As any family on the move knows, traveling a long distance from your original location to your new destination involves a great deal of stress. To avoid the incessant chants of “Are we there yet?” and to prevent whiplash from getting kicked in the back of the seat, bring along some games and other activities for your kids. If they are occupied and happy, the trip will be much more enjoyable for everyone.
Try these tips to ensure that your whole family has a pleasant journey. |
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| Document the trip |
| Provide your kids with a camera as a way of recording the trip. They can take pictures of road signs, rest stops, and anything else you pass along the way. With these pictures, as well as any ticket stubs or other mementos, your kids can create a scrapbook about the move. |
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| Entertainment on the road |
Whether your move involves a long road trip or several hours on a plane, the following travel games will provide your kids with entertainment at their finger tips
- Travel-sized versions of popular board games can be enjoyed by children of all ages.
- Handheld video games, laptops, and portable DVD players can keep your kids occupied for hours. To save your sanity, have them use headphones or turn the sound off.
- Bring a deck of cards and play a wide variety of games.
- Mad Libs are another way to keep everyone laughing and entertained during a long trip.
- To exercise the mind, provide your kids with activity books of mazes, crosswords, and other puzzles. You can also bring along some trivia cards and quiz each other.
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| Fun at rest stops |
| As most rest stops have large, grassy areas, they are a perfect place to stretch your legs during a long road trip. Bring along a football or other sporting equipment so your restless kids can get some exercise. You can also stop at parks or fast-food restaurants with playgrounds. |
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| Read and sing aloud |
| It is a good idea for a family on the move to take along some books. Having your child read aloud will provide them with attention (instead of resorting to screaming and complaining) and keep everyone entertained. You can also play your favorite music and encourage everyone to sing along. |
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| Map your journey |
| Your trip will be more enjoyable if you visit exciting places along the way. Make plans during your move to stop at amusement parks, historical sites, museums, or any other interesting places. |
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| Scavenger hunts |
| Before your trip, create a list of things for your children to find along the road. This can include straightforward items, like horses, churches, and schools, or harder-to-find things, such as a green pickup truck or a billboard in a foreign language. Another fun idea is to make a list of all the different state license plates seen on other cars. |
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