Road trips can be a fun and exciting way to bond with your family and explore new destinations. However, keeping your little ones entertained during long hours on the road can be quite challenging, especially if you have a 7-year-old who has plenty of energy and may get bored easily. Here are some tips to help you keep your child entertained and happy during a road trip.
1. Pack a Bag of Surprises
One great way to keep your child entertained on a road trip is to surprise them with a bag full of goodies. You can fill the bag with small toys, books, coloring books, puzzles, stickers, and snacks that they love. Make sure that the items are age-appropriate and safe for use in the car.
Some ideas for items that you can include in the bag are:
- Crayons or colored pencils with coloring books
- Small cars or dolls
- Puzzle books or activity books
- Audio books or music CDs
- Healthy snacks like fruit cups, granola bars, and trail mix
2. Play Games Together
Playing games together is another great way to keep your child entertained on a road trip. Try playing classic car games like “I Spy” or “20 Questions.” You can also make up your own games such as “Name That Tune” where you play a few seconds of a song and see who can guess it first.
Here are some other game ideas:
- Bingo using things you may see along the road like cows, trucks or gas stations.
- The License Plate Game – see how many different states’ license plates they can spot.
- The Alphabet Game – look for road signs that start with each letter of the alphabet in order.
3. Bring Along a Tablet or Portable DVD Player
While it’s important to limit screen time for your child, bringing along a tablet or portable DVD player can be a lifesaver on long road trips. You can download age-appropriate games, movies, and shows that your child loves to keep them entertained.
Here are some apps and games you may consider downloading:
- Netflix or Hulu – for watching movies and shows
- YouTube Kids – for watching educational videos
- PBS Kids Games – for playing educational games
- BrainPOP Jr. – for learning about science, math, and history through animated videos
4. Take Frequent Breaks
It’s essential to take frequent breaks during a road trip to stretch your legs and get some fresh air. Use these opportunities to have a picnic, play catch with a ball or frisbee, or take a short hike if possible. This will help break up the monotony of the car ride and give your child something to look forward to.
A few ideas on places you can stop include:
- Parks with playgrounds.
- National Parks that have easy walking trails.
- Historic sites that offer tours.
- A zoo or aquarium where they can learn about animals.
In Conclusion,
Keeping your child entertained during a road trip doesn’t have to be difficult. With a little planning and creativity, you can turn long hours in the car into fun-filled adventures that you and your child will cherish for years to come.
Remember to pack a bag of surprises, play games together, bring along a tablet or portable DVD player, and take frequent breaks to keep your child happy and engaged. Have a safe and enjoyable trip!