Give each family member a list of items to find on the train. Items may include a conductor, a man wearing a hat, a person with a computer, a woman with a barrette, a baby, a sign that says "Watch Your Step," someone holding money, a man with a hole in his jeans, a person eating a sandwich or a sleeping person. Find the items while sitting in the train car, or observe some of them when going to the bathroom or dining car.
Pack some independent games that everyone can enjoy quietly. Sudoku puzzles, crossword puzzles, brainteasers and word searches can provide hours of entertainment at little cost, and they are light to pack. For another quick idea, write a long word on a piece of paper and have a contest to see who can create the most words using the letters.
Cards provides an indispensable companion for long train rides. Best of all, card games exist for every age. Even a fairly young child can play War, but the sheer number of extant card games makes it easy for a deck to provide hours of activities. Take a visit to the dining car; if it has tables, your children may meet other kids to join their card game, or you may find adults to play more sophisticated card games.
Most toy stores and larger discount stores offer a variety of portable board games. Choose games that have few pieces that allow for jostling or that are magnetized to keep the pieces from moving,
If you have older children, encourage them to bring their homework on the train. Train travel provides a perfect milieu for reviewing vocabulary, reading short assignments and reviewing for tests. You can even quiz the children on what they have learned. Adults also have a good chance to catch up on their work while traveling.
The portability of iPods, phones and handheld electronic games can provide entertainment for adults and children. You can easily watch movies or listen to music while traveling on a train. Additionally, if you have a wireless card, you may have access to games or activities on your computer, However, even if you do not, you can still use your computer to write. Some people also have games downloaded on their cell phones that can provide entertainment.
