If you’re anything like me, you’ve spent countless hours planning a few amazing family trips this summer, and it’s almost go-time for the next one. As the trips come and go I learn something from each one. For instance, this Summer alone I’ve already learned, I need more chargers for the car trip (in case they all crap out at the same time), that the amount of bandaids needed on any trip are at least triple the amount we need at home (which is enough to cover the average adult human 2 times over) and last, but certainly not least, that canned wine IS in fact a good idea for those late night hotel arrivals. Better safe than sorry, eh?
But one of the most valuable travel lessons I’ve learned over the last 10 years is that kids will in fact get tired of their iPad after a while. I know. I know. That sounds insane doesn’t it? But after 6+ hours in the car, all the videos have been watched, games have been played, and FaceTime calls have happened. And now? Now you’re stuck with a bored, exhausted child (or three) who are looking to you for guidance on how to beat their ever-mounting boredom. Sounds awful right?
Well save this article for that upcoming road trip and join me in breaking down some of those car trip hacks that can help everyone stay happy and boredom-free.
Snackle Box– No, that was not a typo. I’m not sure what genius started this trend but trust me, she knew what she was doing. Snag a regular ol’ clear single level tackle box on Amazon, most of which come with their own dividers that you can adjust (think- beef jerky sticks, or even small compartments for gummy bears, nuts, etc.) You can configure a snackle box for each kiddo with individualized snacks to ensure no favorites are left behind. Try to stay away from super sugary sweets and skip things that may melt! When they’re done snacking? Close the lid and slide it away for the next round of munchies.
Magnetic Games– Terra Toys in Austin has a great selection of magnetic mini-games that can fit in your kids lap! These are hand held and most importantly no small pieces to drop between the seats – because they’re all magnetic. Think soccer, checkers, chess, tic tac toe, connect four etc. You can also find full sets of these mini magnetic games online for more choices.
Car Bingo– Another family favorite is car bingo! These cards have no small pieces either, just a sliding window to cover your bingo space once you’ve spotted it. We like to change up the variation of Bingo by playing; four corners, black out or diagonal wins only. Another hack is to have a small prize bucket for winners to choose from. It could be small dollar tree finds like; travel size lotions, bracelets, head bands, action figures, cubes, etc. Party city can be a good place to find a ton of small prizes too!
Tribond– This is traditionally a board game played with a giant stack of cards and calls for an even number of players (4 minimum) to play. However, we adapt this one to the car by choosing a reader and allowing for the others to work as a team to guess. As the reader, you draw a card and read aloud a list of 3 things which can be people, places, or things! The other player(s) work together to figure out how the 3 seemingly random things are actually related. For instance; a school bus, a banana and a minion. You’re right, they’re all yellow!
Rainbow loom– Haven’t we all seen these kits by now? They’re so fun but sometimes can be overlooked since it requires time, patience and practice. But isn’t now the time? Bust out that old rainbow loom kit, and bring it along! Or if you have a Swifty in the car, make it a friendship bracelet kit! Letter beads, easy to use string, seashells etc.
