"Are we there yet?" – every family road trip's classic line, right? We’ve all been on both sides of it. Either you’re the bored kid counting every mile, or you’re the parent trying to keep the peace while the backseat turns into a battleground. So, what can you do to make this trip something they’ll actually remember (in a good way)? Let’s dive into some fun and creative ideas!
Gift Bags & Surprise Treats
Some parents swear by the "mystery gift bag" idea. Halfway through the trip, surprise each kid with a little bag filled with fun stuff – like activity books, colouring materials, window stickers, or small toys. Or, keep a stash of small surprises to hand out every hour or so, saving the best ones for those tough points in the trip. Think fruit snacks, bubble gum, pipe cleaners, Mad Libs, maze puzzles, window markers, or even an episode or two of that show your kid loves to watch.
Classic Road Trip Games
Pack a notebook and some pencils or markers for each kid and get ready to dive into classic road trip games. There’s the Alphabet Game, I-Spy, the license plate game, scavenger hunts, counting cows, MASH, Tic Tac Toe, the dots-and-lines game, or even cootie catchers. These games are simple, fun, and can actually keep them entertained for a while.
Make It Educational (Without Them Even Noticing)
Want to sneak in a little learning? Try a family trivia game each night to recap what you’ve seen. Reward right answers with a piece of candy or let the winner pick the best bed in the hotel. Ask questions like, “Where did we wake up yesterday?” or “What mountain range did we drive by?” or even “What was the name of that river we crossed?” It’s a fun way to get them to remember cool details of the trip!
Use Maps to Keep Everyone in the Loop
Get the kids involved in the route with maps – whether it’s an old-school paper map or an app. Let them follow along and tell you how far you are from the next stop. They can track interesting spots on the way or even decide if you should take Route A or B. Plus, it answers the “are we there yet?” question on its own!
More Ideas for Keeping Them Busy
Got a creative bunch? Bring along some paper bags, markers, and other craft supplies so they can make paper bag puppets – then let them put on a puppet show! Or get everyone singing. Remember those camp songs or some classic 80s hits they probably don’t know? There are karaoke versions of just about everything online, so you can stream or download some fun sing-along tracks.
Audiobooks and Comedy Albums
Audiobooks can work wonders to pass the time. Pick something everyone can enjoy, like Harry Potter, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, or The Hobbit. Family-friendly comedy albums are also a great way to keep things light and fun.
Good Old Family Stories
And hey, while everyone’s stuck together in one small space, this is the perfect time to tell some family stories. Share those funny stories about Grandma and Grandpa, the time your uncle did something silly as a kid, or how you and your partner met. These are the memories that make family trips special.
At the end of the day, a road trip’s really about spending time together and making memories. So relax, enjoy the ride, and make it an adventure!
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