Keeping Kids Occupied on Long Road Trips
It can be hard enough to keep kids occupied while at home and making sure they're entertained on a long road trip can seem like a pretty daunting task. But with a little bit of preparation, you can keep the dreaded, "Are We There Yet?" chorus at bay.
Way before you hit the road you need to begin thinking about your family's needs. Newborn Jane may look adorable in your coupe, but several years later teen Jane, pre-teen Jack, and infant Joe are going to be pretty miserable cozying up for a long trip. This doesn't mean you should go out and buy the largest gas-guzzler you can find, but try and think a few years ahead before going through with any vehicle purchase.
One of the easiest ways to keep children entertained on a road trip is to make sure they get involved in planning activities to keep them busy. Make a trip to the local library and let each child select a few audio books on subjects that interest them. Create a Car-Trip' CD or playlist with favorites from each member of the family. Hearing your favorite 80s tunes between selections from "High School Musical" can help you keep your sanity as well as keep the kids interested in what might come next through the speakers.
Pack a lunchbox of snacks for each family member. Kids can choose one or two special treats to celebrate events like 100-Miles-Traveled!' or One Hour Left!' on the way. One of my favorite things to find the fridge when I used to babysit was grapes. For those that are not feint at heart, see who can stuff the most grapes in their cheeks at once (just be sure to check the floor for the grapes that escaped when you arrive at your destination!). Grape-stuffing has the added benefit of keeping the kids quiet, at least while their cheeks are full!
Road trips are about family, and for older children, using the time to share family history can be something they treasure forever. Maybe Grandpa Tommy flew planes in a war, or Great-Grandma Karo boarded a ship to the United States all by herself when she was still a young woman. These family stories can be more thrilling than any movie, and it gives children a chance to develop a strong sense of themselves and their heritage.
Finally, be sure to take your time and be safe. Everyone can benefit from pulling over at a rest area to stretch and enjoy the view. Be realistic about your plans. Not many families are going to enjoy a non-stop 3,000 car-trip at break-neck speed, but if you spread it out over a few days with some interesting sights on the way, it can create great memories for everyone. Happy travels!
