Car Games to Occupy Kids while Driving
The car is one place some parents dread; at least when the kids are in it. That age-old children's chant "Are we there yet?" is an all-to-familiar song parent's have to repeatedly listen too until the car ride ends. If the prospect of taking a long car trip or even just a quick trip into town has got you filled with dread, here are a few ways to ward off that boredom bug and make the car ride a little less stressful for everyone.
The ABC Game
While you drive along, have your children look for words that begin with the letters of the alphabet starting from A and working their way to Z. They can look for words on billboards, traffic sings and any other place they see words as long as it's outside the car. (This same game can be done with numbers)
The I'm Thinking of an Animal
This game is always a winner with kids. Think of an animal. Have the kids take turns trying to guess which animal you're thinking of by asking you questions. As they gather clues from your answers let them take a stab at what it is. Everyone can have a turn picking an animal.
Let's Make a Story
Begin a story and have each person add to it. Oh, and Mom and Dad, feel free to interject a bit of over-the-kids-heads-humor for your own entertainment.
Let's go on a Scavenger Hunt
Scavenger hunts aren't just for the great outdoors. Before you hit the road make a list of things for the kids to keep an eye out for. Things like a blue car, a white house, a green mailbox, a fire truck, a stop sign, a gas station etcetera. Make your list appropriate for the route you'll be taking. Give each child their own copy of the list. As they find the items they can check them off. (You can also use stickers to place beside each item to make it a little more fun)
If these activities aren't enough to occupy the kids, here are a few more ideas.
Buy a plastic tote and fill it with activity books, coloring books and a few regular reading books. A brand new blank note book or drawing pad and a set of colored pencils or crayons just might do the trick also.
Many game manufacturers offer an assortment of travel games including checkers, battle ship, tic-tac-toe and bingo. These games can also be stored in a plastic tote and can be a life saver on long car trips with the kids.
These games should do the trick and entertain the children until you arrive at your destination.
With a little ingenuity and pre-planning, you should be able to keep that Boredom Bug at bay; at least for most of the trip.
