*Check out momsminivan.online!!* Most of my ideas came from there, now for my “list” 🙂
1. Portable DVD player great for cars & planes. I just found the “DVD DR” at best buy. It is an awesome platform to place your dvd player on, it is suspended in the air so all can see even the kids in the back yet not close enough to the kids that they can kick it or fight about who gets to hold it.. We hooked it to the driver & passenger seats, close enough for mom to control it. It is made of plasic and the reviews I read said noted that it broke easily. Seriously, RUN out an BUY one. $20 (well it was $30 at best buy and I had them price match the online price from amazon.) This was a way cheaper option than buying headrest dvd players or instaling a dvd player in the car. Another hint for the dvd player hook it up through your cars stereo system (with the audio in plug – or through the tape deck) and send the sound to the BACK of the car.
2. Print a map of the US and play the license plate game. I had my 7 & 4 yr olds color in the states once we found them. I had a surprise (new toy) for them when we found all 48 states. (I made HI & AL bonus states which counted for 2 other states.) This was also a great game for my husband and it helped the time pass faster. 🙂
3. Print out a map of “directions” for your kiddos then have them chart your progress (major cities, crossing into new states etc.). I have also given them “tickets” every 50 miles. Ex. 1 Give each child 1 ticket to represent each 50 miles of your trip. if you have a 400 mile trip they would get 8 tickets. Set tripometer and at each 50 mi mark have your kids give you a ticket – they can trade it for a movie, snack, toy, whatever you want it to be. Then when they run out of tickets you are there! Visible way to mark your progress. Ex. 2 Give them a ticket each 50 mi. A ticket can be (movie, snack, toy, video game etc.) on our last trip to FL from IN, I gave my kids a “crazy band” at each 50 mile marker. They loved it and often asked is it time for another band – is it 50 miles yet?
4. Give your child a little money when you stop for gas so they can purchace whatever snack they want. I tend to do this once per car trip, and I only give them $1. (My hubby is the big spender and will give them $2 or $3. But frankly I just don’t want to hype them up on that much sugar. 🙂
5. Don’t forget to redbox your movies or borrow from a friend or the library.
6. Get audio books from the library and copy them to your MP3 player.
7. I’m always on the lookout for car games – crocodile dentist, pop the pig, bob it etc. I buy these when they’re on clearance or with a coupon.
8. Bring your “electronics” – Tag reader, storybook reader, Nintendo DS, leapster whatever you have or borrow one.
9. Arts n crafts: Crayola window markers (just don’t forget to wash your windows when you get there.); color wonder markers n paper, crayons n coloring books (use twistables or washable markers), aqua doodle, magna doodle, stickers and paper; black paper and white chalk; give them a roll of cheap masking tape and turn them loose; make projects out of aluminum foil, make people letters whatever out of pipe cleaners; paper dolls for girls, colorforms or any other magnetic things. get lacing cards – sew the animal practice tying whatever. Get a lap board or take a metal toaster oven pan or another cookie sheet with edges. For younger kiddos they can use magnets (shapes, letters) on these, and they make a nice onlinepace tray for coloring and eating.
10. Give your kids a new toy or new something occasionally. (EX. I bought the LPS toys when i had a b1g1 free coupon.)
11. I have also taken a milk crate full of library books to read to my kids. (not my favorite activity since I get carsick, but the kids liked the books).
12. Play car trip olympics when you stop for gas, bathrooms, food. Have your kids run, skip, hop, jump. Pick any activity that will burn energy!
**I feel like I spend more time packing our in car entertainment than I do for anything else.*** Once you have your “travel bag” made keep all of your things together for your next trip. Also this doesn’t have to cost a lot – go to the dollar store, print things from your onlineputer, pick up small toys at garage sales. My best strategy is keep them busy! Work for you, MOM, but makes for a much happier trip for everyone in the car!!