Keeping Older Kids and Teens Entertained During Car Trips

Taking a road trip with teens or elementary aged kids can be a lot of fun. They tend to be more self-sufficient which means they’re capable of taking an active role in the planning of the road trip. Mapping out the route together, deciding what sites to see and where to stop can build a sense of adventure. Soon, everyone will be filled with eager anticipation about the next family road trip.

Consider:

• Allowing the kids to pack their own bag. Give them a list of what to pack – provide clip art pictures for pre-readers. Double check their items and give the final okay before they put their things in the bag.

• Asking them what snacks and beverages they’d enjoy on the road. Let them help you shop for the items – older kids can take ½ the list and fill a cart while you take the other ½ of the list. Make it fun by seeing who makes it to the register first.

• Asking them to select some books, music CD’s and handheld games they’d like to bring for entertainment on the road.

• Packing a few DVD’s and a portable DVD player, iPod’s or MP3 players.

• Allowing teens with drivers licenses to share in the driving – this works best during daylight hours on long, straight, boring stretches of road. Make sure a fully alert parent sits in front while the teen drives.

• Packing baby wipes. Baby wipes are extremely handy for all ages. I know one mom who crawled through bumper to bumper traffic with two kids on a scorching hot day – without air conditioning. Baby wipes dunked into the melted remains of her ice chest kept everyone cool.

Traveling with kids can be a lot of fun. They are enthusiastic, naturally curious and always ready for adventure – the traits of an ideal travel companion. Of course, traveling with kids can also be a nightmare. Little ones can be a bit uncivilized and teens can be challenging. Regardless of the age of your children, spending some time thoroughly thinking through every leg of the trip can go a long way toward creating a happy road trip experience for the entire family.