How to Keep Children Entertained on a Long Journey: A Not-So-Simple Lesson

There is no such thing as a smooth sailing trip when you have kids. Here's some advice for parents about how to keep children entertained during long car rides.

Watching children interact with the world around them is truly a joy. They have a unique perspective on things, and their innocence is refreshing.

Even with all the cuteness and innocence in the world, travelling with kids can feel like a real chore. But, it doesn’t always have to be that way.

When you're stuck in a car or on a plane for hours, it's essential to have some strategies in place to keep them entertained.

Trust us on this:

There’s plenty of peace when there’s enough entertainment for your kids. Plus, they’d love you even more. Cuteness overload???

This blog post will discuss some of the best ways to keep your little ones occupied during a long journey.

By following these tips, you can ensure that everyone has a good time and stays happy and calm!

Bring Along Toys

This one looks simple but you’d be surprised how often it gets overlooked.

Toys are designed to spark a child's imagination and encourage them to explore new ideas. While some toys promote creativity, others provide a broad open canvas for children to express themselves.

Traditional creative toys like crayons, clay, and play-doh have been around for decades, and modern versions of these classics continue to be popular with kids of all ages.

However, newer types of creative toys also gaining popularity. For example, magnetic tiles are an excellent option for kids who like to build and create.

Another option is construction toys like Lincoln Logs or K'Nex, which allow children to build just about anything they can imagine.

If you're looking for toy ideas, endless possibilities are available online and in stores. Just do a quick search, and you'll indeed find something your child will love.

Pack Plenty of Snacks and Drinks

When travelling with young children, they must be well-fed and hydrated. It will help prevent meltdowns and tantrums caused by hunger or thirst. By now, you already know that child tantrum is the worst. Nobody wants them.

Bring a variety of snacks and drinks, so your child can have something to eat or drink whenever they get hungry or thirsty. Healthy snacks like fruits and vegetables are always a good choice, but you can also pack some of your child's favourite junk food as a treat.

Just make sure to avoid sugary drinks, as they can cause hyperactivity. Instead, opt for water or milk.

Bring along Games, Puzzles and Books

Games, puzzles, and books are essential for long journeys. They provide a great way to keep kids entertained and occupied. There are many travel-friendly games available that are perfect for young children.

For example, the card game Go Fish is easy to play in a car or on an airplane. Memory games are another excellent option because they help improve cognitive skills.

Puzzles and colouring books are also excellent travel companions for kids. They can help pass the time and are also great for developing problem-solving skills.

If you're looking for something a little more high-tech, consider packing a portable DVD player or tablet loaded with movies and games. Just make sure to bring along some headphones so your child doesn't disturb other passengers.

Get Them Involved in Navigation and Map Reading

If your child is old enough, involve them in navigation and map reading. This can help pass the time and also teach them some valuable skills.

First, show your child how to read a map. Then, let them help you plot the route that you're taking. As you travel, point out landmarks and other points of interest. This will help your child better understand the map and make the journey more interesting.

Let your child enter the destination address if you're using a GPS system. Let them help map the route and plan the trip if you're travelling by car. This will give them a sense of responsibility and help them feel like they're a part of the journey.

Don't Forget the Camera

A camera is a great way to keep kids entertained on a long journey. Let them take pictures of the things they see out the window. They can also take pictures of their friends and family members.  You can even turn it into a game by challenging your child to take photos of specific things you see along the way.

This is a great way to engage them with their natural surroundings and foster an appreciation for nature. As a bonus, you might even get cute snaps of your kids enjoying the journey! You deserve cute snaps, too, of course.

If you're travelling to a new place, get your child to take photos of landmarks and other points of interest. This activity will help them remember their sites and what they've seen. Plus, it's a great way to teach them about different cultures and history.

Avoid Long Day Driving Journeys

Long day driving journeys can be incredibly dull, not just for children but also for adults. If you're planning on embarking on a long trip by car, try to avoid doing it all in one day.

Instead, plan to break up the journey into more miniature stages. This way, you can stop along the way and explore different places. This will make the trip more interesting for everyone involved and help to prevent boredom.

It's also a good idea to plan some activities you can do during the drive. This way, everyone will have something to do to help pass the time.

Conclusion

As any sincere parent knows, extended journeys with children can be challenging. Keeping them entertained for hours on end is no easy feat. However, by following a few simple tips, it is possible to make the journey more enjoyable for everyone involved.

First and foremost, it is essential to have a plan. Make sure to pack plenty of snacks, drinks, and some activities to keep them occupied. It can also be helpful to bring a tablet loaded with their favourite movies and games.

If all else fails, remember that a bit of imagination goes a long way. Even the longest journey can become an adventure with a bit of creativity.