Features > Family > Traveling with Kids: Car Games
The holiday season is almost upon us. For many families, that means at least one road trip. Whenever we travel more than an hour-and-a-half in the car, we hook up our portable DVD player – it keeps the kids entertained (and not fighting), which makes for a much happier car ride.
But what to do when your kids are tired of videos? Yes, as shocking as this seems, it can happen. Or worse, the DVD player suddenly quits working (try explaining beforehand that kicking the screen is not a good idea). You need travel games – fast. Here are some of the tried-and-true mobile options that just may make your next car ride a little less painful. And all you need is a notepad and pencil.
Tic-Tac-Toe
This one is self explanatory, but your child will probably need to be school-aged to play. And some kids get headaches when reading or writing in the car.
Hang-Man
You kids have to be able to spell for this one. Again, watch out for signs of motion sickness, which become more prevalent when reading or writing in the car.
License plate ABCs
Each member of the family looks at license plates for the next letter in the alphabet. This game is great for preschoolers learning their letters – and older kids who are competitive.
I Spy
There is one rule to playing this game: the item you spy really should be in the car – and visible to all occupants. Otherwise you can pass it long before anyone can guess what it is.
Skip Counting
Even little kids can play this game. Start counting by twos, then try fives or tens. For older kids, ask them to do more difficult options like sevens, nines and 13s. This helped my oldest daughter learn multiplication in kindergarten.
Counting 18-wheelers
Or white cars, black trucks, whatever is of interest to your kids at any given moment. Bonus: this game teaches sorting and counting skills in a fun way.
What's your favorite go-to car game? We'd love to hear from you.
By Anna Philpot
AllStays Pro Online
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