How to keep the kids happy on that long drive

If the thought of setting off on a long drive with the kids in tow has you stressing out before you start the engine then worry no more! We all know that kids get bored quickly and easily but we’ve got some road trip children’s games that will help overcome that back seat mayhem. 

Download some cool apps to keep ‘em ‘appy 

There are some pretty cool kids games you can download onto an iPad or tablet that will keep them entertained for hours, and you should be able to find something amusing for kids of all ages, including heaps that you can use offline.  Check out a comprehensive list of apps at Geeks With Juniors, Mumtastic and The Guardian. 

Grab a book that talks 

Let’s face it, no one wants a vomiting child in the back seat but that’s often what you’ll get if you’re heading off on some travel with the kids and they try to read while you’re driving. Audio books are a great alternative that will keep them interested. The kids can listen to them from a Kindle or head to your local library to pick up a few audiobook CDs so the whole family can listen in over your car’s stereo system. 

Throw on a movie 

Movies are one of the best options for passing a few hours in the car without the constant chorus of “are we there yet?” If you’re not sure what movies to bring along, check out Rotten Tomatoes’ list of the top 100 kids’ and family movies. 

Create some edible necklaces 

Everyone knows that the little ones love to snack so here’s a clever idea to turn their snacks into a fun accessory. Just thread snack items that have a hole in them onto some clean string or cotton to create a necklace that they can have fun eating. Think fruit loops, life savers, cheezels, dried apple, mini pretzels etc – and even better, get the kids to make their own before you head off. 

I spy - an oldie but a goodie 

Remember back in the days when you were small and your parents played “I spy” with you in the car? It’s a perennial favourite and can keep everyone entertained for a lot longer than you might think. 

Just in case you’re not familiar with this old chestnut, just take a look around you until you see something that you want to make the object of the game and then let everyone know the letter it starts with – “I spy with my little eye, something beginning with B”. Then everyone takes turns trying to identify exactly what it is was that you spied.  Everyone gets a turn to spy with their little eye and it’ll stop the kids from getting bored. 

Window whiteboards 

Yes you can actually use your car windows as clear whiteboards but make sure you buy the dry-erase whiteboard markers and not the permanent variety. The kids can draw pictures, write down words you get them to spell or play games such as noughts & crosses or hangman. Everything can be wiped off easily with an old cloth. 

Would you rather 

If you’ve never played “Would you rather,” then now’s the time to start. It does take a little prep work but it’s a game that can lead to some serious fun and laughter. Just grab some sheets of cardboard, cut them into roughly playing-card sized pieces and write out your questions. These can be anything you like – for example, “would you rather drive a police car of a fire truck?” or “would you rather eat ice cream or chocolate?” If you need some inspiration, check out The Measured Mom. 

Who (or what) am I? 

It’s a simple game that can be tailored to any age – just think of someone or something famous and then everyone asks you a question (one at a time) that you can only answer yes or no to. The person who correctly guesses the answer gets the next go. 

Scavenger hunt bingo 

This is another one that needs a little prep work but just like the real bingo it can be fun – especially if you have a little reward for the first person to mark off their card. Instead of numbers, write down objects that the kids have to spot as you’re driving along (a blue car, a give way sign, railway tracks, someone eating an ice cream etc), and get the kids to cross them off as they spy them. 

Need a helping hand to start your journey? 

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