How Do You Keep Toddlers Entertained on the Road?

Your toddler may or may not be old enough to ask this critical question, but even if they can't verbalize it, they'll definitely think it. Your goal during any road trip is to keep them so busy that they won't even notice the time flying by. In that respect, here are just a few ways to keep your toddlers entertained during long drives. Play Games Games are the time-honored way of entertaining children while you're behind the wheel. The trick is to find games that both toddlers and older children can play. Mad libs is appropriate for all ages, and "spot the license plate" is always fun. You can also print out pictures of things like dogs, trucks and farmhouses and give your children points for each one that they notice. Toys are a godsend for toddlers on the road. Whether it's stuffed animals or educational puzzles, they'll provide an outlet for your frustrated little trooper when they're tired of their car seat. Speaking of car seats, you can find toys that will attach to flat surfaces with straps and ties, meaning that even if your toddler throws them, they won't go far. Let Them Be Creative While you might have strict rules about paints and crayons while you're at home, it's okay to bend the rules during a long road trip. If those non-toxic watercolors keep your toddler entertained all the way from Memphis to Miami, they're worth the eventual scrubbing time. If you're super-concerned about cleanliness, you can even buy non-staining coloring materials. Buy a New Car This is a big investment, of course, but if you're already in the market for a vehicle or if you know in advance that you'll be traveling a lot with your kids, it's worth the expense to buy something equipped for childcare. Dealerships are where many people buy new cars. There are many different types of dealerships, Ford, Honda, a St. George Hyundai dealership, and even Kia. Finding the right dealership for the make and model of car you’re looking for is of the utmost importance. For example, you might ask the dealership for a car with backwards-facing screens so that your toddler can watch TV as you drive. Audio Books and Arts and Crafts If your toddlers are unable or unwilling to watch TV on the road, you might have more luck with audio books. They aren't just for adults. Children's tales like "The Ugly Duckling" and "Winnie the Pooh" have been read by everyone from Bill Martin to Jamie Lee Curtis, and you can also find numerous educational materials for counting or learning the alphabet out loud. Songbooks are another possibility, though you'll need to be prepared for hours of repetition afterward. If your toddler can be trusted to not eat their art supplies, they might have a lot of fun with things like stickers, beads, Play-Doh, pipe cleaners and Popsicle sticks. You can encourage them to stay busy with ideas like making their favorite animal out of a paper plate. Even older kids and teenagers can find themselves interested in this kind of imaginative activity. Pack Snacks Again, while you might follow a rigid menu at home, your 10-hour drive isn't the place to stress the importance of vegetables. Allow your toddlers to have a special treat to keep them happy. Sugar rush is a myth, so don't feel too guilty about including M&Ms and Cheetos. In fact, making your own trail mix can provide hours of entertainment for your toddler as they pick through the bag to find their favorites. These are just a few ideas for keeping your toddlers calm and collected while on the road. Whether you're driving cross-country or just tired of noisy complaints during your daycare commute, use these ideas for a more peaceful journey.