Car Trips

Summer is the time for lots of car trips. Whether these trips end up being short or long – every parent can use a few ideas to keep the kiddos occupied in such a small space. Some of these ideas are old….but we need to be reminded that they can still be fun and are oftentimes new ideas to our little ones. Other ideas may be something you had not thought of before. Either way – keep this list on hand the next time you all decide to pile in the car for that road trip!

*ABC Game ~ Everyone keeps an eye out for road signs and works their way through the alphabet as they spy each letter. You have to announce when you find your letter and everyone has to use a different sign. The first one to get all the way through the alphabet first – wins.

*I’m Goin’ On a Trip ~ This is one of my girls’ favorite games. We play different variations – you can go camping, go to Disneyland, or whatever! Each person takes turns thinking of an item they want to bring that starts with a letter of the alphabet. As the game progresses through the alphabet, you have to remember more and more items. You can make it hard or funny!

*Tally cars/vehicles ~ This used to keep me occupied for quite awhile and it also got me looking out the car windows as a kid. Just get a piece of paper and write down all the different color cars you can see. You can also add police cars, campers, motorhomes, buses, etc. Then you just put a tally mark each time you see one under that particular category. Fun to see what kind of cars there are a lot of!

*Laptop/Movie ~ This is a great thing to have if your children are getting antsy on a long trip. Just bring out a laptop with a children’s movie for them to watch.

*Pack Surprises ~ I always like to bring out a “car surprise” on long trips. Maybe it’s a new book, a special doll, a small toy they can manipulate and play with. Whatever it is – it will bring a fresh twist to the ride.

*Car Bag ~ Let your children pack a special car bag with items they would like to have for the journey.

*Puppet Shows ~ If you have finger puppets or even small beanie babies – the person in the front seat can do a puppet show over the seat back. This can be hilarious and a great distraction!

*Snacks/Drinks ~ An all-important thing to remember!

*Favorite Songs/Music ~ If your children have headphones, let them bring the along. Otherwise, give up your favorite tunes every once in awhile to load a kid CD into the player. Watch as the mood in your car relaxes and changes!

*Breaks ~ On really long trips – give everyone a break once in awhile. Stop to go to the restroom or just to get out and stretch. This can ease tensions considerably.

*Name That Tune ~ My children like to play this game. You hum a tune and everyone else has to guess what song you are humming!

Come up with your own ideas and watch them become tradition for future car adventures.