Road trip ideas for children

[DeBora4BobbyL]

On Thursday, I have a doctor's appointment in NM and then we head to OKC to visit Papa. This means many hours in the car with 2 children and 2 dogs and myself. I am in need of ideas for keeping the children entertained during the long road trip.

I am thinking of some snacks that won't destroy my car and games that the kids can do while we are traveling. These children aren't used to traveling as their parents have only had a vehicle for a few months out of their entire lives. The only traveling they've done is when we've come to get them and take them to our home or take them on vacation. This will be the longest trip they've ever taken. I will have a 4 and a 6 year old. The 4 year old doesn't know his colors. Any and all ideas will be appreciated.

[justEricka]

i would vote for a travel dvd player..altho i know alot of people dont agree with me..i know my ipod has saved me on trips lots of times..also coloring books are good..or books on tape...maybe a magnetic game or peices on a cookie sheet...when we went to tennesee this summer..we took a bag with all kinds of things in it..cards, coloring book, crayons, notebook, books on tape, things like that..

hope this helps..
Ericka

[DeBora4BobbyL]

I like the books on tape and the magnetic things. My DGD has a magnetic paper doll. I could get her another one and maybe something similar for my DGS. The DVD player would be difficult to see during the day and bulky in the crowded car.

I could also make a blank booklet and get some stickers for the kids to make a sticker book.

[VicRae]

Maybe you could get a couple of spiral note books and have them draw or write in them while you're driving.

Or use some glue sticks and cut shapes and pictures from old magazines and catalogs to make up stories with. Or cut out things of the same color and glue them one color to a page.

Or you could make a flannel board and have some shapes cut out of different colors and have about 10 of each. That way they will learn colors shapes and numbers. Store them in an empty ice cream bucket or plastic container with some snacks inside of it. You can also store colors and pencils with a sharpener in with it.

Good luck with your trip.
Vicky

[DeBora4BobbyL]

I will have to check out the flannel next time I am at a fabric store. I did get the children some things for the car. I also got some health, but not so messy snacks and drinks for the car. We already have a drawing board that uses magnets that can be erased and doesn't make messes. Hopefully, we are ready. My biggest problem now is moving the junk from the car to the RV as I am having to use the trunk as a storage unit. I will have to remember to bring paper towels and a couple of trash bags.

[VicRae]

When you cut out shapes use felt pieces or glue pictures to your flannel to make them stick to the board. I'm sorry I didn't explain it very well above.
Vicky

[DeBora4BobbyL]

Vic, actually, I have had a felt board before and discovered that felt will stick to felt. I like that idea. I hope I have time to stop at the store to get the felt.

[tree3branches]

Have each child a grocery tote bag. In it let them put a favorite story book to look at, coloring book, a few small toys they like to play with. Play games couting the 18 wheelers or counting the bugs (volkwagon bugs) If your kids where older they could keep scorce. Bug 1 point, covertable bugs 2 points, PC Cruser 1 point , convertible 2, coopers 1/2 points thier to small to be a whole point, convertible cooper 3/4 point. Fedex or ups 18 wheeler 5 points. We play this all time I catch me playing it when I'm alone.

Tree

[DeBora4BobbyL]

Tree3Branches, I love the idea of collecting points from finding things on the road. We got a free tote bag from ToysRUs that I plan on filling with toys. Hopefully, I now have enough things to keep these Munchkins busy during the road trip day after tomorrow. When they get too tired, we'll and get something to eat so the kids can run-a-round.

[tree3branches]

Your welcome.
tree