Long drives can be trying on everyone, but they are particularly difficult for young children. In their everyday lives, children of the current generation are more and more used to constant activity and stimulation, and thus it comes at no surprise that putting them in what is essentially a large box in which they are not allowed to do so much as stand up is going to be a problem. Here are seven easy ideas to help keep your child occupied on their next drive to Grandma’s house or anywhere else.
1. Books on CD
Simply listening to the radio is usually not enough to keep a child stimulated and happy: they need something more coherent like a story. There are any number of books on CD, from the classics to the latest YA novels. Simply ask your child about what they might be interested in listening to, or take them to a local library or bookstore and have them pick one out.
2. Video Games
While some parents may be reluctant to take this route due to the negative stereotypes that surround video games, there are actually a number of age-appropriate games available for hand-held consoles such as the Nintendo DS that are entertaining as well as educational. There are also gaming devices like Leapster that are specifically focused on teaching kids while they have fun.
3. The License Plate Game
While times may have changed, the classic pastimes of long car drives remain the same. The game is very simple: kids look out the window and try to record as many different state license plates as they can see. Of course, this game may not be as fun for every kid, and after time it can get a bit tedious, so it’s best to intersperse this one among other activities.
4. Chapter and Picture Books
Assuming your child is able to read in the car without trouble, an individual chapter book can also be a great for them to pass the hours. What sets this apart from the book on CD is that they can read at their own pace, and if you have multiple children, each of them can get their own book.
5. DVDs
Even if you don’t have a video player installed into your vehicle, there are ways for kids to watch DVDs in the car. If, for example, you have an old laptop computer, you can plug it into your car’s cigarette lighter with an AC adapter and they can watch any DVD they like. Note, though, that unless you want your child overstimulated when you arrive, several hours of watching DVDs is not a good idea.
6. Travel Games
If you have more than one child, these can be a great way to not only keep them occupied, but get them to spend some time with each other. These games are specifically designed for use in cars, as, for example, the magnetic checker board, and can usually be found at your local toy or department store.
7. Scavenger Hunt
This activity requires a little bit of preparation. Make a list of items you are sure to see on the road and give it to your children and any other passengers in the car. Whoever checks off all the items first is the winner. To make it truly exciting, you can include a prize, like a candy bar or a small toy.