Here's a couple of ideas to keep the kids happy while driving to your vacation destination. Last year we took a 3 1/2 week driving trip starting in the Midwest to Florida, then up the East coast to Plymouth, Mass, over to Philly and back to the Midwest. Here's what kept my kids happy and me sane!
1. I packed paper lunch bags full of snack items, books and toys. I labeled the bags with each child's name or number (I have 4 kids) and wrote the destination or check point where they got to open their surprise goodie bag. Most stuff I got at the dollar store. I also raided the bottom of the toy chest for those forgotten toys and discarded activity pads. The kids loved getting their bags and it kept them busy for a while. And they were always happy to find a snack.
2. A long time ago, before car and portable DVDs, we purchased a 13 in. TV with a VCR. It has gone with us on many trips. Sometimes in the lunch bags, they found new movies to watch. If it was a short weekend trip, we rented videos from the video store. At one point I counted close to 20 videos in the video bag, so I started taping shows like the Magic School Bus, Liberty's Kids and Cyberchase. We got 6 hours worth of educational video on one tape which cut down on the videos we took. Also to answer that dreaded question of "How much longer?" We would tell them one more video. Or two videos. One caution is to avoid taking 30 minute videos. If your kids aren't able to switch them out it gets real tedious reaching back to change the tape for them.
3. During the week I don't let my kids play a lot of video games, but on a long drive I'm okay with gameboys as long as they don't play it the entire time. This year they finally convinced me to let them bring a game system in the car. I didn't want to deal with Nintendo cartriges or Play Station CDs, so we found an inexpensive controller unit that had over 100 games and we only had to worry about plugging it in! That was a great investment and the kids look forward to it while they travel. I like it because there's no parts to lose.
4. To keep me busy I usually bring books or take craft projects. I've been working on a cross stitch for 4 years now! I only pull it out in the car, but when I do, I get a lot done. My hubby likes to listen to books on tape when he drives. He uses a small tape recorder with head phones. We also do a lot of brainstorming and planning on those long drives and keep a pen and paper handy!
That's all for now. If I think of some more traveling tips I'll try and add them on!
7 comments:
I did the paper bag thing last summer for a cross-country trip, and it was a LIFESAVER. My little guy still talks about it!
We're going by plane this year, so I'm going to invest in the video/DVD thing - a one and half hour movie will cut the plane ride in half. (ANd maybe keep them from spilling their drinks on the person next to us!)
Love these kind of ideas - thanks!
Good ideas. We love to pick up books on tape from the library to listen to, too.
That is such a great idea. We've always packed goodies but I like the idea of spreading out the fun over the trip a little more. We're heading on a 12 hour trip this summer. I'm going to try this. Thanks so much!
WOW those are great ideas! Next time we have a road trip with the kids from the youth group, I'll have to remember that paper bag idea.
Camy
Good ideas. I love the fact that my hubby likes to be in control of the wheel, because I do covet the hours I spend reading on car trips.
I have to say that borrowing DVD players or VCRs have been really great for us, especially on long rides at night, when my daughter can't read and my toddler can't even begin to entertain himself.
I usually pack a tote bag for 7yo dd, so it has surprises for her, and she can get to it herself. For my toddler, I put a bunch of his little toys in a shoebox, so he could see them and get to them (or big sis could help). He had some variety, and I wasn't constantly turning around to try to help.
What a great idea. You're totally a super mom! I'm not sure when I'll ever take another long trip with the kids, but I'll tuck this in my memory bank.
We're considering a cross country trip next year. I'm definitely going to try some of these!
Thanks for visiting my blog, Gina. I've read a couple of your posts, and if weren't at work, I'd read them all! I will be back.
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