What to keep toddler busy during a long car ride?

Question

We are planning a long car trip, about 8 hours driving.
Does anyone have any ideas on how to keep her busy that whole time.. what kept your child busy? She's almost 2 by the way. Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

When our little boy was 23 months, we took him on a long car ride from Maryland to Georgia. He didn't much like to watch tv, so it was a challenge. We took a large bag of toys, some old favorites, some brand new he had never seen. When he got restless, we'd pull something out of the bag. Sometimes it would last 2 seconds, sometimes 10 minutes. We sang to him, we played the radio. We stopped frequently at rest stops and let him run around outside - we even took a little nerf ball and let him chase that around at the highway rest stops. We also took advantage of his naps - make sure the gas tank is filled, and everyone's been to the potty, because once they fall asleep, keep on driving, no stops! It also helped for one of us to go into the backseat, sit next to the carseat and turn pictures of a book or help them to play with something - nothing like company! Good luck to you!

Answer 2

I think that a bus trip where you stop to connect with another bus at least once a day would be best. Preferabbly twice. That way you could plan an hour or two where your child would have time to get out, stretch, run around, walk and possibly play around a bit. Toddlers like to move around. That might make the trip a little longer, but would be best for her IMO. I would pack some things that she likes to do. A portable DVD player might help. Also pack more clothing then you think she will need for the ride. Snacks, drinks and meals are a must.

Answer 3

While a DVD player is an ok choice I have a 1 1/2 yr. old and a 3 yr. old I love bringing learning toys on car trips.. My children LOVE anything leap pad my little one like his little touch leap pad w/ chewproof/tear proof pages.. .It sits on his lap and he can make noises/sounds and read with the story. My older son has a My First Leap Pad with books and that keeps him occupied for hours.. Also, pack snacks and other small toys that are just for the trip.. Something new and different.. I found the Little Touch Leap Pad on sale for around $20 at Walmart and the books are between $7/$14.. Also, my children LOVE anything Crayola color wonder it's markers that only color on the special pages so you don't have to worry about them getting it everywhere. They retail for $7-$8 bucks w/ the markers very nice for restaurants as well. Lastly, have you thought about traveling in the night time while your child is sleeping or at least part of the way while he/she is sleeping so minimize the time your child is awake in the car... ?Good luck

Answer 4

I should set off about an hour before her afternoon nap, that way at least she'll be quiet for a couple of hours. Make sure you have enough drink/food in the car. If countryside you can ask her to tell you when she sees a lamb/sheep. Take her favourite doll/teddy and a couple of picture books to read to her. Play peek a boo etc, anything that you would normally do with her when you are just relaxing in the house. Buy her a new toy and give it to her when she wakes from the nap. One that will occupy her and test her mind, not just another doll.Failing that, set off at her bedtime and travel over night. I had three kids and we always travelled over night as they slept all the way there. .

Answer 5

the dvd player is a good idea, also, bring some of her toys, read to her, sing songs with her..she will probably sleep most of the ride, especially if you choose to make the drive at night. i would take a break in the middle, let her get out and run off some energy...a ride that long is tough on anyone, let alone a 2 year old, but certainly can be done..

Answer 6

She is almost 2.... good luck. The DVD player is a good idea...coloring books, etc...she will just eat the paper. I bought this cute little bunny from Playskool, I think that sings and makes noises that occupied my then 17 month old on the plane...He slept for his nap... try to leave around nap time, that will eat up 2 hours... but you are going to be making allot of stops!!
Also take those Gerber snackie things!! Eating is always a good diversion!

Answer 7

When we travel to Massachusetts from New York 3 hour ride we get our 9 ,7,7,( twins)and 13 month old daughters up at 6:00 A.M and they sleep for most of the ride. It's the best way just get coffee for yourselves and relax. We also have a dvd player w/ favorite show & music. Don't forget their favorite toys.

Answer 8

My daughter is 21 months. I know how you feel. Just putting her in the carseat is a challenge, even for my strong husband.

We have a pile of simple toys for our daughter...
She loves to hold and talk to her stuffed animals right now.

We also have "Octivity Time"...it is a purple stuffed octopus that has different simple things on each tentacle....it was her first toy as a newborn, but she loves to examine that octopus.

She also has a bunch of rattley things, and empty bottles she likes to play with. The cool thing is that kids that age like really simple stuff.

She also has a bunch of little board books. She can count to 12, so she likes toy clocks, or anything she can count.

Bring things like cheerios to eat.

Answer 9

I drive to nj (6 hours) to visit my parents about once every other month, something I have come to realize, if you absolutely have to drive during the day animal crackers, the problem with toys is that when she would drop them she would scream her head off, I didnt want to pull over to make it even longer but it was horrible to have her yelling....

Heres another option one I took, just drive at night! I would leave at like 7 my daughter bed time was at 8 or 9 and I would give her dinner right before we left, give her animal crackers during and before you know it she will be asleep.

Answer 10

She will very likely sleep much of the way. But she is just about the right age to enjoy some of the early educational toys like a "Leapfrog" esp the little one with a video screen and age relevent software. It's called a leapster, I think.