Traveling by car instead of by plane means some money-saving, but a car packed with kids for over six hours could be a headache waiting to happen. So before you hit the road this summer, here are some tips to keep kids entertained and stress-free, to ensure your sanity this summer vacation.
Also, make sure your RV insurance and car insurance are up to date before hitting the road. Call Texan Insurance to review your policy options for ways to save.
Plan Ahead
You know your kids better than anyone. If they are hyperactive, quiet-mannered, or easily bored it is best to plan activities around their behaviors.
Schedule rest stops frequently so they can stretch their legs, use the facilities, and perhaps expend some excess energy due to cabin fever. Sometimes it’s exciting to eat outside, pack lunches beforehand and when you come to a rest stop, bust out a picnic!
Road Snacks
Food is a great distraction. Be mindful, however, of sticky, messy snacks that could stain clothing and upholstery. Dry cereal, trail mixes, crackers, water bottles, or juice boxes are easy options.
Also, try giving your kids some treats that they don’t get to eat often. Fruit snacks or Twinkies are always surprising snacks and can make the trip that much more fun.
Amusement Bags
Coloring books and crayons are super easy, no-mess, distractions! Bring different themed books so they don’t get tired of the same characters. Of course, let them bring their favorite action figure or stuff animal too (just about any toy that doesn’t involve small pieces that could get lost in the seat).
Electronics
Today, many cars now come with Bluetooth players where you can watch movies, plus, all the quiet hours of your kids listening to their favorite music on their phones.
You and the kids can also get lost in addictive apps and games on your tablet or smartphone. Right now the most popular games in the app store are:
- Super Fowlst 2
- Among Us
- Bloons TD 6
- Tiny Bird Garden
- Thisissand
- Monument Valley 2
- Stardew Valley. Courtesy
- Path of Exile Mobile
You can view more of the most popular apps and video games here.
Prepare for “I’m Bored”
If your child (children) do become bored of their music, movies, snacks, and coloring books, there are always some super fun road games. Here are some road trip games suggestions:
- “I Spy,” the game of clever clue-giving and specific question-asking.
- “License ID,” where you watched every car that passes you by to see what state it is from. The one who has the most states at the end of the journey is the winner.
- An alphabet game where you go through the car, everyone is assigned a letter, and you have to repeat what the person before you said: A is for armadillo, B is bowling, C is for cat… all the way until someone forgot what someone else said.
- The “Road Alphabet” involves the players catching words on road signs or license plates that started with the letter you were on. The one who was farthest through the alphabet by the end of the trip is the winner.