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Keeping your kids entertained on a long journey

Article3 min read
Women and small girl travelling in car

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Games and activities to help beat the boredom

Long car journeys can be a daunting prospect for parents – especially during the holiday season, with increased traffic and weather to contend with. To beat the boredom, we asked our team to share their recommendations for fun and engaging activities to keep smaller passengers entertained.

Music and entertainment

  • Sing along to a holiday playlist: Create a festive playlist filled with your family’s top holiday songs – perfect for a sing-along! If your passengers have different musical tastes, consider inviting everyone to share their five favorite songs. You never know, you might discover some new favorites. We recommend Caspar Babypants if you’re tired of Disney Hits!

  • Listen to audiobooks or podcasts: Before setting off, download some age-appropriate audiobooks and podcasts that will capture your kids’ attention. It’s a great way to spark their imagination or learn something new. Trivia for Kids is an awesome one – and sparks a ton of fun conversations and learning opportunities

  • Play the “Is it a Station?” game: Passengers take turns picking a radio station number (e.g. “94.1”) – if the station returns music or talk when turned on, then that person earns a point!

Games and Activities

  • Classic car games: Don’t forget timeless classics. ‘I Spy’ can be a helpful option in slow-moving traffic. Another family favorite is ‘20 questions’. Get one person to think of a person, place, thing or animal, and challenge players to guess what it is using fewer than 20 yes or no questions.

  • Car Bingo: Got time to prepare? Why not create a bingo card with items you’re likely to see on your journey before setting off. If you’re travelling through the countryside, this might include animals, farm vehicles or trees. For city journeys, look for well-known monuments, and consider adding in some festive items or decorations. The first person to get a line wins!

  • Color hunt: Choose a color and see how many items your kids can spot in that color. It’s a great way to practice observation skills while having fun at the same time.

  • Complete the story: Take turns adding a sentence to a story, creating a collaborative and imaginative tale.

Opportunities to learn

  • Learn about different places: Discuss the places you’re passing through and learn about their history, culture, or interesting facts.

  • Identify animals and plants: Use a nature guide or app to identify animals and plants you see along the way.

  • Practice math and spelling: Make your longer journeys an opportunity for learning. Consider practicing times tables, singing the alphabet (for younger children) or hosting your own spelling bee.

Remember to take regular breaks to stretch your legs and avoid fatigue. With a little planning and creativity, you can make your holiday journey a memorable and enjoyable experience for the whole family.

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