On the Road Again

Long car rides, and even some short ones, can quickly become miserable for all involved. That is, unless you are prepared. Keeping the kids entertained in the car is surprisingly easy with some creative thinking and a little preparation. Here are our top five favorite travel games.

Scavenger Hunt

Before you leave write a list of items you may see. Hand them the list and a crayon when you're on your way, and let the fun begin. Try to put a few easy items on the list like a "white house", or "red van." While a few harder items can be fun, too many of them and the children will quickly get bored. "Homeless guy in Hawaiian shirt" is not, for the most part, going to make the list.

Hang Man

This classic travel game can entertain, and work on your child's spelling skills at the same time. It is easily modified into a group game if there are an odd number of children. Playing it as a two player game and making one or more children wait their turn is asking for trouble. The odd man out will quickly get bored of watching the other kids play.

Tissue Toss

Depending on the size of your vehicle, and the number of little passengers you have, this is an easy game to try. Just as the name suggests, you simply toss a tissue back and forth. Separate the tissue plys to make it lighter. This enables the children to be able to blow the tissue into the air. It also helps in ensuring that nothing comes speeding into the front seat, startling the driver.

Counting Headlights

The fun doesn't have to stop when the sun goes down. Counting cars with only one headlight is a great way to pass time in the dark. The rules are simple. The first person to see three cars with one headlight, wins. The game then begins again.

Speak in Rhymes

This travel game can be played on its own, or along with other games. All players must speak in rhyme. The last person to make a mistake is the winner. While this sounds easy, with time it can be become more difficult. This game should not be played in a drive-through. The cashiers don't enjoy it.

Road trips don't have to be a bad experience for the children or you. Keeping children entertained and focused will go a long way to preventing backseat fights and temper tantrums. Being prepared with a few travel games will make time in the car pass quickly and comfortably.