How To Entertain Children While Traveling

Make sure to include plenty of travel-friendly items like crayons, paper, and coloring books; hand-held and magnetic games for older kids; and drawing and doodling toys.

Hit the dollar store for some cheap toys you can dole out as needed. Wrap each surprise item to make it more exciting for your child.

Consider buying or borrowing a portable DVD player, even if your car is equipped with one. (You’ll be able to use it on trains and planes and in hotel rooms, too.) Try to get one that has more than one jack for headphones, or get an inexpensive headphone splitter.

Borrow some children’s books on tape from the library.

Bring plenty of CDs if you’re driving—especially stuff the kids like to sing along to.

Pack fun snacks and beverages. Mix several varieties of cereal together; make “sushi” out of Rice Krispy treats wrapped in fruit rolls; make trail mix with your kids’ favorite dried fruits and nuts. The food should be safe—nothing that could spoil or pose a choking hazard—and not too messy.

Take breaks. Often. At least every two hours. Look for playgrounds or rest stops with room for kids to run, jump rope, and throw a ball.

If you’re driving, play car games, like License Plate Bingo or “I See.” Start a made-up story and have each child continue it. Basically, do whatever it takes to keep your little backseat drivers occupied until you truly are “there yet.”