Ways to Keep Kids Busy on Long Road Trips

If you've ever tackled a long drive for a PCS with children, you know that it's crucial to find ways to keep them entertained (for your sanity, anyways!). Having them watch a show on an iPad will only distract them for so long before the inevitable "Are we there yet?" or "I have to go to the bathroom!" chants start! Don't fear -- we have come up with clever ways that you can keep your kids busy for hours and hours on that long trip to your next duty station! 

1. Create a Treasure Chest: Before you leave, allow your children to fill the small chest with whatever they want. Examples include: crayons,  little toys, snacks or candy, books, etc. This way they have a variety of items that they are interested in right in the palm of their hands. The chest will keep the other items tidy in the car! 

2. Bring Kid Friendly Audio Books: There are tons of options for audio books that can keep your child engaged. Ones that we suggest are a series of short stories that keep your child's interest! The silly ones tend to be a crowd favorite! 

3. Download Versatile Apps: If your children work with technology like the iPad, you know it can be hard to find engaging and interactive apps that keep their attention. The Disney Now app includes not just Marvel, Star Wars, Disney Channel, and Disney Junior, but also offers countless hours of games, radio, trivia, and puzzles! 

4. Turn Snacking into an Activity: There are tons of creative ways that you can turn snacking into a fun and beneficial activity. For younger children, consider packing some string. A great snack to use with string is Cheerios: they can string the Cheerios and make a "cereal necklace". They are getting some extra fine motor skills practice by using their fingers and hands! Don't worry mama, you can have you car cleaned after you get to your next duty station! 

5. Try Road Trip Bingo: On super long trips, movies and music will only go so far. Mix it up by trying different car games such as bingo! Turn common sights like Police cars, airplanes, stop signs and red lights into a fun and competitive game! Once you've done that, consider Car Counting (the first one to spot 10 like cars wins) or the License Plate game (whoever spots the most states by the end of the day wins). 

6. Make a Road Trip Keepsake Book: Bring a pack of crayons and a sketch pad. As you cross through different states, have your children draw a photo of what they remember from that state! Label it with the states name and what your child remembers. You can create a "road trip keepsake" book to remember your travels! 

7. Become a Traveling Band: If you have the space, consider bringing small play musical instruments. Put someone in charge of playing the guitar, the harmonica, singing, etc. and play your favorite tunes. Have your children play their instrument or sing along to the music. You can even create a family band name! 

8. Take the Opportunity to Stretch Your Legs: Everyone, especially children, can go stir crazy sitting in a car for hours upon end. Take advantage of potty breaks and gas stops. Consider pulling off to the side and allowing your children to have a foot race or play a round of tag! Dedicating 10 minutes of your stop for physical movement can be really beneficial for your children to get their sillies out! 

9. Turn Your Backseat into a Movie Theater: If you're still driving and it's getting dark, consider turning your backseat into a theater. Give your children a choice for a movie and play that on a portable DVD player or iPad. Have their favorite blanket and a small pillow handy so they can get cozy while watching. You can make it fun by providing some popcorn and/or a snack. 

10. And, When All Else Fails, Keep a Surprise Bag of Toys Handy: Put a small bag of age appropriate toys for your kids under their seats so they can easily reach in and pull out items that look interesting to them. You can fill it with new toys to spark their interest or include their favorite ones!

We know how stressful a PCS move can be, but we hope that these road trip hacks come in handy on your long drive. You know your children better than anyone, so you may find these ideas to be adaptable in ways that fits your family best. Regardless, we hope that you have a safe and fun trip!