Traveling with kids can be trying, and with Thanksgiving being the busiest travel period of the year, your patience will be put to the test. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of games to keep the kids occupied (and us sane) by car or plane. Although we recognize portable DVD players can be an easy distraction, it’s nice to know there are other ways to keep your sanity while the kids are actively playing and learning.
On the Road
- I Spy is an easy, classic game that can be made more complex as kids get older. Start with the alphabet or colors to keep it simple, “I spy something that begins with the letter c or the color green,” and change it up as they get to understand the game. Age range: 3 - 8
- Counting cars by color, body type or manufacturer is a favorite that’s also customizable by age. Call out a type of car and keep the kids counting until they reach a goal (10 green cars!). This is a fun way for kids to practice counting skills, and they won’t even realize they’re learning. Age range: 3- 6
- A Travel Tote is ideal for road trips. Organize toys, art supplies and snacks so they’re easy for the kids to find and use. A Velcro strap attaches to a seatbelt to keep it all in place.
In the Air
- Repeat After Me gets the whole family involved and is a great memory exercise for everyone. Family member 1 says, “A is for alligator,” family member 2 says, “A is for alligator and B is for boat,” family member 3 repeats A & B and adds C, and so on. The game goes back to the first family member and continues until you reach the end of the alphabet. Great for long waits in the terminal. Age range: 3 & up
- Hangman is another classic game ideal for travel because it can be a quiet activity to do together. This creative version of the game is great because you don’t need to worry about having paper and pencil. Age range: 4 & up
- Colorforms are a great activity for little ones. They’re available in many character themes and encourage kids to formulate their own stories. We’re fans of Eric Carle’s Hungry Caterpillar. Age range: 2 - 4
Family Travel Tips
- We’ve traveled several times with our kids and know firsthand that being organized is the key to happy trails. That’s why we’ve created a packing checklist to help keep you on track when preparing for your trip.
- Make a special trip to the bookstore or convenience store with the kids so they can select their own activities, and they’ll be excited to try them out.
- For very young kids, buy several inexpensive small toys (one for each 30 minutes of travel) and wrap little “presents” in fun paper. The unwrapping will keep them as occupied as the toys, and you can bring a new one out as they get bored or fussy.
