Where Knowledge Rules

Parenting & Pregnancy:

Children's Activities

Get a Widget for this title

Long car trip activities for kids

Providing activities for kids on long car journeys isn't just a matter of keeping them quiet. As a parent, you will want to keep them happy as well, and you might find that the long time cooped up together is actually a good time to get to know your children.

Some cars are fitted with back-seat video consoles and televisions. These are OK for short periods of time, but it seems a shame to miss all the lovely scenery you will be passing. I also think that it's a bit of a cop-out to plug your children into a machine to keep them quiet. With a bit of imagination you can all have a great time during the trip.

Here are a few ideas I've come up with over the years.

PENCIL AND PAPER

Depending on how old your children are, they can draw or write things. Those cushioned trays you can get for tv dinners work well in the car, giving a nice firm surface to work on. They could keep a visual or written diary of the places they pass, even writing poetry, to if they are moved by what they see. You could help them out here by talking about possible themes. This is your chance to write a poem too make it a family activity, not just a kids one.

Consequences is a fab game. Each person takes a long strip of paper and draws a face on it. They turn down the paper so the drawing can't be seen and pass it to the next person who draws a body. Cover and pass on for the legs, and then the feet. This can also be done with writing. You write down a name and then who they met, what they ate etc.

Alphabet sets. Pencil and paper at the ready, you decide on five or more categories eg animals, car makes, colors etc. Then someone chooses a letter and you have to write down one thing in each category beginning with that letter. Allocate points, with extras for good ideas.

Take some coloring books.

OUT OF THE WINDOW

This can be prepared in advance. Write out a list of all the emergency vehicles and the children tick them off the list when they see them.

Collect the alphabet from car number plates. They have to see all the alphabet in order.

Collect all the states (you'll need a list of these first) from number plates or road signs.

Think of a story for the things you see. Take it in turns to point out something and everyone has to help invent a story.

Eye-spy.

IN YOUR HEAD

Any word game is fun with all the family.

Fizz-buzz.

I went to the shops and I bought (each person remembering the whole list as you go round and adds something extra).

Fortunately/unfortunate ly. The story unfolds as each person tells the next


Below are the top articles rated and ranked by Helium members on:

Long car trip activities for kids

  • 1 of 26

    by Brittany Kaelber

    The car is a great place in engage your whole family in fun activities. Long car trips can be hard on everyone; just as

    read more

  • 2 of 26

    by Susan Hibberd

    Providing activities for kids on long car journeys isn't just a matter of keeping them quiet. As a parent, you will want

    read more

  • 3 of 26

    by Danielle Friedl

    With three children ranging in ages from 2 to 6, and numerous road adventures to visit family or enjoy the 'happiest place

    read more

  • 4 of 26

    by Angie Papple

    Taking a long trip in the car can be so tedious for children, even if there are a few of them together in the back seat.

    read more

  • 5 of 26

    by Kris Brewer

    Whether you are visiting family and friends, or just taking a vacation, traveling is a part of life for most people. It

    read more

View All Articles on:
Long car trip activities for kids

Add your voice

Know something about Long car trip activities for kids?
We want to hear your view. Write_penWrite now!

Helium Debate

Cast your vote!

Should parents raise their children without television?

Click for your side.

235799

Featured Partner

eSpindle Learning

eSpindle Learning builds literacy one word at a time. Our mission is to help learners of all skill levels develop ...more

What is Helium? | Buy Web Content | Contact Us | Privacy | User agreement | DMCA | User Tools | Help | Community | Helium’s Official Blog | Link to Helium

Helium, Inc.
200 Brickstone Square Andover, MA 01810 USA