We LOVE to travel. Since the time Samuel was 8 weeks old we have been doing cross country trips, weekend trips, and day trips to visit family, friends, and fun. I have put together some of the best hacks for traveling with kids that I have learned over the last 4 years of being a Mommy to toddlers and preschoolers!
This beach trip was only a 6 hour drive. I have done anything from a cross country trips to day trip with my kids and we always have a blast. Here are a couple entertainment hacks I almost always bring to keep our trip productive and calm. We don’t take any electronics and rarely have the radio on. A lot of great conversation and fun games!
Mommy Hack Number 1: Books, books, and more BOOKS!
First, we ALWAYS have books in our car. We have an unused bin strapped in between the two kids that is full of book. Two books that we get the most out of are My First Colors: Let’s Learn Them All! and a Look and Find book. Samuel mostly uses the Look and Find book as an easier Where’s Waldo kind of book.
Mommy Hack Game: Filling the Basket
The kids have a blast asking me what kind of items I would like in my “basket” from the items in the My First Colors book. They name all the items they see on the page then ask me to choose one. Seriously, I spend hours telling them which item I would like. When I don’t know which to guess I ask them to describe the item to me.
Mommy Hack Number 2: Plan Trips Around Nap Time
Avalyn sleeps a good amount of our trips. I have been VERY blessed to have a little lady that can fall asleep about anywhere and sleeps for hours on end just like you see here. Love her!
Check here for ideas on helping your child sleep well.
Having kids nap in the car is a great way to help them pass the time and for your to concentrate on the road. They can wake up refreshed and ready for any activities that may come up at your destination. I almost always plan my trips around Ava’s nap time. We typically try to arrive when we know she should be done with napping. For her that is 3 pm. I plan my trip to be at our destination by that time. Planning this way really helps keep bed time consistent and is wonderful for tired parents who have been driving for a long while.
Samuel is a hit or miss napper. Sometimes he doses off, but most often now he chooses to stay awake and work on other activities.
Mommy Hack Number 3: Fun, Independent School Work
On the left Sam is working on counting. I’m not sure which book he is using for his counting, but he has decided to work on his addition during the ride.
Mommy Hack Game: Counting and Numbers
We do a lot of counting on our trip. We will count the number of big trucks we see. Or we notice the numbers on the exit signs or speed limit signs. Number recognition is something Sam is interested in so we take this on the road with us. You need limited materials to make this game work!
Mommy Hack Game: Draw Me A Picture
On the right Samuel is working on his writing using a magnetic writing board. They are awesome in the car. No markers or crayons falling all over or paper getting shredded. Avalyn likes to use this too, but for Sam this is a big winner. I will ask him to draw his letters or maybe a picture. Lots of great entertainment value in the magnetic board.
Mommy Hack Number 4: Snacks!
- Graham Crackers
- Pre-made PB&J
- Water
- Veggie Sticks
- Pre-cut Apples
- Nuts
Mommy Hack Number 5: Favorite Games
Mommy Hack Game: Talk!
Traveling is so much easier with a little preparation. I hope you enjoy the summer travel season!
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These mommy hacks are PRICELESS! We never take 6 hour road trips – yikes we could practically fly to New York from the UK in that time 😉 But even short 2-3 hour journeys can be nerve wracking with little ones on board. Not anymore 🙂
Clare’ last post was: 37 Sight Word Games to Help Your Little One Learn to Read
Thanks for allowing me to share your post in my traveling with kids roundup. It will go live November 12th!
Omg my son took his first flight when he was 2 months and my daughter took her first flight when she was 4 months