Driving with children

[samshane]

We aren't that far from WDW - 7 to 8hr drive (that includes stops). We are driving out there in 2 weeks... I am looking for some creative ways to entertain the kids. Our car has a DVD player (that is a Godsend!), other than crayons and activity books, anyone have any interesting ideas to entertain them on the drive?

They are 6, 4, and just turned 3. Thanks for any suggestions!

 

[cslittle999]

We've found the secret to long distance driving is to give the kids something else to focus on besides them being stuck in a car seat all day.

For the six year old I would print them their own copy of the route from a map site, give them a highlighter and let them track the progress.

Our drive is a lot longer and we give out kids each a surprise gift whenever we enter a new state. The gifts were all small. Everything from a Disney book on cd, car game, glow in the dark bracelets to a disposable camera. You could do the same thing but every hour or every 100 miles.

We do a rotation on who gets to choose the next cd. Again something to look forward to. It also avoids the arguements about what gets played next. You could do a mix between DVD's and CD's.

I also would search the Family board for more tips. This topic comes up from time to time.

 

[cslittle999]

This site has lots of ideas too. http://www.momsminivan.com/

 

[canwegosoon]

I do the Upstate NY-Hamptons drive a lot...and it can be 5-7 hours depending on traffic(like last night!!!) What we usually is make sure the kids are comfortable(no sneakers,shoes or coats on..had one son who used to get leg cramps), they each should also have a light blanket and small pillow(if you are driving through the night). Have water, and some light snacks(not popcorn, too messy). Each child also brings a hand held game or activity(Gameboy, Turbo extreme, Leap pad, etch a stetch etc). For a 6 hour drive usually they watch 1 movie....then do activity like game(them we usually stop), and when we start another movie. Activity sheets, the licence plate or sign game is fun (if you are driving during the day). But when our kids were younger we always found they slept for 1/2 the trip. I think the prizes for each state is cute!!!

 

[tlbwriter]

I recently bought a mini dry erase board at Wal-Mart. They had several different characters, including the Disney princesses. It comes in a lap desk type of case, and it also has stickers, crayons, and a coloring pad. DD 6 loves it.