Six simple ideas that can provide hours of fun
If you have kids, you know how great they are. They’re always doing something cute, funny, or entertaining that you probably do your best to capture on your phone. Kids can also be exhausting, and even if they’re not draining you physically, your mental state will certainly be affected if they’re tired, grumpy, or otherwise being difficult.
When your kids are acting up at home, what do you do? Maybe have them go play in their rooms? Perhaps send them outside for a while? Your house presents many opportunities to keep them amused or distracted.
The same, however, can’t be said about your vehicle. Once everybody’s strapped in, there’s nowhere to run. Even a quick jaunt to the store with unhappy kids in the back seat can feel like forever, but what if you’re planning a long trip? How can you make it through without threatening to leave them on the side of the road? Try some of these ideas.
Scavenger hunt
Kids always want to look for stuff, and a scavenger hunt gives them a great opportunity to do so. Although numerous websites offer printable lists, there’s no reason why you can’t create your own. Aside from different-colored cars or farm animals, think about the things you could see while you’re traveling that are specific to the area.
Scotch tape
Yup, the stuff that’s probably sitting in your junk drawer right now can keep kids entertained for a long time. Give each child a roll, and let them have at it. The best part of Scotch tape is that it’s pretty easy to remove, so even if they coat the seats with it, cleanup shouldn’t be a big problem.
Stickers
Similar to the tape, once you give kids pages of stickers, their imaginations are pretty good at taking over. If you don’t want the stickers covering the car, be sure to give them paper or pads so they can make their own collages. They can also use their stickers with crayons or colored pencils to create pictures or stories.
Paper clips
Starting to see a theme here? Sure, preteens and teens aren’t so easily amused by office supplies, but it doesn’t take a lot to keep younger kids busy. Aside from chains and necklaces, kids can – and will – find all sorts of clever ways to use paper clips. They may even decide to work with their siblings to make something interesting.
Sticky notes
While you’re at Office Depot, be sure to pick up several pads of colorful sticky notes, along with some washable markers and safety scissors. Again, your kids will come up with lots of fun and creative ways to use these few simple items.
Mad Libs
Mad Libs are always a fun game that can keep everybody giggling for hours. You can purchase Mad Libs online. And don’t worry if your kids aren’t quite sure what nouns or adjectives are; their responses will probably be even funnier if they don’t make a lot of sense.
These ideas are guaranteed to keep your kids distracted for at least a little while. If you’re taking your trip in an RV, the good news is that even when they get bored, they can spread out so they won’t be as much of a nuisance to you or their siblings. But if you’re worried about possible fighting, these tips can help.
