While road trips are an absolute blast, long stints in the car on the way to the next adventure can become a bit boring and of course there is the age old question, “are we there yet?” That is sure to become old extremely fast. So whether you don’t want to hand electronic devices over to your kids for the ride or they’ve become bored with their devices we suggest these electronic free ways to keep them entertained.
The first electronic-free form of entertainment is an easy one, simply talk to each other. There is no better place for some family bonding than when you’re all trapped in a car together. If you have younger kids ask them questions like: “If you could have a superpower which one would it be?” Then of course you could tell them which superpower you would love to have. You could also tell them stories from your childhood and in return you might learn something about theirs that you didn’t already know.
When you’ve exhausted the conversation you could then read them a story or if you get motion sickness, play an audiobook. Our friends at Butler Chrysler Dodge (Beaufort, SC) suggest that multi-book series like Harry Potter are great ones to play in the car. The series is long and does a great job of captivating audiences, you’re sure to pass several hours listening along before the kiddos start to get restless. When they do you can always pause the audiobook and start talking about everything that just happened.
While you’re listening to audiobooks are just jamming along to some music you can give the kids some coloring supplies to keep them further entertained. There are so many great coloring books out there to choose from! Activity books are another great way to keep them entertained and the educational version means they’ll learn a thing or two while they entertain themselves. Just don’t bring along markers or crayons since they melt. We suggest sticking to some good old colored pencils.
Games are always a great way to pass the time and there is a wide variety of them out there. You can make up bingo cards for each kid ahead of time with things you might see along the way. If you offer a treat when they get bingo you’re sure to keep them captivated. Another fun game to play is “Mad Libs.” The stories always end up being silly and highly amusing to read out loud to everyone.
Want to avoid hearing the age old “are we there yet?” Teach them how to read a map! Simply print out maps of the overall route you’ll be taking along with all the places you’ll be traveling and have them follow along. You can have them mark the spots off on their maps as you pass by so they will have an idea of how much space is in between them and the next stop.
All in all, if you follow any one of these suggestions you’re sure to keep your family occupied until you get to your next adventure!
