I might be a little controversial here suggesting road-trip with kids without screen time. I know I am a little crazy, but I did this quite a few times and it went well. Better than I thought it would. But it didn't happen just like that. It required some preparation.
Here are my 6 road trip tips that help us avoid iPads, DVD players and other game devices.
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1. Make it adventurous.
Every time we have a long ride we always try to make it into a fun exploring trip, not just getting from destination A to B. Good way to do is to plan the road trip around some fun attractions to visit. They don't have to take a long time, just a fun little stops. That way kids don't have to sit in the car for a long extended period of time.
2. Games games games.
I am not gonna lie - there will be a lot of: "Are we there yet?" For that - have some fun and easy car games ready.
- We love playing Virtual Name Domino. Say a name and the next person in turn has to match the last letter with a new name starting with the same letter. And so on. So let's say I say Sofia, someone has to come up with the name starting with letter "A" - Andrew.
- Take I spy to a different level by creating categories such as animals, vehicles, plants, shapes.
- We love trying to find out which state each car is from which pass us on the road.
- More super creative games and activities for kids on the road.
3. Operation NICE.
Get kids excited about doing random acts of kindness during the trip.
- leave a cute sticker note on the gas station\s bathroom.
- pay for a meal (or a sweet treat) at the drive through for a car in front of you.
- grab some envelopes and postage from home and ask kids to make cards for their grandparents while on the trip. You can drop the envelopes at the nearest post office mailbox (you can locate that online).
4. Have a playlist ready.
We love using Spotify, because I can instantly create playlists that not only has songs, but also some stories for kids too. Make sure to check out their Kids section. It's pretty awesome.
5. Do a family vlog.
Use a family camera and let each member of the family document the trip taking turns. Not only it's a fun activity, it also provides a great memory of the road trip for years to come.
We have the best road trip footage when kids were filming. Yes, you can see their finger on the lens and the video is so shaky and blurry but the content is good.
6. Road trip doesn't end when you arrive.
Whether you are staying at the hotel or visiting family kids still need to be occupied.
7. Bring on some toys
that you know kids will love and be self-entertained for a while. On our latest trip to grandma's I surprised kids with these LEGO® JUNIORS Suitcases. They were perfect for on-the-go play.
- LEGO® JUNIORS is designed to provide just the right amount of challenge and creative play for young children. Quick start pieces and numbered pre-packed bags enable the sets to be built without the help from Mom or Dad— which makes any small builder extra proud!
- The LEGO® JUNIORS Suitcase is the perfect travel companion to keep your kids entertained this summer. Filled with an assortment of LEGO bricks and exciting role play components the suitcase is extremely portable— opening up a world of play possibilities anywhere you go!
LEGO® JUNIORS is designed to give children age 4-7 a great first building experience with the LEGO brick through iconic, fun and easy to build models.
What about you? What tricks and tips do you have to not only survive the road-trips, but have fun and playful time? I would love to hear from you! Please leave a comment below.
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
