Traveling family by Carissa Rogers (flickr.com)
Waiting in a line at the airport, or being stuck in traffic when going on holiday is bad enough, throw in some impatient and bored kids and you could have a nightmare on your hands. Here are a few tips on how to keep your child busy during the trip.
Portable DVD player
If you know you are in for a long drive and that you might get stuck in traffic, we recommend you buy a portable DVD player for your kids. Yes, it’s not ideal, but long drives often feel even longer to little ones, and watching a movie can be a good way to amuse them. One movie will give you a two-hour break from the constant “are we there yet?” and “I’m bored” comments.
Portable DVD players are also great when on holiday: your kid wants to watch a movie and not everyone is interested in a Disney film? No worries, they can watch it on their own little screen!
Books and magazines
Digital gadgets are new and cool, but your child might want to take a break from all that at some point, especially if it’s a long trip. Children’s magazines and books are still a thing you know, and will keep the kids occupied for a little while. Here is a list of the best children books for 2014. Colouring books are also good, but more practical if there is a flat surface nearby, such as tray tables in planes and trains. You can also print free colouring pages online – this way you children can chose which ones they really like.
Tablets, smartphones and Mp3 players
As you have probably heard, the digital age is upon us! Embrace the fact that your kids are more modern than you are and buy a tablet or a smartphone they can play with. Hundreds of apps and games can be downloaded – both fun (Candy Crush and Tree World) and educational (Ready to Read and Hangman Free). These gadgets will occupy your kids for a long while so they don’t get bored. To find new ideas, the website appsplayground.com recommends the best apps by age, category and device. Just remember to disable in-app purchasing to avoid nasty surprises when you get your bill.
As for Mp3 players, they are especially good for pre-teens who can use them safely (even though some are designed for smaller children). This gadget will allow them to choose their own music and enjoy it peacefully, while giving you time to enjoy the silence. Just remember to give them some good headphones so you don’t have to listen!
Card games
A good way to take a break from digital toys, card games may be a little forgotten today but are still great to clear your mind. Slightly noisier than an Mp3 player, card games will generally require your participation (unless you have more than one child) and are easy to play on the train, plane or when waiting at the airport. They are also good when you want to take a break from driving, sit in the grass and engage your children in an activity that will keep them from running around the other parked cars. Here are ten kid-friendly card games that never get old, and yes, “go fish” is one of them!
Activity bags
Whether they are four or ten years old, kids will love having their own activity bag. Help them get it ready before the trip, but let them take what they want as much as possible. If they know what they will be able to play with, they will manage their own time. If they have plenty to play with, the journey will fly by.
Don’t forget the basics: colouring equipment, dolls, books, board games, reading material, soft toys, snacks, drinks… If your children feel involved in the organisation, everyone will feel more comfortable. Just bare in mind your mode of travel, obviously airports are stricter in terms of what you can take through security.
Remember children will have fun with the simplest things while using their imagination. If you want to know more, this blog will give you a hundred more ideas on how to occupy your children while on holiday.
How do you entertain the kids when you’re travelling? Let us know in the comments below!