Traveling w/o the DVD player

[la79al]

I'm not going to tell my husband that I am considering this, but I am really thinking about leaving the portable DVD player at home this trip. We are flying and I would like one less large, clunky thing to worry about once we arrive (before our room is ready) and head for the parks. I would really like to minimize the stuff we take to entertain the kids on the plane. I am thinking for the older 2, I will take a few handheld games (Yahtzee, poker, etc), some 'worksheets' I make up for them, some snacks and our 5 year old planning book . I figure for the girls, I will take DDs Color Wonder set. I really need help with the little one though. When we went in December, she had a whole suitcase filled with activities just for her and they each entertained her for about 1 minute. I am hoping that the older 2 will provide some entertainment but probably not 2.5 hours worth. I really need some unique ideas.

 

[Hannathy]

My rule and seeing the ages of your kids you could also use is if you want it on the plane you carry it. It is amazing how little they can entertain themselves with when that rule is applied.

Seriously if you think they might want it simply put it in the 13 yr olds or even the 8 yr olds backpack. I never carry stuff like that. And don't forget 2 pairs of headphones!

By the way that rule applies to going to the park also.

 

[Hannathy]

Forgot that with an 8 yr old and 13 yr old I would just have them bring their DS's and a few books and if the 13 yr old is into it an ipod. That is all my kids took the last time we went.

I also don't pay any attention to what they bring I leave it totally up to them. I just say you better get your backpack ready and take what you want to do and carry.

 

[woodkins]

If you have an ipod you can put your dvd's onto that. I did this for my dd7 & it was perfect.

 

[champagnegirl26]

This is a worry for me too i have a 2 year old to keep entertained for a 9 hr flight! EKKKK

 

[nfceagles]

I second the ipod. I have several tv shows and movies on mine. You don't even have to buy new ones from the iTunes store if you don't want to, you can put copies of DVDs you own on it. I also have a special cord that connects my ipod to a TV and I throw that in the suitcase just in case I need the kids to watch something at the hotel and they can't find something that they like. My 21 mo old watched Blues Clues on our flight. She also likes those small books that use special markers or water filled pens. Color Wow or Water Wow or something like that. Readily available at any Target or Kohls. A new book that has activities and flaps to lift will last a while.