Think fast: What are you better equipped to handle on a 5-hour long Labor Day weekend road trip, a flat tire or a bored preschooler strapped to the backseat of the car?
Most parents would rather deal with a flat than a car full of whiny children. If your vehicle doesn’t come equipped with a DVD player or you are embarking on a tech-free vacation, then you might consider the following classic car games to keep things running smoothly:
Twenty Questions
This car game favorite requires one person to think of a person, place or thing, while each of the other players has 20 questions to figure out what it is. Also, keep in mind that all the questions must be answered with either a “yes” or “no.”
For Example:
Mom: Thinks of a person, place, or thing
Sam: Is it a place?
Mom: Yes
Susie: Is it a place we’ve been to?
Mom: Yes
Joe: Is it in California?
Mom: No
Looking For License Plates
Instead of staring at a computer monitor for the entire ride to your favorite campsite, have your kids look out your vehicle’s windows and attempt to find license plates from all 50 states. Also, have them keep their eyes peeled for states that have more than one type of license plate. It’s helpful to have a map to help you keep track of what states you have already found.
Scavenger Hunt
Scavenger Hunts are as fun to play in the car as they are around the neighborhood. The car version just requires you to be a bit more creative. Before you leave your home, prepare a list of things that can be easily spotted from your vehicle. By preparing multiple lists your kids can play against each other. Also, bring along a little prize or offer to buy the winner a treat at the next rest stop so your kids will have an incentive to stay in the game.
Here are some ideas that can get you started on your list:
*American flag
*RV
*Welcome signs
*McDonald’s
*Bridge
*Yellow VWs
*Cars with dogs in the backseat
*Orange semis
*Swimming pools
*Vehicles towing boats
*Mountains
Related Articles:
Inexpensive Ways to Keep Your Preschooler Busy
Simple Ways to Make Summer Memories with Your Preschooler
Easy and Affordable End-of-Summer Activities for Preschoolers
Surviving the Summer with a Preschooler