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Summer is approaching and that means for many of us hitting the road. Here are (7) ways to curb the “are we there yet?” question.
These ideas are both fun and affordable including some screen free ways to keep the kiddos entertained. What activities do your children enjoy in the car?
7 Ways to Entertain Kids in the Car
Coloring Sheets/ Coloring books – This is along the lines of worksheets but just remember the coloring tools. Colored pencils might be good as crayons can melt in hot cars and markers can get everywhere. You can use a small dry erase board or magnetic white board to help secure the pages in their place.
Worksheets – There are several FREE options where you can download them and print them. It’s a great way for the kids to learn while on the drive. Here are some worksheets available: Flower Life Cycle Printable, Frozen Themed Worksheets, Animals Handwriting Worksheet
Books / Kindle – Books are a must on a road trip whether they are a hardcopy or on electronics. If you need some new books to entertain, the library is a great resource for FREE books and audiobooks! You can also ask your friends to do a book swap so you have new books for the trip. Don’t forget about FREE Kindle book offers on Amazon too.
Parenting Technology Tip: If you have an iPad turn on Guided Access to lock down the iPad or iPhone to the app or screen the kids are on. Now you’ve locked their attention exactly to the things you want them in and aren’t getting into trouble! This also saves you from having to constantly go back to the app for younger kids that mess up and exit accidentally.
Audiobooks – This is a nice option if the whole family wants to be entertained or the kids get carsick while reading. The library has select copies plus you can grab an 30-day Audible FREE trial for new customers. Their trial is also giving you two free audiobooks right now!
We love some sets, so if you need ideas check out Adventures in Odyssey (many are free right now for Amazon Prime members that use Amazon Music) sets or the Lamplighter Audio Theater for great family friendly stores.
Movie / Music- You can pack some headphones or have a family sing along. You can also play “Name that Song” or other fun music games too. If you need some down town, a movie can always be an option too!
Snack– Stay away from sticky items but crumbly snacks can be vacuumed even if they make a mess. Choose food with shapes like alphabet or animal crackers. I do break the sticky rule and pack 3 year old and up lollipops. It’s a great 15 minutes of silence…
“I Spy”, My Cows or Travel Bingo – Let kids explore while traveling! Here is a Car Bingo printable or you can easily make your own. We have a family favorite car game called “My Cows” thanks to an old college roomate. The first person to see a field of cows calls them. See who has the most herds by the end of the trip (their are rules to our game like a you can only call it if there are 5+ cows in the field) but every family can make their own rules.
For toy ideas, here are some of my favorites for younger kids.
Magnetic Alphabet and Board
Crayola Dry Erase Travel Kit
Melissa & Doug Travel Memory Game
Alex Toys Little Hands Write & Wipe
