Long summer drives with children can be a wonderful experience. The open road offers a chance for family bonding, filled with laughter, singing along to favourite songs, and discovering new places. The anticipation of reaching a fun destination also makes the journey an exciting part of the holiday.
However, keeping children entertained during long drives can be challenging. Kids quickly grow restless and bored, leading to complaints and tantrums, making the drive stressful. This is why having a few tricks up your sleeve to keep them entertained can make all the difference and prevent the journey from becoming tiresome.
Here are five tips to keep your children entertained on long summer drives:
Bring Along Booster Seats
Having booster seats available for your children can significantly enhance their comfort during long drives. Booster seats ensure that children are seated at the right height to see out of the windows, which can be a great source of entertainment. They also provide proper support, making it easier for kids to sit comfortably for extended periods.
Booster seats also allow children to interact more easily with the scenery outside, sparking their curiosity and keeping them engaged. Seeing new sights can turn a potentially dull drive into an exciting adventure, as kids can look for landmarks, animals, and interesting vehicles on the road.
One potential issue with booster seats is that they can sometimes be uncomfortable for long trips. To solve this, choose a booster seat with good padding and ergonomic design. Regular breaks to let your child stretch and move around can also help alleviate discomfort.
Pack a Variety of Snacks
Snacks are essential for keeping kids happy on long drives. Packing a variety of their favourite snacks can prevent hunger-induced crankiness and provide a pleasant distraction. Choose a mix of healthy options and a few treats to keep them looking forward to snack time.
Snacking can also break up the journey into more manageable chunks of time. For example, you could arrange a new snack every hour, giving the kids something to look forward to and helping the time pass more quickly.
One downside to snacking in the car is the potential for messes. To keep things tidy, pack snacks that are simple to eat and unlikely to cause a mess, like fruit slices, crackers, and cheese sticks. Bringing along wet wipes and a small trash bag can also help keep the car clean.
Create a Travel Activity Pack
Creating a travel activity pack tailored to each child’s interests can be a lifesaver. Fill a small backpack or container with colouring books, crayons, stickers, puzzles, and small toys. You could also include a few new items to pique their interest and keep them occupied longer. These can also improve their cognitive, emotional, and motor development.
Activity packs provide various options for kids to choose from, helping to prevent boredom. They can switch between activities as they lose interest, keeping their minds engaged and reducing the likelihood of restlessness.
One issue that might arise is that kids can quickly tire of their packed activities. New activities should be introduced at different points during the trip to counter this. Also, involve your children in selecting items for their activity packs beforehand to ensure that the contents will keep them engaged.
Plan Interactive Games
Interactive games are a fantastic way to keep kids entertained and engaged during long drives. Classic car games like “I Spy,” “20 Questions,” and “License Plate Bingo” can provide hours of fun. These games require no special equipment and can be played by everyone in the car, making them an excellent choice for family bonding.
Playing interactive games keeps kids’ minds active and helps them pass the time more quickly. It also encourages interaction and communication among family members, making the journey enjoyable.
However, some children may lose interest in these games after a while. To keep things fresh, rotate through different games and be prepared to switch activities if one starts to lose its appeal. You can also let the kids take turns choosing which game to play next to keep them involved and excited.
Use Electronic Devices Wisely
Electronic devices can be a double-edged sword in keeping kids entertained on long drives. Tablets, portable DVD players, and handheld gaming devices can provide hours of distraction, but using them wisely is essential. Setting time limits on screen use can help prevent kids from becoming too engrossed and missing out on other aspects of the journey.
Electronic devices can be a great way to keep kids calm and quiet, especially during the more monotonous stretches of the trip. Before you leave, download a few of their favourite movies, shows, or educational apps to ensure they have plenty of options.
One potential issue is that too much screen time can lead to irritability or motion sickness in some children, aka “cyber sickness”. To mitigate this, balance screen time with other activities mentioned above. Encourage breaks from screens to look out the window, talk about the scenery, or play a quick car game.
Final Thoughts
Keeping kids entertained ensures a smooth and enjoyable journey for everyone involved. However, while these tips can help keep boredom at bay, each child is different, and what works for one may not work for another. If you want to know more or have personalised questions, consider reading more or seeking professional guidance.
