Going on a long car journey with kids can often feel a bit daunting. Children tend to get restless and bored easily when strapped into a car seat for hours on end. Keeping them entertained is key to making the journey go smoothly and avoiding temper tantrums! Here are some helpful boredom prevention tips to keep kids happy and engaged during those long drives, whether you are a parent or foster carer.
Bring Entertainment and Activities
Come armed with a variety of entertainment options and activities to keep kids busy. Bring along books, comics, activity books, sketchpads, colouring books and reading books based on your child’s interests. Pack small toys like dolls, action figures and cars that don’t take up much space. Download movies, shows, music playlists and audiobooks onto tablets or portable DVD players. Bring card games, small board games, puzzles and magnetic travel games. Having a variety of different options will keep them occupied. Rotate activities so they don’t get bored of doing the same thing. If you are a foster carer with ISP Fostering, you can use some of your allowance to top up the entertainment supplies.
Pack Snacks and Drinks
Provide regular snack and drinks to keep their energy up. Pack their favourite snacks like crisps, cereal bars, biscuits, fruits and veggies. Bring juices, milk and water in spill-proof cups and bottles. Letting them graze throughout the journey will keep them satisfied. Plan ahead by packing a cooler bag with ice packs to keep items cold and fresh. Avoid sticky or messy snacks that could create a disastrous clean-up situation in the car!
Take Regular Breaks
Schedule regular stops to give kids a chance to get out and move around. Let them run around in a park or playground to release pent up energy. Take them for a walk around service stations and let them stretch their legs. Eating meals at a restaurant during stop offs also provides a change of environment. Getting fresh air and moving around will mean they return to the car refreshed and ready for more time strapped in.
Play Games
Playing simple road trip games will make time pass in a fun way. Verbal games like I Spy, searching for certain letters or colours on license plates, spotting types of cars, counting red cars or playing eye spy are great interactive games. Singalongs to their favourite songs keep them engaged. Storytelling games where you start a story and they have to continue it are fun too. The Alphabet Game, where you find things in alphabetical order, is another classic car game.
Use Technology Wisely
While screens shouldn’t be used excessively, downloading movies, shows, music and audiobooks can provide hours of entertainment. Provide kid-friendly tablets pre-loaded with content rather than your own phone. Apps and games tailored to their age and interests are also great to have. Set rules for screen time limits to avoid issues when it’s time to turn off devices. Providing headphones and keeping volume low will create a more peaceful journey for everyone.
Proper planning and preparation is key for boredom-free long drives with kids. With a wide selection of entertainment options, games and activities, regular breaks, food and drinks, your next family road trip is sure to be a hit!
