Tricks & ideas

Entertainment

1. Movies This was one of the number one suggestions, and I have to admit that this is big for us too. We don't have a built-in DVD player, but we do have a dual DVD player for the headrests that allows for two different movies going at the same time. With the span of ages, this has been a huge bonus. iPads, iPhones, and laptops also work well, and we've incorporated all of them. We have an AC/DC Outlet Adaptor for the car, which has allowed us to plug lots of stuff in!

2. Travel Size Games You can get many of your family favorites in a pocket-sized version!

3. Spiral Notebook & Fun Pens The multi-color pens were a fun suggestion, and a practical one, because you get so many colors on just one pen. Spiral notebooks are inexpensive, and you can get hours of entertainment from them!

4. Calculators This is BRILLIANT!!! When I read this idea, I knew it was a winner. My kids love to play with calculators, and at home they can keep them entertained for hours. I'm definitely packing these on our trip!

5. Audiobooks This was another idea that was mentioned many times, and it's one that we've used on every single road trip we've taken. We love to listen to them as a family, and we also get a few that are for the driver. You can check these out from the library.

6.Cookie sheets I really love the idea of a cookie sheet for each child. So many possibilities were mentioned: magnets on the backs of puzzle pieces, magnet games, a place for kids to color (and not have their markers or crayons fall off, thanks to the lip around the edge). You can get these at the dollar store!

7. Fun Music Playlists Music always makes a trip more fun! Create a playlist or two before you leave and rock out in the car together! I also like to make "quiet time" playlists, to play when it's time to rest, sleep, or to quiet down. 16. USA map I got a couple of ideas using a map...1. mark your route on a map so everyone can see where you are, and where you're going, 2. copy a map for each child and use it to play the states game, mark then off as you go!

8. Journaling A long car trip is a great time for journaling--and could be the perfect time to hand out new journals or notebooks specifically for that purpose.

9. Fun treats & snacks If your kids are anything like mine, they love to eat on road trips. Pack fun treats and snacks--things you don't usually have, or favorites--you can use them as motivation, a reward, and just something fun! 

Games

1. Concentration "I'm going on vacation, and in my suitcase I put a ______(comb, swimsuit, toothpaste, etc. Each person says one item and then each person adds an item. You have to repeat ALL items for each turn. It's really fun and lots of laughs!

2. Count the Cows Yep, you got it...you literally count cows! Each side of the car counts cows on their side. Keep a running count...prize for the winner!

3. License Plate game

4. Alphabet Game Starting with the alphabet, find a word that starts with a , then b, etc. like on billboards, signs, etc. Have fun!!!

5. Travel Bingo...Free Printable

6. Oh the Places We'll Go...Free Printables for Car Games

7. Summer Road Games...Free Printable

8. Telephone Remember this game from junior high?  Have one person whisper a story or phrase to the person next to them, and they whisper to a third person, and so on. The last person says it out loud, and everyone gets a good laugh!

9. The Animal Name Game Someone says an animal, and the next person has to say an animal that starts with the the ending letter of the previous one. Repeat!