Driving from Michigan - HELP!!!

[KTMEMOMMY]

We do 13 drives down most years. Each kid gets to pack an "activity bag" into which I add some new things each time. I have DDs ages 8 and 10. This year we packed magazines (American Girl and National Geographic kids); doodle pads with new colored pencils/ markers; a drawing activity book based on their individual interests; small craft kits without too many pieces; potholder weaving loom sets; a new book for each; some candy/ gum treats and snacks.

We have a DVD player in the van and do Redbox as we go. They also play with their DSs, iPods and dd10 has a kindle.

I got both of them those molded plastic lap desks at a craft store (Michaels or JoAnn's) and they use those for eating as well as for activities.

 

[KTMEMOMMY]

We do 13 drives down most years. Each kid gets to pack an "activity bag" into which I add some new things each time. I have DDs ages 8 and 10. This year we packed magazines (American Girl and National Geographic kids); doodle pads with new colored pencils/ markers; a drawing activity book based on their individual interests; small craft kits without too many pieces; potholder weaving loom sets; a new book for each; some candy/ gum treats and snacks.

We have a DVD player in the van and do Redbox as we go. They also play with their DSs, iPods and dd10 has a kindle.

I got both of them those molded plastic lap desks at a craft store (Michaels or JoAnn's) and they use those for eating as well as for activities.

That should say 13 HOUR drives

 

[squirrel4569]

We drive to Michigan from Texas a few times a year and from Texas to Florida and its the same distance as from Michigan to Florida. Last year we made 5 trips to Michigan and 1 to Florida without any issues.

Our previous car had a DVD player built into the headrests and we would swap out movies during the day and the slept at night. Our new car doesn't have that so we bought iPads and loaded them up with Disney movies and the Disney vacation video. That keeps them pretty occupied.

I've done the drive a few different ways. Leaving at midnight is great because you will arrive around 8pm and will miss a lot of traffic. Then you can check in and go to sleep and not be off your sleep schedule. That is kind of tough to do the first leg of it through the night though. Another way that works well is to leave very early, around 5 or 6 am and you will get to the hotel late that same day, around 1 or 2 am. Again, you can sleep and be ready for the next day. Stopping along the way is another option but then it is two full days in the car and you are burning time and money on hotels and driving. Load up a cooler with food and drinks and you will be all set.

Good luck!

 

[2DisPrincesses]

I agree with those who said not to overpack activities. Ds and dd mostly watched movies during our 18 hr drive. Once dd colored.
We packed sandwich fixings and picnicked for lunch. I brought a frisbee and they had fun tossing that. Make your stops count: let them exert some energy.
Oh, and beware of Atlanta traffic. It's horrible.

W drive from MI a LOT. We drive straight through and our girls sleep from about 11-6 or 7 am. PP mentioned Atlanta- definitely pay attention to what time you will hit Atlanta. We didn't the first time a got stuck in terrible traffic....never again!

 

[ArwenMarie]

I didn't get a chance to read all of the replies, so this might have already been said...

DVD players, the ones where they can watch different movies. Headphones! New movies and shows to watch. And extra cords for the DVD players to hook up to the power etc when they inevitably break one of them!

 

[ArwenMarie]

Basically, every time we crossed a state border, they received a gift.

Love this idea!

 

[Fire14]

If you're driving down I-75, you may want to invest in the book "Along I-75" ... I believe it's updated every few years, and it has pretty detailed maps as well as lists of what food/hotels/gas is at every exit/rest stop.

(And being from MI, I'm sure you know this already, but watch your speed in Ohio)

Yes please do but I will say the buckeyes finally got with program and upped speed limit

 

[larryz]

Yes please do but I will say the buckeyes finally got with program and upped speed limit

I still wouldn't chance it with Michigan plates...

That said, timing is everything. Plan to hit Atlanta between 9pm and 6am and you should be ok, unless it's a Friday or Saturday night.

 

[maxiesmom]

If you have AAA have them make you up a Trip Tik. Not only with they note any construction, they will highlight the speed traps for you!

I agree about avoiding Atlanta during any peak time. Try to go through before 6 am or after 8 pm if at all possible.

 

[paintnolish]

Oh, I told them they couldn't give me the "are we there yet?" until they saw palm trees!

 

[disney-akj]

It is about a 16 hour drive for us. I put 16 stickers lined up on the roof of our van (the ones that pull off easy). Then every hour roughly we pull off a sticker and something happens. We play a game (road sign ABC game, state license plate game, song game, Disney character game, name that tune), get a treat (candy, journal, coloring book, park map) or watch a movie. It makes the time go faster, minimizes arguing, and gets us excited for the trip.

The way home we do the same thing but then we do more games about the trip (20 questions to guess a ride or character, name the right park, word finds) The ride home there is a little more sleeping and movie watching because everyone is more tired.

ETA: I also check out Disney park books, DVDs, and music CDs from the library right before we leave for activities. Free and I renew them from my phone.

I also print up map and highlight our route so they can see major cities that we are passing through.

 

[Fire14]

I still wouldn't chance it with Michigan plates...

That said, timing is everything. Plan to hit Atlanta between 9pm and 6am and you should be ok, unless it's a Friday or Saturday night.

I still drive like a gander so I'm innocent

 

[karenklo]

Ah yes-the I-65/I-75 drive! We live in Indiana right on Lake Michigan. Disney Dvds worked well when the kids were younger! Got them excited about rides too! They are 11 and 14 and we are driving in 2 weeks again. They both have Samsung tablets and the DVDs are ready again!! Don't forget headphones if the movies or electronic games might drive everyone crazy!!

 

[Brian_WDW74]

This thread really doesn't fit under the topic of theme parks attractions and strategies, so I've moved it to the Theme Parks Community board.

 

[3Leafs]

We are in Northern IN and also have about a 20 hour drive. The pp have all give you great ideas so I won't bother repeating them. I did want to add that you could make a game out of counting various things you see on the road. Someone mentioned colors of cars. Once we get to Southern IN we count Waffle Houses all the way to FL. It started as a joke the first time my DH and I drove down. Everyone in the car could be asleep except the driver (I HOPE!!) and that person would still whisper Waffle House as we pass.
It is now tradition to stop at a Waffle House for dinner on our way home.

We count road kill lol

 

[3Leafs]

If you're driving down I-75, you may want to invest in the book "Along I-75" ... I believe it's updated every few years, and it has pretty detailed maps as well as lists of what food/hotels/gas is at every exit/rest stop.

(And being from MI, I'm sure you know this already, but watch your speed in Ohio)

We just crossed into Ohio lol. Going to a Mudhens game!

 

[saylorbunch]

(And being from MI, I'm sure you know this already, but watch your speed in Ohio)[/QUOTE]

Yes!!! SO annoying!!!! Lol!

 

[saylorbunch]

Oh, I told them they couldn't give me the "are we there yet?" until they saw palm trees!

Good idea!!! Hahaha!!