how to travel with kidsPlan the Hours of Driving Time Ahead of Time:
On the way to anywhere by car, kids will ask a lot of questions. On a long road trip for a vacation where there are hours of driving time to do, kids’ questions can drive anyone in the car not driving a bit crazy. Smart parents and relatives will be prepared with these fun trivia games for the road for all ages. They can be played any time while in motion and should keep everyone occupied with thinking games involving history, family facts, geography, and just counting, which is appealing to all because it’s easy to do and helps the driving time go faster.

Family Fact Time:
Experience history all over again with funny recollection stories about important events and memories centered on the family. This can also include extended family and all facts should be written down with the answers so the game goes quickly and interest is held by all playing. For example, asking how many people in your family have a name that starts with “R” might stump many. How many birthdays are in February or any other month will need to be thought out too. One harder to answer might be chronologically placing family cousins in order of age. This can include birthdays, weddings, christenings, etc. Where the event took place, when, and what happened will be fun to remember too!

Geography Time:
If traveling cross country, a trivia game about that state during traversing it may bring questions about the state flower, bird, flag, or counting the number of licenses you pass by or that pass you by with that state’s plate, or conversely, outside of the state plates. My family plays the license plate game every time we go on a road trip. We’ve even seen plates from England! Capital cities of all the states are educational. National monuments are a good list to be remembered too.

Road Trip Bingo:
Make up cards with different sights to be seen on the highways and freeways and routes you will be taking five squares across and five squared down. Instead of letters and numbers to coordinate, have passengers seek out icons already placed on their card with each one being different. This includes YIELD or STOP signs, constructions signs, makes of cars, license plates, certain plant life, certain buildings or fast food franchises, certain animals, birds, or colors of other cars. Play a black out game with SHARPIES to highlight or X out what is sighted (and witnessed by others playing) since tokens will slide during movement of the car. Have a prize be that person’s choice of meals at the next stop for food if they see a BINGO across or down, or see all the card icons.

Math Time:
Have each child keep track of where you have traveled and how far from your destination you are. Have them work out the time you will arrive and have the one closest be a winner of a prize. Copy a map with mileage key. No GPS! Also have them estimate gas usage and cost, a good way to check your mileage and for them to appreciate your choice in an economical car! Have them add up the number of stops and the time spent not moving. One of your budding young accountants may want to add up each and every penny spent, whether it be for food, gas, or hopefully, not at an automotive service garage! Get everyone in on estimating!

Almost There!
There are many websites, books, and magazines that have games and word puzzles in them for the road, catering to kids of all ages. The local dollar store is a great place to buy these. The most important aspect of any trip is allowing everyone to be able to do something they really are looking forward to, and learning something new along the way. Just talking, or napping, or telling each person how much you care for them and look forward to spending time with them is a great trip activity when you bring along family and friends!

 

 

Author John Fisher is an avid fan of trivia questions, and enjoys games and activities including movie trivia.

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Filed under: Family and Children

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