Spelling Bee: Use a pocket dictionary or a dictionary app to get ideas for which words to pick and make a contest among your children. The winner gets to pick the song selection for the car for next couple of hours, for example. If you have a single child, play against them by swapping the dictionary in between words so you and your child will switch roles between player and judge every time.
I Spy: A player will pick something that they can see and say, “I spy with my little eye…” and give clues on what they are seeing. You start by giving one clue and the other players take turn guessing or asking questions that can be answered with a “yes” or “no.” For example:
> Player A: I spy with my little eye something that starts with the letter “S.”
> Player B: Is it sand?
> No.
> Is it inside the car?
> Yes.
> Is it a steering wheel?
> Yes!
Twenty Questions: Very similar to “I Spy,” but the object to be guessed doesn’t need to be within sight. One player will think of something and another player will have 20 questions to ask before running out of chances to guess.
Exercise for gadgets: kids need to use their energy, so when you make stops you can challenge them to do a few different exercises that will earn them time on their tablet or smartphone. For example:
- 5 burpees, 10 jumping jacks and 20 air squats will earn the kiddos 30 minutes using their favorite gadget. This is actually a tip that celebrity personal trainer Chris Powell employs with his kids. It seems like a great way to encourage kids to exercise and it works perfectly for a road trip where kids are forced to sit still for long periods.
Gift exchange: write the names of all game participants on a piece of paper and fold them separately. Place them all together and have each player pick one (just like when playing Secret Santa). Then give each kid a few dollars and tell them to buy a gift at the next stop you make at a gas station. Chocolate, magnets, post cards, snacks or beverages make for a fun game of who knows who best. Does your child know what your favorite treat is and vice-versa? Time to put the family knowledge of each other to the test!
Song challenge: One player will challenge the others to “sing a song with the word [fill in the blank]” and the first player that sings a song with the word named wins a point and the right to name the next word. Tally up points and determine a creative prize for the winner.
Go Fish: this one is better if you have more than one child, so they can play among themselves! You can play with a regular deck of cards or pick up a friendlier version that will have matching drawings instead of numbers!
If your trip is too long,make sure to give yourself a break by planning down time where the kids can nap, watch videos, color a book or, yes, play with their electronic devices! But making a road trip fun is the easiest way to turn the vacation mode ON. The whole point of a vacation is to make memories with your family, so why not get a head start on your way to your destination? Have a safe and fun trip, everyone!
