3 Screen Free Ways to Keep Kids Entertained On Road Trips
Summer break may be over but family travel season is still upon up! Before you know it, you'll be hitting the road with the kiddos again for holiday travels. Kai may have never flown before but sure is a road warrior. We have put hundreds of miles in the car exploring Texas together as a family. She is about as fussy as it gets in the car. Since she was an infant, I have developed a solid system to avoid technology in the car and I'm going to share those 3 screen free road trip tips with you today.
Before we start, let me just preface with a little grain of salt. We do allow for youtube videos in the car on occasion. I think if that's the only way your baby is not screaming for 3 hours straight, you know best as a mom. This blog post is just meant to be helpful because for us, it's hard to de-escalade from screen time. I simply like to reserve it for last resort because that's what works for our family.
3 Screen Free Ways to Keep Kids Entertained On Road Trips
Tip 1: Prepare for an I Spy List ahead of time
If your toddler is anything like Kai, talking and I Spy games will entertain for hours. One of our favorite things to do it jot down all the things we'd like to see on the road ahead of time. They don't have to be monumental, just interesting enough to keep their attention and eyes on the road. Some of the things Kai gets the most excited about are: crazy color cars, inflatable waving tube men, construction vehicles and of course, cows.
Tip 2: Bring Multi Purpose Toys with Small Foot Print
We like to pack light so every toy we bring must have a few ways to play. I stay away from things that make a lot of noise or flashing lights to keep my own sanity. We just traveled to Galveston and brought the Magnetic Stick N Stack 32 Piece School Bus Set for the car ride. If you are not familiar with Shape Mags, they make magnetic stacking blocks and figures that are bright, education and encourages STEM skills. Kai loves this set for the car because it has a sturdy base. It also comes with 16 figures she can put in the car. Everything stores away in a small box so it's easy to cary.
Tip 3: Become Best Friends with Google Maps to Find Playgrounds
When the kiddos get antsy, the best thing you can do for everyone is to make a pit stop. I love using Google Maps satellite view to find playgrounds or woodsy rest areas. We made a pit stop on the way to the beach at a nature reserve. We brought the Magnetic Stick N Stack 120 Classic Set with tons of shapes, colors and special characters. This set is a great starter combination because it has all the magnetic blocks you need to make any structure or cars. Kai built a little castle with her friends and it was the sweetest thing to watch. Getting them to use their fine motor skills outside takes away from the mundane drive. The Shape Mags Magnetic blocks were easy to clean up too. Everything sticks to each other and back in the box they go!
I love using these simple tools to keep my toddler happy on road trips. If you are looking for the perfect Magnetic toys set, I am giving one away on my Instagram! Pop over to say hi!
Save Travels!
xo
Joy
