How do we create fun and memorable experiences on road trips, where “Are we there yet?” isn’t whined out loud every few seconds?
Children and enjoyable long car drives don’t often go together, unless the children are babies and the aim is to get them to go to sleep. Even then, those drives are probably done while you’re sleep deprived and any moments of bliss can potentially be shattered the second the engine stops running. How do we then create fun and memorable experiences on road trips, where “Are we there yet?” isn’t whined out loud every few seconds?
1. Choose what works for you
Some families swear by travelling at night with the kids asleep, providing longer hours of noise-free driving. Others will leave at dawn, transferring the children to the car while they sleep or are still drowsy. Leave at a time that works for optimal “child asleep time”, which will be different for everyone. Most importantly, ensure the driver can stay awake, no matter what time you choose to leave.
2. Stop . . . often
Gone are the days with hours of driving, allowing only quick stops for toilet breaks or changing drivers. Most children need to be active and long drives where their movements are restricted can lead to “annoying my sibling” games or whingeing. Plan toilet breaks or driver changes at playgrounds, giving the kids half an hour to run around and expend their energy. Stopping more often will lengthen the trip, but is worth the more peaceful drive. If the budget allows, consider shorter drives per day with overnight stops.
3. Feed them
Throw out expectations of eating at regular or your usual times on long-distance drives. Pack snacks, lots of them. Clare Ringrose, a mum of four who has been driving long distances for more than 10 years, suggests going for food “that doesn’t make too much mess and will be eaten slowly. Think mini sandwiches, crackers, dried fruit, juice boxes, tiny-shaped biscuits and individual chip packets”.
4. Variety: not necessarily the spice of life
If your children aren’t complaining or bored of the activity they’re involved in, you don’t have to offer a change. Let them continue doing what they’re doing (if it’s not annoying you), saving your entertainment options and only changing when necessary.
5. Entertainment options
Music: It doesn’t all have to be by the Wiggles either. Explain that we take turns choosing and include some of your favourite child-appropriate tunes.
Progress charts: Print a map of your journey and add landmarks along the way. Children add a sticker as they pass each one. This gives them a sense that they’re actually getting somewhere. For younger children, try a chart where they add a sticker when they see certain objects (e.g. bus, tractor, horse, etc).
Toys: Don’t hand all of them over all at once. Consider small, cheap, new toys for novelty value. Unless you happen to enjoy them, steer clear of battery-operated toys with annoying, repetitive sounds.
Car games: Google some ideas or get the kids to invent their own.
Screen time: Unlike what sensationalist media would have us believe, giving children a device isn’t the same as handing them a cigarette. Be sure to curate what they watch and have a screen time management plan for day-to-day lives.
