Classic road-trip games like ‘I Spy,’ ‘20 Questions’ and the ‘Licence Plate Game’ can keep kids engaged for hours. It will also get them looking outside and appreciating their environment, getting accustomed to the new surroundings when you are travelling abroad. These games encourage creativity and make the journey more enjoyable, but they also require your interaction, so you may want to alternate with activities they can do by themselves.
These require a bit of advanced preparation but are worth the effort. Pack a small bag with colouring books, puzzles, stickers and travel-friendly board games. You could also print out some sheets with local words and phrases if you are visiting a foreign country. This will get kids feeling more engaged with the location and teach them some words in a new language. Giving kids their own activity pack keeps them entertained and reduces squabbling and boredom.
Listening to audiobooks or child-friendly podcasts is a great way to pass the time. Choose engaging stories or educational podcasts that the whole family can enjoy together. Playlists of songs your children love are also great for singalongs which will perk everyone up and keep them from getting bored on long car trips.
For longer trips, a tablet loaded with kids’ movies and TV shows can be a lifesaver. Don’t forget to bring headphones and a portable charger to keep devices powered. Depending on the age of your children, you can also download nature programmes and turn it into a game where they have to spot local birds or flowers. Quizzes, story books and cartoons are all good options for keeping kids quiet and happy in the car.
Hangry children are never fun to be around and, in an enclosed space such as a car, even less so. Avoid high sugar snacks or drinks which will stimulate kids and get them over-excited. Instead, make sure to stop regularly for food, loo breaks and a bit of fresh air. Letting kids stretch their legs and burn off energy can help prevent restlessness and may help them nap once back in the car.