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:
License 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.
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