Prep Before You Go
Traveling with kids is a lot easier when you don’t wing it. Start by planning a set of activities tailored to your child’s age and interests. What entertains a toddler won’t work for a ten year old, so think ahead. Puzzles, sticker books, or quiet crafts can buy you time when there’s still a long way to go.
Next, pack what we’ll call a “boredom bag.” This isn’t just your usual toys toss in a few surprises. New books, mini games, or small dollar store finds can do wonders when things get restless. Timing their appearance is key don’t blow through all the goodies in the first hour.
Go digital, but be smart about it. Download everything movies, audiobooks, kid friendly games before you leave. Wi Fi fades fast once you hit the road or a spotty train route. Having offline options keeps the complaints to a minimum.
Finally, don’t hand over the whole pile at once. Rotate activities every 20 to 30 minutes to keep things fresh. Kids burn through attention spans quickly, especially when they’re stuck in a seat. Staging your arsenal keeps them and you going for the long haul.
Simple In Car Entertainment Ideas
When the drive stretches on, the classics still pull weight. Games like I Spy, 20 Questions, or License Plate Bingo are low effort favorites for a reason they need no setup, burn time fast, and keep little minds engaged. Don’t overcomplicate them. Let the game run its course, then switch it up.
For more creative moments, story swaps are gold. One person starts a silly sentence, and everyone takes turns adding tiny plot twists. It’s goofy, often nonsensical, and kids love how weird it gets. Travel scavenger hunts are another solid option. Print out a basic checklist tractor, dog in a car, red barn and let kids look out the windows with purpose.
Pack a few lightweight DIY kits too. Think coloring pages, sticker books, magnetic puzzles. Nothing messy or too involved. These give everyone a breather. And don’t underestimate snacks. The trick isn’t more sugar it’s more variety. Salty, sweet, chewy, crunchy line up options and let kids ‘sample’ their way across the map. Snacks count as entertainment when the rest falls flat.
Tech That Actually Helps
When used intentionally, a little tech can go a long way during long travel journeys with kids. The key is to strike a balance between entertainment, learning, and rest. Here’s how to make tech work for everyone in the car:
Tablet Time, Thoughtfully
Not all screen time is created equal. Opt for kid safe tablets that are preloaded with interactive, educational apps. Many offer age specific games and content that can both entertain and teach while on the go.
Choose tablets with parental controls and limited app access
Download offline content in advance to avoid reliance on Wi Fi
Look for game based learning apps that match your child’s interests
Headphones: A Simple Game Changer
A good pair of child friendly headphones can help everyone enjoy the trip a little more. Kids can stay engaged in their content without disrupting others, and adults can enjoy some peace or different entertainment.
Use volume limiting headphones to protect hearing
Go for lightweight options tailored for kids
Have a backup set in case one breaks or gets lost
Timers Build Better Habits
Kids (and adults) benefit from structured screen time. Timers help avoid screen overload and teach children about managing their entertainment.
Use built in timer settings on tablets or apps
Rotate screen time with non digital activities like coloring or games
Give warnings before time is up to ease transitions
Listen and Learn
Audiobooks and kid friendly podcasts are perfect for screen free engagement. They work wonders for calming the car atmosphere and keeping young imaginations active.
Choose stories with lively narration and age appropriate content
Try educational podcasts focused on fun facts, trivia, or storytelling
Listen together or let each child pick their own to enjoy with headphones
When used wisely, technology becomes a valuable part of your travel toolkit not a digital babysitter, but a creative, calming co pilot.
When You’ve Tried Everything Mix It Up
Even the best entertainment plans wear thin somewhere around hour seven. That’s the time to switch gears. Stopping for short breaks isn’t just about stretching legs it resets moods. Look for playgrounds, public parks, or a simple spot with a view. Anything to give kids room to move and space to breathe.
Get kids involved in the journey, not just the destination. Hand over a notebook or simple camera and let them record moments with drawings, notes, or video clips. Starting a travel journal can anchor the experience, spark conversations, and help them recall more than just roadside snacks.
Don’t overlook a low key teaching moment. A paper map can be surprisingly fun when you show them the route. Along the way, toss in quick facts or local legends why this mountain has that name, what that monument stands for. You’re not running a classroom, but framing the drive as an adventure adds a quiet layer of meaning.
Sometimes the best entertainment is just seeing the world through their eyes.
Long Haul? Don’t Reinvent the Wheel
If it’s going to be a long trip, go with what already works. Tested, parent approved guides like this road trip survival guide can save you serious stress. No need to DIY every minute of entertainment someone’s already figured it out.
More importantly, build a system that fits your kid. What works for a quiet six year old won’t fly with a restless tween. Think less about copying and more about customizing: two favorite books, three go to snacks, one game they love. That’s your base. From there, plug in pockets of tech, music, or even nap windows.
And don’t get stuck in one mode. Keeping a good rhythm quiet stuff, active breaks, screen time, repeat helps prevent burnout for everyone. The goal isn’t nonstop entertainment. It’s balance. Get that right, and the road feels way shorter.
Keep Your Cool Too
The truth? Travel with kids can derail fast. That’s why the golden rule is simple: expect less, stay loose. A tight schedule or overplanned agenda will only backfire when someone drops a snack or decides they no longer like music.
Leave quiet space in the day. Let them get bored. Boredom isn’t the enemy it’s the beginning of imagination. A few stretches of downtime can lead to spontaneous games, observations, or even a decent nap.
And above all, mind your own pace. Kids mirror energy. If you’re tense, they throw it back. If you’re calm and unbothered by a missed turn or an extra tantrum, you teach patience without saying a word. On a long journey, that’s more powerful than any toy you packed.
David Withers – Senior Parenting Advisor David Withers brings over 15 years of expertise in child development and family dynamics to his role as Senior Parenting Advisor at Makes Parenting Watch. A respected voice in the parenting community, David has worked extensively with families, helping them navigate the complexities of raising children through every phase of life—from infancy to adolescence. His articles are known for their evidence-based approach, offering parents practical, actionable tips on topics such as sleep training, positive discipline, developmental milestones, and fostering emotional resilience in children. In addition to his writing, David conducts workshops and webinars to provide personalized advice to parents dealing with specific challenges. His deep understanding of child psychology and development ensures that Makes Parenting Watch remains a valuable and reliable resource for parents seeking guidance in today’s fast-paced world.
