How to Travel with Kids
Traveling with kids can be an adventure in itself if you do not prepare for the long drive. Children do not like to be cooped up for any length of time and car rides can seem like an eternity to most young children. There are many ways to make car rides and trips exciting and fun for children.
One of the ways to keep your children entertained is to create a bag full of activities for them to work on as they ride. This bag can include crayons, washable markers (a must for car use), stickers, coloring books, blank paper, search and find books, crossword puzzles for the older children, puzzle books, and anything else you can think of. This is a great tool to distract your child's attention for a few minutes.
Books on CD or tape and children's music are also a great way to entertain. Children love to follow along with the CD or tape with books and it is a great way for them to learn too! Children's music is especially fun for children. There are even CD's available that have hit music sung by children. You and your children are sure to enjoy choosing CD's for your trip together. If you don't want to have to listen to their music over and over again, then consider purchasing a personal CD player for each child. Then they can keep their music to themselves!
A surprise bag is also another great tool. Wrap presents before you leave on your trip that they can play with in the car or on vacation that they open when they "reach the state line," "see a red car," "see a police car," etc. Use your imagination to create fun for your children. Give them a surprise when they start getting noisy and then they will have to search for whatever direction you give them on the gift. It is a fun and easy way to distract them on your car ride. The local dollar store is a great place to pick up some cheap and fun toys for the trip.
Games are a great way to entertain children too. Many different popular games are available in travel editions. Card games are also fun to play in the car. A cookie sheet is a great place for your children to put their cards on as they play. If your children enjoy playing games, then this is a great option for your trip!
Frequent stops are another way to break the monotony. Stop every couple of hours or so at a rest area, restaurant, etc. so that everyone can get out of the car and stretch their legs. This can help to break up a long trip and keep your children happier. Rest areas are a great place for children to get some energy out and for you to stretch your legs.
Let your children follow your route on a map. This is a great way to teach them how to use a map, plus it is fun for them to see each of the cities that you pass and match them up on the map. Buy each child a map and a highlighter so that they can trace your path as you go down the road.
Imagination is the key to keep children entertained while traveling. Make up new songs, stories, or games to keep them interested and entertained. Before you know it, you will be at your destination!
Information is for educational and informational purposes only and is not be interpreted as financial or legal advice. This does not represent a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any security. Please consult your financial advisor.