Keeping children entertained on long car journeys can be a challenge for parents. But with a bit of planning and some creative ideas, it’s possible to keep the whole family happy during the journey. 5 Ways to Keep Children Entertaining During Car Journeys
Portable DVD player
One of the most obvious ways to entertain kids in the car is with a portable DVD player or tablet device with their favorite films and TV shows loaded on. Although this won’t work for everyone – especially those who suffer from car sickness – for most children it’s a great way to pass the time.
Rear-facing tablet holders
There are some fantastic rear-facing tablet holders that attach to the back of the seat, so your child can enjoy their entertainment without disturbing the driver or the rest of the passengers. Or, you could get a set of foldaway car tray tables that can accommodate drinks and snacks as well as providing a surface for games and craft.
Free way to entertain kids
Sticker books are a classic and mess-free way to entertain kids in the car. You can even find ones themed to your destination, like a farm sticker book for a drive to the countryside. For older children, a model magic modelling clay kit or a latch board by Melissa and Doug can keep them busy for hours, without the worry of smearing or staining their clothes.
If your kids are early readers, audio books are a great way to keep them entertained in the car. You can purchase books with CDs, borrow them from your local library or download free Audible audiobooks on iTunes. There are also a variety of kids’ audio books geared to different age groups, from Dr Seuss and The Gruffalo for young children to Kate Winslet reading Roald Dahl’s Matilda for teenagers.
Puzzles are another easy way to entertain kids in the car. Choose a simple puzzle, such as this cute animal stacking game from Mud Pies that wraps around the handle of their car seat, or a more complex one, like this ‘Where in the World’ puzzle that challenges them to locate specific countries along the route.
Colorful plastic tubes
Pipe cleaners are another great car-travel activity. Your little ones will love twisting and playing with these colorful plastic tubes. Make sure you buy a box that contains a few colors to allow for some creativity. 5 Ways to Keep Children Entertaining During Car Journeys
Playing a game of car hide and seek is a fun way to pass the time and gets kids moving around the car. Make a list of items to look out for (such as red cars, train crossings and speed limit signs) and have your kids count them together.
If your children can’t get enough of their favorite show or movie, you might want to invest in a portable headphone adapter so they can listen to the soundtrack on their own. You can also purchase a wireless speaker that attaches to the headrest and plays their music or audiobook through the vehicle’s speakers. These options won’t work for all children, as some find them distracting and annoying, but many will enjoy this form of entertainment.
