2. A backpack or small basket for each child with a pad of paper, pencils, markers, crayons, and other craft supplies they may be interested in, depending on age. Most of the time it is a good idea to have separate supplies for each child, then you will avoid the sharing debate.
3. A great time consuming & mind absorbing craft for older children is a small needlepoint project.
4. Pillows for everyone!! (Do not forget these!)
5. A child's atlas so they can refer to the route along with you, and learn some map reading skills (try Rand McNally's Kids' U.S. Road Atlas - it's clear & easy to read, with activities on every page).
6. One or two small cassette players with headphones (there may be times not everyone wants to listen to the same thing on the cassette or CD player in your car).
7. Several children's novels on cassette borrowed from your local library (give them a selection to choose from). My children love to listen to these for long periods of driving...perhaps this will work for your children too.
8. A roll of dimes for each child....it will cost them 10 cents each time they misbehave. Whatever money is left when you arrive at your destination is their's and may be used to purchase a souvenir.
9. A favorite stuffed animal...or in my daughter's case, all 50 Beanie Babies (there's no room left in the back seat!)
10. Kazoos
What to Pack:
1. Snacks & Drinks (unless you don't mind stopping every hour for
"I need a drink!")
Please remember to bookmark this page before exploring some of the links.
Bead Mileage Counters This works great for helping a child visualize the concept of distance to a destination.Visit my Hot List page for some traveling resources.Look Out For That Car gameMake a copy of the list of conversation starters from the Table Topics page.Scavenger Hunt for the car Travel Tips & Ideas (car game ideas, single page activity printouts, printouts for recording Vacation Memories, etc)The Ultimate Traveling Activity Bag - from FamilyFun MagazineFun Places For Kids (Aquariums & Sea Worlds, Children's Museums, Science Museums, Dinosaur Parks, Science Museums, Theme Parks, Water Parks, Wild Rides, Zoos, Arts & Craft Shows, Fun Events for Kids)Family Vacation Ideas Lots of ideas!MapQuest Obtain driving directions & travel guides (gives details on over 20,000 hotels & restaurants; city information; your destination's 5-day weather forcast). "With your travel selections, build a Travel Guide Itinerary containing travel info & maps that are tailored for your perfect trip."
