Traveling provides an expanded amount of time where your kids can read books or magazines in a solid block. If they have reading for school, suggest they get it done during this time. If they do not currently have any reading for school, allow them to choose a book to read. Prior to the trip you can take them to the library, bookstore, or download a book onto an electronic reading device.
There are many games you can play inside the car, train or plane to pass the time. You can play card games such as "Go Fish" or "War," or you can play classic games such as "The License Plate Game," "Scavenger Hunt" or "Back-Seat Bingo." Give your children the choice of the games they want to play so that they will be engaged to the activity. After one child chooses the first game, let another child choose the next.
Download or purchase DVDs to view on a portable DVD player, tablet, or phone. Before going on the trip, ask your children what they might want to watch while in the midst of traveling. Also be sure that you have headphones for those devices so that the kids can watch the movies without disturbing other people.
Before going on the trip allow your children to download a few new songs for their MP3 player. Then, while on the trip they can listen to their favorite artist to help pass the time. If the whole family wants to listen to the music, invest in a adapter that connects the player to the speakers in your car.
Food can easily quiet loud mouths. Before going on the trip, pack snack items such as peanut butter and crackers, chips, pretzels, granola bars, fruit and vegetables that you and the kids can have along the way. Also, bring beverages such as soda, juice and water, provided you are not flying, as liquids must be discarded before going through security.
