AboutLaura Expertise I can help make those dreaded long car, plane, boat, or train rides with children seem a lot shorter. By having different activities to engage children it will help them entertained and give the parents some quiet time. I can give you simple activities for children of all ages. These activities will keep kids busy and cut down on the fighting. That way everyone will be happy and have fun!
Experience Traveling with children all over Canada, the USA, and Europe
Question We are leaving in less that a week to go to my husband grandmothers house on the beach. We have a 17 month old son who will be coming with us. We bought a portable dvd player that attaches to the back of the head rest. He likes to watch cartoons, but this is going to be a 13 hour car trip. We know to bring snacks and drinks, and he is going to have the movies, but what else can we do to insure that the trip is a nice one.
Answer
Hi Rebecca
Thanks for the question.
A 13 hour car ride is going to be a long one especially with such a young son. I have traveled with young kids several times so here is what I suggest.
I would get him some new a fascinating toys to bring. This does not mean they have to be expensive. You could even go to your local dollar store and pick up things like trucks, balls, etc. to play with. You could bring some of him favourite old toys, but by bringing new toys that he has never seen, they will be more interesting and he will probably play with them much longer.
Another thing that I would do when traveling with young children is to try to stick to as typical of a routine as you can- I know it will be hard. For example, if the first thing you usually do in the morning is puzzles, then do puzzles. Try to have snacks, lunch, and naps on his regular time.
Since you are driving rather than flying, you have a huge advantage of being able to get out of the car and stretch/play. Every couple hours, try to make a stop so that everyone can get out of the car, stretch a pass a ball around for a couple of minutes.
Another great thing to bring is edible play dough. This way there is a fun activity and a snack together. The recipe I use is really basic- 2c Smooth peanut butter 2 c Rolled oats 2 c Dried milk 2/3 c Honey
Not sure if your son is into any type of arts/crafts but he could make a placemat. Just get a piece of paper, his favourite stickers(etc. bob the builder) and crayons and let him have fun. Than later you can cover it with Mac tack so it can be washed. When we travel in the car, every one has a portable mini table that goes on your lap to do projects and play one (these can be bought anywhere)
Hope this has helped and if not please let me know and I will try my best to help.
If you have any other questions please feel free to let me know.
Hope you have a wonderful trip and can't wait to hear how it all goes.
