Road Trip Hacks: 10 Tips for Keeping Kids Entertained on a Road Trip
Road trips are a great way to bond with your family and create lasting memories. However, with the confined space and long hours on the road, keeping your kids entertained can be a challenge. Fortunately, there are many ways to make the journey more enjoyable and keep everyone engaged. Here are some tips on how to keep kids entertained on a road trip.
Bring a variety of entertainment options
One of the best ways to keep kids entertained on a road trip is to bring a variety of entertainment options. This can include books, games, toys, and electronic devices. You can also include some classic road trip games like I Spy, the License Plate Game, and the Alphabet Game.
Purchase game or puzzle books
If you're about to head out on a long road trip, stop by your local bookstore and purchase a game or puzzle book for everyone to do together while driving. Sometimes we do crosswords, Mad Libs, or hangman. But lately, we’ve been into solving mystery clues, and Would You Rather? There are many different types of books available, so you can find one that suits your family's interests and skill levels.
Pack a bag of toys
Another way to keep kids entertained on a road trip is to pack a bag of toys. This can include dolls, action figures, cars, and puzzles. Make sure to pack toys that are appropriate for your child's age and interests. You can also rotate the toys throughout the trip to keep things fresh and exciting.
TIP: I like to go through the kids’ toys about a month before we leave on a trip and “hide” a few toys/games/animals away. Then when the toy comes back during our trip there is a renewed sense of excitement.
Bring snacks and drinks
Food and drinks can go a long way in keeping kids happy and entertained on a road trip. Pack a cooler with snacks and drinks that your kids enjoy. You can also bring some new snacks to try, as this can be a fun way to pass the time. Just make sure to avoid anything that is too messy or difficult to eat in the car.
TIP: Honestly, I notice that my kids prefer homemade snacks over store-bought. So that’s what I bring. But if there’s a snack you often find yourself saying no to, this might be the perfect time to make an exception. It can also be a great bargaining chip!
Create a scavenger hunt
A scavenger hunt can be a fun way to keep kids entertained on a road trip. You can create a list of items for your kids to find along the way, such as a red car, a cow, or a water tower. You can also include some fun and silly items to keep things interesting. You can even offer a prize for the first person to complete the scavenger hunt.
Listen to audiobooks or podcasts
Audiobooks and podcasts can be a great way to keep kids entertained on a road trip, especially if they get car sick when they read. You can find audiobooks and podcasts on a variety of topics and genres, so you're sure to find something that your family will enjoy. You can also take turns picking what to listen to, as this can be a fun way to learn new things and spark discussions.
Our favorite audiobooks are anything by Kate DiCamillo! And if you’re willing to read aloud to your kids, definitely pick up the Mercy Watson series. The illustrations are fabulous!! For podcasts - if you’re heading to a specific national park I highly recommend Dirt In My Shoes, a podcast based on the popular website of the same name. Just find the corresponding NP series and listen away.
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Play music and sing along
Music can be a great way to pass the time on a road trip, and singing along can be a fun and interactive way to keep kids entertained. You can create a playlist of your family's favorite songs or take turns choosing songs to play. You can also sing along to the radio or play some car karaoke.
Take breaks and stretch your legs
It's important to take breaks and stretch your legs during a long road trip. This can help prevent restlessness and boredom. You can plan to stop at rest areas or attractions along the way, or you can simply pull over and take a short walk. This can also be a great way to explore new areas and create new memories.
TIP: Look for rest areas with playgrounds! They do exist and they are hands down the best place to stop and have lunch.
Play travel-themed games
Playing travel-themed games can be a fun way to keep kids entertained on a road trip. You can play games like "Guess That Destination," where one person thinks of a place they want to go, and the others have to ask yes or no questions to guess the destination. You can also play "Road Trip Bingo," where you create a bingo card with things you might see on the road, like a red car or a windmill, and mark off the items as you see them.
Encourage creativity
Encouraging creativity can be a great way to keep kids entertained on a road trip. You can bring along some art supplies, like paper and markers, and encourage your kids to draw or create stories. You can also play "Story Starters," where one person starts a story, and the others take turns adding to the story.
In a nutshell, keeping kids entertained on a road trip can be a challenge, but with a bit of planning and creativity, it can also be a fun and enjoyable experience. Bringing a variety of entertainment options, packing a bag of toys, and creating a scavenger hunt are just a few ways to keep kids engaged and happy. Encouraging creativity, playing travel-themed games, and taking breaks can also make the journey more enjoyable. By using these tips, you can help ensure that your road trip is a success and create lasting memories with your family.