It’s that time of year again! The time of year where families all over the country load up their cars and head out on the wide open road. Summer road trips are probably one of my favorite kinds of vacations because it allows you to really get out their and see the country. Sure it’s great to get to your destination quickly by flying but then you miss out on all the between stuff and the bonding time that can only happen inside of a car. But for parents, it can be hard to figure out how to keep your kids entertained during those long road trips. But don’t worry! I’ve got you covered with some great tips and activities that will keep your kids busy and having fun.
How To Keep Your Kids Entertained During Long Road Trips
Have an Activity Bag for Each Child
I like to let my kids pack a small bag and fill it with some of their favorite items. This can be things like crossword puzzles, coloring books, video games, etc. Having their own bag helps them to have their own personal space with their things. It may seem trivial but trust me, when kids are cooped up together in a car they love the personal space. Even if it’s a small space like a bag. I also like to make sure that my kids bags are all individually marked with their own bag tag. I particularly like themed tags like these cute LEGO Batman Movie Luggage tags. You can use these tags on just about anything. My kids love them!
Pack Plenty of Snacks
Snacks are essential for road trips! Having fun snacks just helps pass the time and keeps your kids from getting bored as easily. You can pack a variety of healthy snacks like pretzels, trail mix, gold fish, and mixed nuts. I love these organizer case containers that have several different spots for snacks. And since they have a lid it keeps snacks where they are suppose to be instead of all over the car. And don’t forget to pack plenty of drinks. We also put a small cooler in the back seat and fill it with things like bottled water, juice pouches, and sometimes soda.
Books are a Great Way to Pass The Time
Before we take our road trips we also let the kids pick out a few new books. This way they are not only being entertained but they are getting some reading time in. Most of the time my kids will pick out books that are colorful and fun. This years theme seems to be movie books like the LEGO Batman Movie books. These books are great because both my kids love the LEGO movies so they can trade off the books when they are done reading them.
Take Frequent Breaks
I know that this tip will put extra time on your road trip but it will help keep your kids from getting cranky and bored being the car for a long period of time. By stopping at rest stops this will allow the whole family to stretch your legs, take a potty break and run off some steam. I like to stop at places where the kids can run around for a few minutes. It’s always a bonus when we can stop at a road side attraction!
Play Car Games Like Eye-Spy
Car games are always a huge hit with my family. My kids can play eye-spy and slug bug for hours. This can really help keep their minds distracted from being in the car for a long time and it helps them to look out the window and see how different states can be.
Have a Back-Up Plan when kids get Really Bored
No matter how hard you try, there are going to be times were kids start to get restless and bored in the back seat. These are the times when siblings start to argue and fight and that fun road trip can turn south in only a matter of minutes. This is when I like to pull out my secret weapon. TOYS! These are surprise toys that I’ve stashed away for emergency moments such as these and you know what? It always works. My go-to surprise toy are small LEGO sets. Believe it or not, these are the perfect toy to keep your kids entertained. Right now there are several small LEGO sets that are perfect for travel but my favorites are the LEGO BrickHeadz. I stashed away a Batgirl and The Joker BrickHeadz and my kids are going to LOVE them!
MOVIES, MOVIES, MOVIES!
You can never go wrong with movies. We have a portable DVD player we take on road trips and I always bring along several different movies. I like to get movies that all of my kids like, this way it avoids arguments. There are a ton of great movies coming out on DVD this summer including the LEGO Batman movie which comes out June 13th on DVD. This is a movie that is for both boys and girls and actually adults too! I love the LEGO Movies.
So there are some of my tips on how to keep your kids entertained on long road trips. I know that every family does things a little differently so I’d love to hear your tips! Leave me a comment and let me know what activities or must have products you use on road trips.
- I received the above products in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.