How can I keep my kid's entertained during a long car ride?

Question

They are 9 and 13 and they don't have ipods, cell phons, lap tops, mini t.v.s or any of that stuff. The car ride will be 2 hours long.

Answer 1

I would say a really great book of their choice if they are avid readers...

A mixed song CD (maybe your 13 year old could put it together)

A myriad of car games like the ones mentioned above.

I would advise against any writing or drawing as the ride will be bumpy. Car televisions aren't that great either and the reception is really bad. You may have to invest in a car antenne just to enjoy a decent picture. A portable DVD player is a great alternative although you sound like a parent who may not be into electronic purchases for your children or maybe they just aren't in your budget.

Find out a few things they would like to take with them (least clutter possible) and don't forget the pillows. If you leave early enough in the morning, they might just fall asleep.

Pack a cooler with food and snacks. Eating and munching takes up periodic time blocks.

I usually plan my 2hr trips like this...

6am or
Wee to earlier morning departure if you can (kids may sleep in the car for a period of time and sleeping may take up the entire trip time block depending on when you depart). A safe estimate of 30 min to 1hr of sleep if you leave fairly early or 15 min or so of quiet (zombie mode) time if they have gotten most of their zzzz at home.
Upon waking or show of excitement and unruliness - breakfast time block of 10 to 15 min or so.
Start game 1 - 3rd time block 10 min or so
Then let them either read or listen to music - another 15 to 30 min time block.

Kids get bored pretty quick and need to move onto new things in intervals.

Just talking about what awaits them on their trip can take up time too...

Get involved with your kids without the preoccupation of wigets and gadgets. It will make the trip more memorable.

Answer 2

The DVD player should keep them entertained for the most part. The 20 month old (if she's anything like my 16 month old) will probably sleep most of the way there, even if it's not the normal time she sleeps - as long as the brother leaves her alone. :) As far as snacks, I would take fruit snacks, sandwiches, easy stuff that won't stink or make a mess. Fruit drinks and sippy cups (even for the older one) are live savers. My almost 5 year old still drinks out of a sippy when we go on long trips. Try not to give them too much to drink or you're going to have to stop more often. Good luck, and remember to bring a variety of DVDs if this is possible..... because the same one over and over will not cut it.

Answer 3

Some people have suggested coloring books, but I don't think that's a good idea. Have you ever tried to write or color while going down the road? Very hard!

You can buy a portable dvd player for around $60 and they just plug into the car. I think it'd be well worth it to get one and you could use it for car trips later on as well.

Also, someone suggested the game where "My dad has a grocery store and sells..." and that's a good idea but what we usually play is "I'm going on a picnic..." It's challenging and the kids get a kick out of it. The person who starts says "I'm going on a picnic and I'm bringing apples (for A)" and then the next person has to say "I'm going on a picnic and I'm bringing apples and bread (for B)" and each time someone goes they have to start all the way back at A and say every food everyone else has said.


Really I think they'll be fine though. 2 hours isn't nothing compared to how long we've traveled. 16 hours usually on most trips and that's 32 hours total in the car (there and back) and the kids are usually never bored.

Answer 4

That's not that bad- 5 hrs is worse.. ( which is what we do on a regular basis)

Cd's of the kids- their fav music.Sing songs you learned as a kids. ( have them bring a couple of books)... Their pillow..so if they want to take a nap.. Don't forget Gravol... If this is their first lond car ride- well you don't know how they'll take to it...plus a bonus the gravol might knock them out & they'll sleep the majority of the ride

Also a favorite toy-crayons & coloring book. Hope this helps

Answer 5

Go to wal-marts and pick up some of those cheap hand held games. They are about seven dollars. Don't forget the batteries.
Walkmans are great for that age. Let them pick out a few cd's and that should keep them busy for a long time....listening to their favorite music.

Answer 6

wow...thats almost unheard of nowadays but i would get one of those travelling tvs...only like 80$ a walmart in the car section. two hours isnt that long.so ..there are always those electronic handheld games that could be really cheap. if they are girls magazines will work they can trade when they are done with them... other ideas could be drawing on plain notebook...writing about things they see on the way how many license plates they spot from outa state etc..just be creative

Answer 7

I would let them each pick 7 songs and mix them up on a cd, SING A LONG, a little Car-ioeki never hurt anyone! hahaha, i think kids watch enough t.v., give them a 2 hour music jam session!

Answer 8

2 hours is not a long car ride. Tell them to bring books, notebooks, sketch pads, markers and snacks.

Answer 9

play games like "My father owns a grocery store and in it he sells something that starts with C "( Celery ) they can ask yes and no questions. Also look for out of state plates and see who can get the most

Answer 10

WE BOUGHT THE T.V'S FOR THE BACK OF THE SEAT AND IT CAME WITH 2 TV'S AND IT PLAYS MOVIES AND IT KEEPS THEM BUSY WE MOVED AND IT WAS ABOUT A 2 HOUR RIDE AND WE PUT IN THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE AND DIDN'T HEAR A PEEP OUT OF THE BACKSEAT... AND WE GOT THEM ON SALE AT TARGET FOR $169.99 GOOD LUCK