Summer is here and that means the season of holidays, getaways, and road trips is upon us! Whether you’re staying in the UK or heading further afield, chances are you’ll be preparing for a long drive… and facing the challenge of how to keep the kids entertained during the journey.
Here are some tops tips to help make travelling with little backseat passengers a breeze – and stave off the inevitable ‘are we there yet?’s before they start!
1. Word games
It’s an oldie, but a classic. Words games come in all shapes and sizes, from I-Spy to 20 questions to the number plate game, but all of them are a great way to get your kids chatting and engaged in the journey.
While they might think some of the games are a bit silly at first, if you present the games as challenges then you’re sure to pique their interest and bring out their competitive side.
2. Road trip bingo
This one takes a bit of forward planning, but we reckon it’s more than worth it. Prepare bingo cards with 20 or so things that you’d expect to see while on a long-distance drive and watch as the kids tick them off one by one.
A red car, sheep, a lorry, even a plane… whatever you choose to include, it’ll give your kids something to focus on while the miles fly by.
3. Backseat drivers
Another great way to involve your kids in the journey and get them chatting away is to give them a map and let them find out where you are. It also has the added benefit of teaching them some basic map reading skills on the side!
Feeling really brave? Get them to navigate for you as well – but maybe keep the sat nav running, just in case!
4. Start the music
If your child’s old enough to sit in the front seat, why not give them control of the music? If it’s a really long drive, and their music taste is a bit… repetitive, make sure to set up some playlists in advance on your phone or mp3 player. Failing that, set some rules about how many times they can play the same track! This will help to keep them occupied during the journey and feel like they’re helping out.
If they’re in the back, they could still get involved with the music if you have a stereo with Bluetooth or even just a long USB cable.
5. Electronic entertainment
Well, we’ve made it this far without mentioning them, but there’s no arguing with the fact that they work! If you’ve got a tablet or another device that you can put some apps on for the kids to play with, it’ll keep them entertained for hours. Add films and music (as well as some e-books) and most journeys should go nice and quick for them.
Another option is to invest in a set of in-car DVD players. They won’t need an internet connection, should stay free of sticky fingers and can be powered by your 12V output. Best of all, they’re compatible with headphones so you can enjoy some well-earned quiet time while your kids are enjoying a film or TV show!
6. Exciting detours
If your staycation destination is miles and miles away, then it can be a good idea to factor in some kid-friendly stop-offs to help break the journey up and give your kids something to look forward to.
Most bigger cities usually have zoos, museums or attractions designed for children. Our blog on 10 family attractions to visit in the UK has some great ideas if you’re looking for inspiration.
Or if you’ve brought your bikes along, why not tire your little one out with a bike ride and a picnic? Take a look at some of the top UK family cycling routes or check out our picnic essentials and kids’ bikes to make sure you’re kitted out before you leave.
Feeling unwell?
If your kids get car sick, it can be much more difficult to keep them entertained. While different solutions work for different kids, we recommend an audiobook and a pillow to help distract them from how they’re feeling and (hopefully) send them to sleep.
Introducing the Halfords Motoring Club
Another way to help make your long journeys go smoothly is to join the Halfords Motoring Club today.
Join today to access a range of amazing benefits and discounts that are designed to keep you moving, keep you safe and keep you saving.
It’s free to join and you’ll receive money off your MOT, a free car health check and a welcome voucher that can be spent on any Halfords product or service.
Or choose our Premium membership for a small monthly fee (or a one-off payment) to unlock exclusive member pricing on all motoring products and services online and across our stores, garages and Halfords Mobile Experts, as well as a variety of other benefits that will help you to keep moving for less.
With so much to enjoy, this is too good an opportunity to miss!
Join the Halfords Motoring Club today at www.halfords.com/motoring-club.
We hope these tips help to keep your kids entertained during long journeys (and help to take the stress out of the process for you!) If you need any holiday essentials for when you reach your destination, like camping supplies, tents, roof boxes and bike racks, then you head on over to Halfords.com.
If you want a super summer getaway, you want Halfords.
