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Entertaining kids during a family road trip doesn’t have to be a headache. Road trips can be a lot of fun, but they can also be challenging when it comes to keeping children occupied. It’s a valuable opportunity for you and your children to bond. While it’s easy to resort to giving them a phone, why not view this as a chance to spend quality time together? Armed with these tried-and-true strategies, you can transform a mundane drive into cherished memories. In this blog post, I’ll share a wide range of road trip activities for kids of all ages, from toddlers to teens.
Why Road Trip Activities Are Important
Road trips are a fantastic way to create lasting memories with your family. However, without the right activities, boredom can quickly set in, leading to whining and restlessness. This is where road trip activities for kids come in handy. They not only keep your little ones entertained but also help pass the time and make the journey more enjoyable for everyone involved. So, let’s dive into some of the best road trip activities for kids that will make your journey a breeze!
Road Trip Activities for Kids of all ages
Learn Conversation Games
You can unleash your creativity and enjoy a variety of games together. Explore timeless classics such as ‘I Spy’ and engaging options like ‘Would You Rather’ or the Alphabet Game. This list offers numerous exciting choices. Conversation games captivate kids, often empowering them to take the conversational lead and spark genuine laughter. Encourage active participation from the entire family to transform a quiet drive, where children are engrossed in screens, into a journey filled with joy and amusement.
Cartoons and Movies
Television screens are ubiquitous nowadays, appearing on various devices like cell phones, elevators, airplanes, restrooms, portable movie players, and even vehicles. When embarking on a long journey, it’s almost a given to bring kid-friendly TV shows and movies to keep the rear-seat passengers engaged. It’s surprising how time flies for even the pickiest passengers once the on-screen entertainment starts.
Among all the road trip activities for kids, watching movies is the most autonomous. It should be considered for such occasions when adults need to discuss something or relax. Just keep in mind that without a VPN for Netflix on your trip, your standard library may not be available. To regain access to it, you need a Netflix VPN. One of the most successful services is VeePN; it works confidently with Netflix and other streaming services. Through VeePN you can access streaming platforms wherever you are.
Last Word Game
The fun doesn’t have to mean loud and rowdy. Enter the quiet game, where contestants strive to be the quietest for the longest time. This game draws inspiration from childhood arguments, except with a twist. Each “did not” or “did too” must be uttered softer and slower than the previous player. The goal is to say it so softly that your opponent completely misses it, resulting in your victory. Avoid any loud outbursts, as they lead to an automatic loss.
Animal Spotting
A vehicle in Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada encountered an elk crossing the road. Can you spot the most animals during the journey? It can be any moving creature, from deer and livestock to specific bird species, roadkill, or even sun-dried insects stuck between the dashboard and windshield. You can make it a competitive or non-competitive activity based on the situation, and consider offering a small prize to encourage participation. To keep track, appoint someone to record who spotted what and determine the winner at the next rest stop.
Books
Don’t forget to pack your children’s favorite stories if they can read while traveling without getting motion sick. If you’re traveling with multiple children, let them take turns practicing reading aloud while you drive. Reading aloud builds confidence and keeps them occupied, preventing potential quarrels with siblings. Audiobooks are also a great option, and you can download them onto tablets or phones depending on their compatibility. If you need help choosing an audiobook, here’s a selection for children from preschool to middle school.
Sing-Alongs
We’re not suggesting you promote underage drinking by singing “Ninety-Nine Bottles of Beer on the Wall.” Instead, you can enjoy singing other age-appropriate songs together. Explore the “Kids Music” section at your local music store or tune in to a kid-centric channel on satellite radio.
So, the next time you’re faced with a long drive and worry about how to keep your active little ones entertained, don’t worry. Just remember that with a little creativity, inclusion, and minimal expense, you can make the journey as enjoyable as the destination itself.
Cameras
Let your kids capture memories on the go by taking photos. Give them your phone, a disposable camera, or an old digital camera to keep them entertained while they improve their photography skills. When the journey ends, you can compare pictures and enjoy seeing the trip from their perspective.
Keep in mind that depending on your children’s ages, the photo quality may vary, but that’s part of the fun!
Snack Time Fun
You can even keep the kids entertained with food. And let’s admit it, the most memorable family road trips always have delicious snacks. Consider adding exciting and interactive snacks like homemade trail mix or DIY sandwiches. Involve your kids in making the trail mix ahead of time or have them prepare a sandwich for someone else in the family. It creates a warm atmosphere when everyone lovingly prepared something for another family member.
Road Trip Activities for Toddlers
Traveling with toddlers can be a challenge, but with the right activities, it can also be a lot of fun. Here are some road trip activities specifically designed for little ones:
Magnetic Road Trip Games
Toddlers love playing games, and magnetic road trip games are perfect for on-the-go entertainment. These games feature magnetic pieces that stay in place, preventing frustration when pieces fall on the ground. Look for options like magnetic puzzles, tic-tac-toe, or checkers to keep your little ones engaged and entertained.
Sing-Along Songs and Nursery Rhymes
Singing songs and nursery rhymes is not only fun but also a great way to teach your toddler new words and improve their language skills. Create a playlist of their favorite songs and sing along together during the journey. You can also bring along a nursery rhyme book or play nursery rhyme videos on a tablet or smartphone.
Sticker Books and Coloring Activities
Sticker books and coloring activities are perfect for keeping little hands busy during a road trip. Bring along a variety of stickers and coloring books featuring their favorite characters or themes. You can also print out coloring pages related to your destination or the sights you’ll see along the way.
Interactive Books and Board Books
Interactive books and board books are great for entertaining toddlers during a road trip. Look for books with flaps to lift, buttons to press, or textures to touch. These types of books engage their senses and keep them engaged for longer periods.
Snacks and Finger Foods
Don’t underestimate the power of snacks! Pack a variety of toddler-friendly snacks and finger foods to keep your little one satisfied during the journey. Opt for healthy options like cut-up fruits, cheese cubes, or veggie sticks. Snacks can also double as a distraction when needed.
Road Trip Activities for School-Aged Kids
As your kids get older, their interests and attention spans change. Here are some road trip activities that are perfect for school-aged kids:
Mad Libs
Mad Libs are a classic road trip activity that both kids and adults enjoy. These fill-in-the-blank stories allow kids to unleash their creativity and sense of humor. Pack a Mad Libs book or print out some free templates before your trip.
Audiobooks and Podcasts
Audiobooks and podcasts are fantastic options for keeping older kids entertained during a road trip. Choose age-appropriate books or podcasts that align with their interests. From adventure stories to educational podcasts, there’s something for every taste.
Travel Journals
Encourage your kids to document their road trip adventures in a travel journal. Provide them with a notebook and some colored pencils or markers. They can write about their experiences, draw pictures of the places they visit, or create a scrapbook of their journey.
Travel Games
Classic travel games like “I Spy,” the license plate game, or the alphabet game are always a hit. These games not only keep kids entertained but also encourage observation skills and promote friendly competition among siblings.
DIY Crafts and Projects
Bring along some craft supplies and encourage your kids to get creative during the journey. They can make friendship bracelets, create origami figures, or do simple DIY projects. These activities are not only fun but also help develop fine motor skills.
Road Trip Activities for Teens
Teenagers often have specific interests and preferences when it comes to entertainment. Here are some road trip activities that will keep your teens engaged and entertained:
Portable DVD Player or Tablet
While screen time should be limited, a portable DVD player or tablet can be a lifesaver during long road trips. Load up on their favorite movies or TV shows and let them enjoy some downtime. Just make sure to bring headphones to avoid disturbing other passengers.
Road Trip Playlist or Podcasts
Let your teens curate their own road trip playlist or choose their favorite podcasts to listen to during the journey. Music and podcasts are a great way for them to relax, unwind, and enjoy the ride.
Travel Photography
Encourage your teens to bring along their cameras or smartphones and capture the beautiful moments and sights during the road trip. They can create their own travel photography project or start a blog to document their experiences.
Card Games and Board Games
Card games and board games are excellent options for engaging teens during a road trip. Pack a deck of cards or their favorite board game to play together as a family. These games not only provide entertainment but also foster family bonding.
Road Trip Scavenger Hunts
Create a road trip scavenger hunt for your teens to keep them engaged and entertained. You can come up with a list of items or landmarks they need to spot along the way. This activity adds an element of excitement and adventure to the journey.
Additional Tips for a Successful Road Trip
In addition to these road trip activities, here are some extra tips to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey:
- Pack a variety of snacks and drinks to keep everyone well-fed and hydrated throughout the trip.
- Take regular breaks to stretch your legs, use the restroom, and explore interesting sights along the way.
- Plan your route ahead of time and research interesting stops or attractions along the way to break up the journey.
- Bring along comfort items like pillows, blankets, and stuffed animals to make the car ride more cozy and familiar.
- Consider investing in travel-friendly games and activities that can be easily stored and used during future road trips.
Conclusion
You now have quite a wide range of on-the-go activities to keep the kids occupied. The range includes both autonomous entertainment that does not require parental participation, as well as joint activities. The more options you have, the easier it will be to endure a long trip.
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