1. Listen to a podcast
Yep, the same thing that keeps you entertained on your morning commute will work to occupy the entire fam on your car ride to visit grandma. From the hilarious to the thought-provoking, here are nine awesome podcasts for kids. And for kids slightly older, try one of these podcasts for teens. Want something a little more substantial for little ears (just because it’s summer, doesn’t mean that the learning is over)? Try one of these educational podcasts for kids.
2. Or try an audiobook
You were so excited to read the entire Harry Potter series again, but this time sharing the world of Hogwarts with your kid. The only problem? Those books are long. And by the time you snuggle up to your mini at night to read him a bedtime story, he can only manage a couple of pages before passing out. Well, a long car ride is the perfect opportunity to relive the magic. Download the wizarding series and so much more with our pick of the ten best audiobooks for the whole family.
3. Play the state license plate game
You might remember this activity from when you were a kid and that’s because a classic never goes out of style. To play, make a list of all 50 states either beforehand or while in the car (for an extra challenge, see if your little geniuses can name all the states without looking them up). Then as each kid finds a plate from a new state, they get to cross it off their list. The first one to complete all 50 states (or get the highest number of states crossed off) is the winner. Extra bonus? Your kid will practice his geography and memorization skills.
4. Take a rest
If your road trip is really long and you have small kids with you then naptime is a must. But what do you do if your child is resisting? Make the backseat as cozy as possible to increase the chances of a snooze. Think: dimming the lights (maybe even investing in one of these window shades), playing some soothing tunes, supporting their head and bringing a favorite toy along.