Traveling with 3-year-old

[etwinchester]

We will be driving from PA to Florida and was wondering what are some good things to take along for a 3-year-old little girl?

I have purchased some coloring books, crayons, and a magnetic game for her to take but needed some more ideas.

It's going to be a long ride...

 

[cinmell]

Things that work for us are:

Travel size magna doodle
Travel size etch a sketch
Stickers & sticker books (they sell princess and Pooh)
Crayons & coloringbooks
Crayola "invisible or magic"markers that only work on particular paper
Crayola model clay
Small Disney figurines or beanies
Colorforms
We also had a laptop that could play dvd's and that worked great for us

We also made sure we had lots fruit snacks, juice boxes and crackers.

Good luck and enjoy your vacation!

 

[Clover9990]

If you have a little extra money, I have heard that the portable TV/VCRs or TV/DVDs come in really handy for long car rides! I think you can get the TV/VCR ones for $199 or so at places like Target.

I also found Disney Yes & Know books- the kind with the invisible ink that "magically" colors pictures in the accompanying book- for just over $3 at our local grocery store.

Another good way to pass the time is to pop in a couple of Disney CDs or tapes and have a sing-along. It's also a good way to get even more into the Disney spirit!

Have a magical trip!

 

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

ALL of those ideas already listed on this thread are right on! Totally agree.

Just have to say also...

Crayola "invisible or magic"markers that only work on particular paper

You have no idea how this comes in handy. This way you can let them color without constantly worrying about if they are marking on themselves, their clothes, the carseat, etc.
(as well as it's great for the hotel room... that way you needn't worry if they are writing on walls, furniture, bedding, etc. )

 

[ohanaMAMA]

i cannot stress the value of a portable dvd player. i promise you will not hear a peep. especially if your kiddo is a "tv kid" mine loves all the disney princess movies and LILO AND STITCH. soooo we LOVE our portable dvd. We paid 225 at circut city and id have paid twice that for the peace that we get riding along!

have a great time!

Michele
mom to caitie and jasmin

 

[cinmell]

Originally posted by cinmell

Crayola "invisible or magic"markers that only work on particular paper

They are called Crayola Color Wonder Markers and Paper. You can find them anywhere.

 

[Mainebound]

et winchester,

I cannot stress enough ... Beg borrow or steal to GET THE VIDEO PLAYER!!! Our rambunctious 3 year old DS has always had a hard time with car rides (and we live in central Maine so it takes a long time to get anywhere!). We borrowed a friend's portable tv/vhs player, plugged it into the lighter, propped it up between the two front seats fo our VW Jetta, and both my 3 year old and 1 year old were occupied for long stretches. It was a life saver!

I also second the idea of read along books with tapes (we get dizzy turning around to read to him and we can't squeeze back there), and all the other great ideas.

Good luck!

-Mainebound

 

[Tay N Evie's Mom]

I also give a big thumbs up to the VCR or DVD player idea. We had a DVD player installed in our new van. My brother lives 2 1/2 hours away and the only thing we hear out of the back seat (we have 5 year old twins) is "Mom, can you change the DVD?" Another idea is a hand held computer game-they have Candy Land, Mr Potato Head, etc. My kids also love their Leap Pads. Also, if you bring anything that can use earphones, get a set, it will save the driver's sanity. The dollar store is a great place to get cheap stuff to keep them busy, plus you're not breaking the bank. I never let my kids see what I've packed in their backpacks, so it's all a surprise. I also get some of their favorite snacks and pass them out more liberally than I would at home-hey it keeps them quiet. One other thing, if your child is into any type of figures (my kids like Resuce Heros and Barbie) get them a new one and surprise them in the car. That always keeps them busy admiring a new toy they love.