Road Tripping: 9 Ideas To Keep Your Kids Entertained

It's high time holiday season, and if you're getting ready for roadtripping with your smalls, I've got some ideas to keep them occupied.

I've had my fair share of roadtripping with smalls - with or without Matt - it can be tricky. But over the years I've figured out what works and what doesn't - and what's absolutely imperative.

1. Remember when Toyota generously took us to Thredbo for the weekend? We were lucky enough to drive the Toyota Prado down - which, had it been our car, we never would have made it into the snow - it was falling so heavily when we arrived. But what I really, really loved about that car was: the DVD player, the built-in fridge, and the sunroof (so we could watch the snow falling). But you're not going to see snow this Summer. But the novelty of that roof - well hellz yes! I loved it. And the DVD player? Well we don't have one, and we travel quite modestly, but this was a nice touch to while away the six hour drive. The fridge was pretty darn awesome to keep our drinks cool - but that's a no-brainer.

2. So Santa's not bringing you a brand new Prado. Go directly to Daiso (or any other Hot Dollar style shop), and jump start your roadtrip with some cheap and cheerful stickers, colouring books, and textas (actually - the textas from Daiso are crummy, so don't get them there). I like to have - ready for when the smalls get in the car - a new colouring book, or doodling book ready for them. They dig it too, and it buys us a little bit of quiet time in the car. Leave the scissors, glitter and glue stick at home. I am speaking from experience.

3. Pack Justine Clarke. Or any kids CD that your kids love. Our favourite is Justine, but we're also getting into audio books - and Roald Dahl is a goodie. We also like to bust out a bit of Gaga for a sing-a-long. Sure to induce eye-rolling from your partner.

4. There are only so many games of eye-spy I can come to, so set up some kind of simple points system for spotting yellow cars. Or green cars. Or whatever it is your kids want to spot. We can get kind of competitive. And this game can go on for hours.

5. Take a break. Not only is it imperative for the driver - but everyone is rewarded by a quick pit stop. Stretch your legs, stop somewhere with a park, let the smalls run around for a little while and enjoy the trip rather than rushing hither and thither.

6. Sleepy. I pack small blankets and cuddle toys - and tell the kids that the trip will go muuuuch faster if they have a little nap. Silence is so, so sweet.

7. Charge your batteries. The Doctor has a Nintendo DSi and I encourage him to charge the batteries - and bring some games for Tiny.

8. Snacks. Well it's not a roadtrip until someone cracks open the snacks. I'm into packing lollies (of course I am), water, fruit (I cut up some apples), rice crackers, and some nuts. Mix things up - pack a snack pack for each of your kids - and take some spare containers. I like to think it keeps the back of the car a little cleaner. Well. I like to think it.

9. Talk. We always have good conversations when we're driving long distances and the only distractions are the occasional cow or kangaroo. It's a good time to catch up on what everyone's up to, what everyone's excited about and what everyone wants to do when you reach your destination.

I'm an advocate of the roadtrip - if you're going on one this summer - please drive carefully.

This is not a sponsored post. 

image source EmSem