Every family road trip comes with its unique moments of shared laughter, sibling squabbles, unplanned road stops, and, most especially, entertainment to keep everyone going. Indeed, spending hours in a car with kids would require knowing and choosing the right kind of games for a family road trip. While some families may lean towards nostalgic, screen-free travel ideas, others may prefer the convenience that comes with using tech devices. Either way, the style of entertainment you choose can make or break the family experience during the road trip. Interestingly, the perfect solution may not even be about using one particular strategy or the other, but rather about ensuring balance and doing what suits everyone best.
Parents tend to struggle with finding the right combination of activities that can keep the whole family relaxed without turning the entire trip into a marathon of boredom. Go for old-school car games that keep screen time away? Or just embrace electronic entertainment for kids and let them enjoy their preferred digital escape? The right answer to these may depend on the children’s personalities, age range, and even your specific goals for the trip. So, whether you’re heading to coastal towns or national parks, it’s always important to think ahead.
Can old-school car games still be a great family road trip entertainment?
Classic old-school car games might feel too simple in today’s world, but they still tick the checkbox of games that keep the family road trip entertainment — and connection — alive. Games like I Spy, 20 Questions, and the license plate hunt can be enjoyed together by the whole family, while equally serving as a means of bonding. Moreover, it’s worth noting that these old-school games teach values and skills such as patience, critical thinking, and active listening — all of which can further be a plus for the kids’ development beyond just entertainment. Other screen-free travel ideas that still work wonders include bringing along printable scavenger hunts, physical books, and travel-sized board games. Of course, adults can (and should) get in on the gaming action. Some of the most entertaining road trip games aren’t just for kids.
With these methods, you can naturally minimize the chances of car sickness, which is more common during extended use of phones or tablets. But of course, these screen-free car activities might require a bit more involvement from parents, as you’ll most likely have to initiate and lead the games, especially if you’re dealing with younger children. Also, some kids tend not to be immediately thrilled with putting their screens away, but might warm up once they realize how much fun the old-school games can be. The most important thing? You’re not just passing time with these safe travel games with the kids, but also building sweet memories for the family.
Using electronic entertainment for kids on the go
