“Are we there yet?” 
“How many more miles?”
“I need to potty.”
“He touched me.”
“She looked at me.”
Summer may be the prime time to head out for a family road trip, but these words from the backseat can make them less than enjoyable. So what’s a mom to do to make the trip bearable?
We live thirty miles from town so even a trip to the grocery store is a short drive. Those short drives have helped me to come up with ideas that keep the little minds busy without pushing play on the DVD player. (Of course, the fact that the DVD player quit playing about a month after we got our family vehicle helps. We just chose not to fix it, but that’s a story for another time.)
1. Books
Books. Outside of the car seats and the diaper bag, books are the one consistent in my car. I keep a canvas basket between my older two children’s seats. Even though neither of them read yet, both will flip through the books and look at the pictures. Toss in some books about your child’s current interests and some with beautiful illustrations, and you’re ready to go.
2. Coloring Books
These are a super frugal way to provide entertainment for your child and to work on his or her fine motor skills. I prefer colored pencils as they don’t melt in the hot car like crayons do. Another option is the special magic markers that only mark on certain paper.
3. Count Windmills
Any object you’ll see every few miles will do. We use windmills, blue cars, trains, horses, etc.
4. I Spy
This gets a little interesting if your child doesn’t know all his colors yet, but once he does you can easily play for a long time. Plus, it is great practice for identifying colors.
5. The ABC Game
This one works well when you are going through towns as there are more signs the kiddos can see from the back seat. Simply start with A and work your way to Z. Or if your child is just starting to learn letters, you can simply point out the letters he or she knows.
6. Reusable Stickers
Reusable Stickers. A friend gifted my children some of these when we visited. Now I keep some tucked away for times when I want a little peace and quiet on our trips.
7. Sing-a-longs
Hit play on a kids’ playlist or a pop a CD in the stereo. Then join your children in singing silly kids songs, Sunday School songs, or even scripture set to music.
8. Scavenger Hunt
Before you hit the road or as you drive, give your children items to watch for. Something as simple as animals or trucks can keep preschoolers on the look out.
9. Audio Books or Read-a-longs
These are great for when you need a little break from interacting constantly. I find them especially helpful for when I want the car to be quiet enough for my nappers to fall asleep. My five-year old enjoys read-alongs a great deal, and they still keep her hands and eyes occupied while her brothers go to sleep.
Family road trips are sure to create memories for your family, and if you prepare a little in advance, you can make the trip delightful for everyone even without screens.
Do you have any tips for keeping littles entertained when traveling?
