Whether you are taking a road trip for vacationing or just running your daily errands and routine, it’s important to minimize the rowdiness in the back seat. Yes, occupying the children. A car ride without whining, arguing, fussing or a zillion questions makes for a good, peaceful drive. How do we do this? Have no fear, help is here and you can have peaceful fuss-free drives with the kids.

1) ABC Game

For all ages, this game is a classic. Players look for and call out letters of the alphabet, in order from A – Z. They can find letters on license plates, billboards, signs, anywhere there are words. Anticipation grows as each player looks forward to being the one to find and call out the next letter.

2) I’m going on a trip

This is a fun memory challenging game as players take turns. Play starts with the first person saying, “I’m going on a trip and i’m packing…” naming an item. Each player repeats what the last person said and adds their own item. The list gets longer and longer as turns are taken. Players are out if they forget an item on on the list. Play ends when only one person is able to name all the items.

3) Road trip activity books

Slip in some education with that fun! Not only are these fun and informational for the elementary school ages, but educational as well. Many of these books contain a variety of activities that will occupy your child for hours! Maps, wipe clean books, kits with magnets, trivia and all sorts of variations of these books are available for very reasonable prices.

4) Mini hand-held games and brain teasers

Those little fingers often require some physical activity along with brain power. Mini versions of fun games are often just the thing needed for occupying those minds. Rubik’s cube, mini Simon game, mini paddle ball, cube brain teasers and others are great for passing the time.

5) Electronics

In our technological world, we cannot forget the value of electronics on road trips. Kids can be occupied for hours on their tablets playing fun games and watching tv shows and videos, parent-approved of course.

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6) Books and audio books

Don’t forget that reading provides an escape into another world for the reader. Pack books from their favorite series or have audio versions

7) Coloring and Drawing

Back to the basics – a never failing way to occupy time. We all know that coloring and drawing is an excellent form of self-expression for children. Kids love being creative and nothing takes the place of creating your own art with your favorite art supplies – crayons, colored pencils and markers.

8) Music soothes the terrible twos

Music is a marvelous and fun distraction for anyone of any age, especially for those little ones in the musical-movie loving age range, as they love to watch the same movies over and over again. Musical sound track singalongs are a gem that will keep them occupied for a great length of time. Sing-a-long activities often spur conversations about when the movie was seen, what other kinds of fun you had or who was with you. If your child has a favorite movie musical, not doubt that they know the songs.

Take that fun road trip or have peace on your journeys around the town with the knowledge that you can keep your children occupied and entertained, with activities that are value added. It’s always fun to combine education with entertainment. You and your little ones will benefit in ways you never expected.