Keeping Kids Entertained on a Family Road Trip: Games, Activities, and Tips

A family road trip can be very fun and exciting, but it's difficult to keep kids entertained in the car. It's cramped quarters for a long ride, and this can surely lead to fights, and well...boredom. Here are some tips for a smooth family road trip.

1. Smart Scheduling.

Scheduling can be very helpful in a successfull family road trip. Frequent bathroom and snack stops can be frustrating and cause aggervation. While they are somewhat inevitable, make every effort to plan your trip as to avoid unexpected stops. Bring snacks and drinks, and plan for bathroom/ meal stops. Driving late at night can make everyone cranky, and kids exhausted. Plan accordingly.

2. Fun Stuff to Do Together

*Word Games and Sing-Alongs.
Cliche? Maybe. But they may be entertaining for a while, especially at the beginning of the ride. Warning: These may get old. Depending on the age of the kids (or the patience of the adults) they may get old very quickly.

*Card Games
Card games can be great to pass time in the car. Whether it's Crazy Eights or Poker, many kids of all ages love card games. The only danger? Kids may end up fighting or upset that they've lost. Make sure you set clear rules- including a "no fighting" rule.

*Trivia
Trivia is almost a sure bet, as it will probably keep both the adults and the kids amused.

3. Fun Stuff to do Alone
(because every family gets sick of each other during a long road trip)

*Etch-a-Sketches and Drawing Pads/ Pencils
Let the creativity flow! Stick to pencils, though- markers and (eek!) paint can get very messy.

*Music
Whether it's on the car radio, a discman, or an i-pod, music can be very soothing during a long car ride. Take turns with the radio or cd-player in the car (i.e everone gets to listen to 3 songs.) Older kids may want to bring their discman or i-pod.

*The Electronic Route
Personal dvd players, handheld video games, laptops. If you've got the money to shell out for these gadgets, they're there and sure to keep kids busy, at least for a while. Don't have the money or the desire to shell out for an in-in car dvd player? Try a book.

*Books
Books all around. Magazines are good, too.