Driving to your destination for family trips and vacations is cost-effective and simpler than flying. However, a long time in the car can feel like torture for parents and children alike. Here are five ways to keep your kids occupied and make everyone happy during a lengthy car ride.
-
Family Car Games
Many of us have fond memories of playing games in the car with family. For decades, games such as I Spy and 20 Questions have helped drivers stay alert and have kept children entertained. Some good car games to try on your next trip include license plate lingo, the alphabet game, and the map game.
License plate lingo is easy and can lead to absolute hilarity. Taking turns, each player picks a license plate from another vehicle on the road and makes up what the letters stand for. For example, a license plate beginning in “GHY” might mean “Gremlins Hate Yarn.” You get the idea. Check the internet for more car game ideas and explanations.
-
Audiobooks
Sometimes listening to music can be a bore. Instead of playing the same songs over and over, save everyone’s sanity with an audiobook. Find a book that everyone will like and play it over the speakers for the drive. Many audiobooks are between 8 and 13 hours long, so you might even get to finish the story on the way home. If your family can’t agree on a book to enjoy, they can listen to their own selections through their headphones with their devices.
Check your local library’s website for audiobook downloading options. The Chesapeake Public Library uses programs like Overdrive and Hoopla to allow members to borrow digital audiobooks.
-
Travel Binder
Create a travel binder for each kid, including specific things they love. Some kids might enjoy a few children’s magazines like Highlights or High Five. You can also fill the binder with coloring pages featuring their favorite movie characters or superheroes. Other great add-ins include stickers, word searches, math games, and Mad Libs. Put a zipper pouch pencil holder in the binder with pencils, crayons, pens, or whatever each specific child likes. The binder contents will vary with age, but you might even want to get your kids’ input on what they would like.
-
Mess-Free Coloring and Drawing
The Magic Pad and other mess-free coloring options with special paper and markers are ideal for little ones during long trips. They can color and create without making a mess on the car or themselves. Water markers with special drawing pads are also a great idea.
-
Opt for a Backseat Entertainment System
Most family-sized vehicles offer a backseat entertainment system. The 2020 Toyota Sienna offers a dual-view rear entertainment system with a 16.4-inch color screen that folds down from the ceiling. It includes a Blu-ray player, and an SD and HDMI hook-up. With the available wireless hotspot enabled, the kids can stream their favorite movies and TV shows the whole ride. Toyota’s third-row SUVs also offer this type of entertainment system.
Come by Priority Toyota Chesapeake to browse our selection of new vehicles. Find the perfect family vehicle with all of the convenient features you want and space you need to make every trip fun and easy.
Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License
Connect with us
