Family-Friendly Road Trips
There is no question that long drives with your kids in the back seat can be stressful for everyone. But this summer, with the skies crowded and flight delays at an all-time high, driving with your family might be the only travel plan that makes sense. And with some planning and some patience, your family road trip might be... well, almost... fun!
Here are some tips to keep in mind:
Prevent backseat meltdowns. If there is more than one adult in the car, one of you should sit in back next to your baby or toddler, to keep your child company, offer snacks, or even help with an activity such as a sticker book. Older kids don't usually mind being alone -- your biggest problem is likely to be preventing sibling squabbles. Follow the tips above, since well-fed, well-rested children with activities to occupy them are less likely to fight with each other in the car. If you can't separate them, put a couple of pillows between your kids to give them their own space. The Parent Center recommends that if a fight does erupt, you can distract your kids by doing something surprising, such as turning the radio on very loud for a minute, or blowing bubbles in their direction.
Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Plan frequent rest stops. For toddlers especially, two hours in the car is maximum you should plan to drive before stopping for a break. You don't need to make a big deal about it -- just letting the kids run around (or toss a frisbee or ball) in the grass at a rest stop or in a fast food playroom (you can get their food to go and let them eat it later in the car) can make all the difference. If you have more time, look for a playground at a school or park. If the weather is not cooperative, an indoor mall is a good choice -- many have play spaces, but even without that amenity, there is room to stretch your legs, and the food court is likely to offer a variety of choices.
- Have a bag full of tricks. Just like on a plane ride, you'll want to bring plenty of small toys, games, books and coloring materials to keep your child entertained. It helps to have something new or special -- wrapped surprises, new books from the library, or rarely allowed treats all help make the ride more enjoyable. About.com has a nice list of ideas, listed by age.
- Keep plenty of snacks handy. Fruit leathers, crackers, pretzels, raisins, cereal, seedless grapes, granola bars, apple slices, cheese sticks, and juice boxes are all good choices. We've learned from experience that chocolate pudding is not. Nor are blueberries (they roll everywhere and stain everything). Whatever you bring, be prepared with plastic bags for the trash and wipes for the sticky fingers.
- Let electronics rule. This is definitely the time to embrace hand-held games (like gameboy), MP3 players (like ipod), and the DVD players that are becoming more and more ubiquitous in minivans and SUVs everywhere. For younger children, we recommend music and movies on a car system that you control; older kids are likely to prefer controlling their own entertainment. And don't forget about audio books -- listening to a story can really help pass the time (and also prevents the motion sickness that can accompany reading in a car). Speaking of which...
- Help quiet queasy stomachs. Many children are susceptible to motion sickness. If your child is a frequent sufferer, don't pack lots of books or similar activities. Also remember that the picturesque back road with lots of turns can be more difficult to bear than the freeway. Opening a window for a blast of fresh air can help, too. And be ready with plenty of large zip lock bags, wipes, and a change of clothes (that doesn't involve unpacking the trunk), just in case.
posted by Insider Travel Guides at 9:28 AM
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