Keeping the Kids Entertained

When we plan a trip, we encourage the kids to pick something that they want to do or see along our route and we do our best to accommodate them. We’ve been known to drive a couple of hours out of our way because someone had a hankering to see the Liberty Bell. Okay, whatever floats your boat… We want the kids to feel ownership in these trips and not feel as if they’re just being dragged along.

I have a couple of small Rubbermaid containers that come on each trip. J has a medium-sized one that houses craft supplies: paper, markers, pens, notebooks, pipecleaners (yes, a great in-the-car craft item), popsicle sticks, tape, scissors, etc. It’s amazing the creations that have come out of the backseat with the supplies in this box.

B’s small container is full of games: cards, hand-held electronic games, travel-size versions of popular board games, etc. He also finds new free apps for the ipod touch before we leave on a trip.

Besides these two boxes and a portable DVD player, I don’t pack anything for the kids. They’re responsible to pick out books and other small toys that need to come along. This is another time when you only want to bring what’s needed. The kids will do fine coming up with things to do; you don’t need to surround them with stuff.

We have found that a light blanket and pillow really increase their chances of napping in the car, so that’s worth the space.