You’re in the third hour of the family road trip, and excitement is gradually becoming frustration as the kids play the same question on repeat: “Are we there yet?”
If this scenario sounds familiar, try these simple tips to keep the whole family entertained – and sane – during the journey to your next holiday spot.
Take regular breaks
Yes, they might delay the journey – but why not make the breaks part of your holiday? Take a look at the attractions that are along your chosen route and stop off at a place that will be entertaining for the family. For example, if you’re driving along the east coast of Australia, pause near the Big Banana at Coffs Harbour for some delicious banana smoothies. Or, if you’re further north in Queensland, the iconic Pub at Aussie World along the Bruce Highway is a great pit stop to refuel and have some fun at the same time.
If you have younger children that still have day time naps and sleep well in the car, try to time the breaks when they’re awake so they can run around and burn some energy.
Food
Make sure you pack plenty of snacks for the family to enjoy along the way in between meals. Try some healthy snacks like fruit, nuts, cheese and crackers or homemade slices.
Entertainment
Electronic devices
While you might limit access to iPads and smartphones at home, relax the rules a little during the road trip and let the kids watch their favourite TV show or movie. Make sure you pack some headphones so you get some quiet time and the chance to listen to some of your own tunes.
Family games
Make sure you spend some of the trip having fun as a family – play some of the old road trip favourites, minus the electronic devices.
I spy
Choose between “I spy with my little eye something beginning with…” or “I spy with my little eye something red”. This game is perfect for pre-schoolers and is easy to play with one person reciting the line and ending it with a clue, and the other family members take turns guessing the answer.
Road Trip Bingo
One for the older kids, this game combines bingo with a scavenger hunt. Give each child a flat surface, such as a clipboard, to put on their lap. Give each player a bingo card and a zip-lock bag with 16 coins. When a player spies an item on his/her card, he/she covers the picture with a coin. Just like in regular bingo, the first player to cover all the squares in a straight line wins.
Noughts and Crosses
All you need are two players and a pencil. Player One places an X on the grid, Player Two writes an O. They continue to take turns until one player has three across.
Music
Nothing beats a family sing-a-long, so crank up the tunes and have a warble. Take turns choosing songs. This will ensure everyone gets a turn listening to something they like. It also has the benefit of teaching kids to take turns and share, and the plus side is that you won’t have to listen to the Wiggles’ Big Red Car for hours on end!
