6 Tips for Keeping Young Kids Occupied During a Road Trip

Did you know that 2.27% of drivers around the U.S. have a prior citation for a DUI?

That’s something to remember if the plan is to take the family on a road trip this summer.

It can be challenging enough to plan the road trip itinerary, load all your stuff into the trunk of your vehicle, get your kids ready, and head to your destination.

But knowing that some drivers on the roadways and highways aren’t making the best decisions can be scary.

Even one person driving under the influence is one too many. But don’t let that stop you.

It’s now spring, the weather’s warming up, and the kids will soon be on summer break.

When the time comes for a road trip in or out of state, here are six tips to keep your kids occupied.

image of 2 kids in the back seat of a car busy with activities - Kids Occupied During a Road Trip

Image source:

License Plate Game

The license plate game can keep your kids alert and entertained for much of the road trip.

It’s simple, but it takes time to complete.

Have your kids search for license plates from all 50 U.S. states.

Before the trip, give your kids a sheet listing all the U.S. states.

They can then cross off the names as they see license plates from the various states.

Whoever gets it done first wins the game.

But, as was mentioned before, the game might take the whole trip.

And that’s a good thing if you want to keep your kids engaged on a long road trip.

Tic Tac Toe

Tic Tac Toe is a great game for road trips.

You can simply bring blank paper and have your kids draw the simple grids on the blank paper.

They can have loads of fun playing Tic Tac Toe while you travel on your road trip.

It’s also possible to download a Tic Tac Toe game onto smartphones or tablets so that your kids can play individually if they want to.

Books

Do your kids like to read books?

If you have a long drive ahead, encourage your kids to bring some books to tuck into.

If your kids have tablets, you can get e-books for them to read.

You’ll have no problem finding options in whatever literary genres your kids enjoy most.

Are your kids too young to read books?

Bring along some coloring books so they can have some fun.

Another option is to listen to some audiobooks.

If you find the right ones for your kids, your kids can enjoy story time on the highway.

Find some titles ahead of the trip so that you can easily access them on the go.

Movies

Does your vehicle have an infotainment system?

If so, bring some movies your kids will enjoy watching.

A movie or two over the course of the road trip will keep your kids entertained for hours.

You’ll also get to avoid having to hear the question: “Are we there yet?”

Music

Playing music is another way to make a long road trip more fun for your children.

Let each of them create individual playlists that have the types of songs they like.

Do they like to sing? Sing along with the artists as you go through the various playlists.

Get Out and Stretch

Take time out to stop and smell the roses.

The trip will be more fun for everyone if you stop every once in a while for breaks.

It’ll give everyone the chance to stretch their limbs, go to the restroom, get some fresh air, buy some snacks, and enjoy the sites.

Trying to cram in too much driving without breaks will wear out even the most patient of road trippers.

Consider these tips if you intend to take the family on a road trip this year.

Traveling with kids can be challenging if they have nothing to do over a long trip.

But if you have enough activities for them to do during the trip, they’re more likely to enjoy the trip and the destination.

Did you enjoy this article?
Signup today and receive free updates straight in your inbox. We will never share or sell your email address.
I agree to have my personal information transfered to MailChimp ( more information )