Activities for Kids in car come in handy on a road trip because even though they can be an exciting adventure for children, they can also be long and boring.
Keeping kids engaged with a variety of activities can help prevent boredom, reduce restlessness, and make the trip more enjoyable for everyone.
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The Benefits of Keeping Kids Busy on a Road Trip
Keeping kids busy on a road trip has several benefits not only for the kids but also can reduce stress of nearby passengers or the driver.
Keeping kids busy on a road trip can provide several benefits to children and young teens, including:
- Reduce Boredom – keeping them entertained and occupied can reduce boredom and prevent them from getting restless or fidgety.
- Learn – engaging in activities can help them learn and improve their problem-solving skills or benefit learning.
- Create Memories – it can be a good opportunity for them to bond with family members and create lasting memories.
- Prevent Illness – keeping them busy can prevent them from getting car sick, which is a common problem for children on long car trips.
- Promotes Good Behavior – It may prevent them from fighting with each other or bugging the driver.
Types of Activities for Kids in Car
There are many different types of activities that kids can do in the car to keep busy. Here are a few examples:
- Play travel games such as the license plate game, the alphabet game, or the counting game.
- Listen to audiobooks or podcasts.
- Watch movies or TV shows on a tablet or portable DVD player.
- Color or draw with coloring books and crayons or markers.
- Read books or comics.
- Play handheld electronic games or use a gaming console.
- Have them take turns being the “navigator” and helping plan the route.
- Play educational games such as word search, crossword puzzles, or Sudoku.
- Have them keep a travel journal or diary of the trip, including pictures or sketches of places they visit.
- Have them play “I Spy” or 20 questions.
- Have them do educational worksheets or activities that relate to what they’re learning in school.
- Have a conversation and ask open-ended questions.
- Play music and have a sing-a-long.
There are many different types of activities that kids can do in the car to keep entertained and occupied. From travel games and puzzles, to coloring books and electronic devices, there are options to suit a wide range of interests and ages.
By having a variety of activities planned, children will be more engaged and less likely to get bored during the trip.
Remember that it’s important to take breaks and rest frequently to avoid fatigue, and also to make sure to supervise children when they are using electronic devices.
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License Plate Game
The license plate game is a popular travel game that can be played by children and adults. The objective of the game is to spot and identify license plates from as many states as possible.
Players can work together or individually to spot license plates and mark them off on a list or a map. The player or team with the most states identified at the end of the trip wins the game.
The Alphabet Game
The alphabet game is a classic travel game that can be played by children of all ages. The objective of the game is to find words on road signs, billboards, license plates, and other places that start with each letter of the alphabet, in order. The first player to complete the alphabet wins the game.
The Counting Game
The counting game is a simple and fun travel game that can be played by children of all ages. The objective of the game is to count a specific type of object as you pass them, such as red cars, trucks, or signs with certain letters or numbers. The player or team with the highest count at the end of the trip wins the game.
Car Activities that are Best for Autistic Children
Activities that involve structure and routine, and that are predictable may be best for autistic children on a road trip. Here are a few examples of activities for kids in car that may be particularly well-suited for autistic children:
- Play travel games such as the license plate game, the alphabet game, or the counting game. These games provide structure, and clear rules and goals.
- Listen to audiobooks or podcasts. Audio-based activities can be less overwhelming for autistic children, who may find visual stimuli distracting.
- Read books or comics. These activities provide a solitary and quiet activity that allows for a break from social interaction.
- Play educational games such as word search, crossword puzzles, or Sudoku. These activities provide structure, clear rules and goal, and can also help improve learning.
- Have them keep a travel journal or diary of the trip, including pictures or sketches of places they visit. This activity can provide a way for children to express themselves and process their experiences.
- Play music and have a sing-a-long. Music can be calming and soothing for some children, and singing along can be a fun activity.
- Have them do educational worksheets or activities that relate to what they’re learning in school. This activity can be helpful in providing a sense of structure and helping them to continue learning.
It is important to keep in mind that every child is different and what works for one child may not work for another, so it’s important to consider the individual needs and preferences of your child.
It’s also a good idea to have a balance of activities, with some that are more stimulating and some that are more calming, to help manage their mood and energy level during the trip.
Popular Audio-Books that Children can Listen to on a Road Trip
Reading is a great way to keep kids busy on a a road trip. Some kids experience nausia, making reading impossible. You may be able to substitute an audiobook of their favorite novel.
If you are looking for audiobook ideas, here are some examples of popular audiobooks listening activities in car:
- “Harry Potter” series by J.K. Rowling – this beloved series is a classic fantasy adventure that follows the story of Harry Potter and his friends at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
- “The Chronicles of Narnia” by C.S. Lewis – this classic series is set in a magical world and follows the adventures of four siblings who discover a wardrobe that leads to the land of Narnia.
- “Where the Sidewalk Ends” by Shel Silverstein – this collection of poetry is filled with humor and imagination, and is a great way to introduce children to the joys of poetry.
- “The Secret Garden” by Frances Hodgson Burnett – this classic story is about a young orphan who discovers a secret garden and learns to heal the wounds of her past.
- “The Giving Tree” by Shel Silverstein – this classic picture book is a moving story about the relationship between a tree and a boy, and the power of giving and sacrifice.
There are many more audiobooks available, these are some of the most popular among children, and are a good starting point to find the right audiobook for your child.
Popular Movies that Children can Watch on a Road Trip
Watching movies can help pass the time during a long trip. Pack some of your children’s favorite movies.
These movies are popular among children, and can provide hours of entertainment during a road trip, if you are looking for recommendations:
- “Toy Story” series – this beloved animated series follows the adventures of Woody and Buzz Lightyear as they navigate their way through the ups and downs of being toys.
- “Up” by Pixar – This animated movie is about an elderly man who fulfills his lifelong dream of a great adventure when he ties thousands of balloons to his house and flies away to the wilds of South America.
- “Frozen” by Disney- This animated movie is about two sisters, Elsa and Anna, as they navigate Elsa’s growing magical powers, and the kingdom of Arendelle.
- “The Lion King” by Disney – This animated movie is about a young lion prince living in the pridelands, who is destined to become king and must learn important life lessons along the way.
- “The Incredibles” by Pixar – This animated movie is about a family of superheroes who must come together to save the world while balancing their home life.
Don’t forget to pack the device that you will be placing the movie on.
Note that the preference of a movie might vary based on the child’s age, maturity level and personal preference, so it’s always a good idea to check the rating and the content of the movie before showing it to the children.
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Taking Breaks on a Road Trip
Depending on the length of your road trip, you may need to take pit stop breaks particularly if it will take you longer than 2 hours to get to your destination.
It’s general recommendation to take a break every two hours or so when on a road trip. This is a general rule of thumb but you should also pay attention to your own body and take breaks as needed. Taking breaks will help to prevent fatigue and reduce the risk of accidents.
During the break, you should get out of the car and stretch your legs, walk around, and do some light exercises. This will help to improve circulation and reduce stiffness. You should also take this opportunity to use the restroom, get some fresh air and change your scenery.
It’s also important to consider the needs of any passengers, particularly children and elderly people, who may need more frequent breaks. Take breaks in safe and well-lit area, and avoid stopping in remote or isolated areas.
In addition to taking regular breaks, you should also take into account other factors that may affect your ability to drive safely, such as your level of fatigue, weather conditions, and traffic. If you feel tired or drowsy, or if visibility is poor, it’s important to pull over and take a break.
Taking regular breaks is crucial for safety and well-being during a road trip. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, and taking breaks can help to prevent accidents and make the trip more enjoyable for everyone.
Conclusion: Activities for Kids in Car can reduce stress and anxiety related to travel. Activities help kids pass time quicker and enjoy the ride while still looking forward to arriving to the destination.
