Traveling Activities for Children

Whether you are visiting family and friends, or just taking a vacation, traveling is a part of life for most people. It is actually a good experience for adults and children, but traveling with kids can be challenging. However, with some planning and preparation, you can have a traveling experience that is enjoyable for everyone! Here are some ideas to keep your kids occupied while you are on a long car trip:

1. Allow extra time for stops. One of the best activities for kids is letting them out of the car for a few minutes. Most rest areas have some grassy space where you can let your kids run off a little energy after taking a bathroom break. Just 5 minutes of fresh air and running can make it easier for them to sit for a while longer.

2. "MagnaDoodles" are great activities for little ones. The writing tip is attached with a string, so you do not have to worry about them dropping it. MagnaDoodles come in small sizes that are easily held in a car seat. Your child can draw, erase, and draw again as long as he wants to!

3. Coloring books, sticker and activity books, and blank paper for drawing are also good activities. Crayons and pencils can be placed in a plastic zipper storage bag, or in a pencil bag that fits into a 3-ring binder. Add some drawing paper and coloring sheets to the binder, and you have everything together for some art time in the car.

4. Books to look at and read are wonderful time fillers. Older kids can select books to take and read to themselves. For non-readers, take books with lots of pictures, or with stories that are familiar to them. They can make up their own stories as they look through the pictures, or recite the books they have memorized, as many children do.

5. Join in the fun with your child by playing games in the car, such as the old standby "I Spy," or checking off license plates from different states.

6. Enjoy some music. You can sing songs together. Kids' songs may get a little boring for the parents, but singing is a great way to keep kids entertained. It also tends to perk up their spirits if they are getting fussy and bored. Singing will often quiet babies, as well. You can also listen to tapes or CDs of kids' music, as well as your own favorite music. Older kids may want to listen to their own music with headphones (just remember not to let them play it too loudly!).

7. Travel games can also be entertaining. Many board games have small travel versions that kids can play together in the backseat.

8. Toys such as plastic animals, small cars, dolls, and action figures are great for car trips. Kids can use their imaginations to play with these small toys in their car seats.

9. Talk to your kids! Traveling doesn't just have to involve keeping them entertained. Being together in the car for a long time can provide a great opportunity for some real, quiet conversation about anything you want!

10. Snacks and drinks are always good to have on hand. Munching can keep kids busy for a while, and you do want to make sure they stay hydrated while you are traveling. It is also good to have some food and drinks in the car in case you get stopped in traffic for a long time, especially during hot weather.

You can have fun traveling together on long car trips. Just take some of these simple activities along for the ride-and, of course, a pillow for a nap isn't a bad idea, either!