Are you looking forward to vacationing with your family, but dreading the words, "Are we there yet?" Keep your whole family entertained in the car with these tips:
Provide some games. You can find inexpensive travel games in stores, or you can create your own. There are the classics, such as "I Spy" or the license plate game (print out a list of all the states and have them check off each state as they see the plates). But your family might also enjoy a scavenger hunt. Create a list of items for them to find before you leave (such as a billboard for a certain restaurant or a horse farm) and everyone watch for these items.
Have a story time. Stop by the local library before you go and pick up some books on tape for the car ride and some books to read while relaxing at the hotel. And share your own stories as well. Your kids will enjoy listening to your favorite memories from when they were younger or funny stories from your own childhood.
Get to know each other. Take the time to learn more about your family with a list of conversation starters. You can find fun books with hundreds of questions (or visit www.FamilyFirst.net for a free list) on everything from, "What is your favorite book and why," to "If you had three wishes, what would they be?"
Provide some surprises. Have a bag of special treats such as simple pocket games or snacks that the kids can choose one gift for each hour.
Make a vacation book. Give each family member a disposable camera and a small notebook. Have everyone take photos of their favorite places and events and make short journal entries in their notebooks about them. Then when you get home and get the photos developed, have a family night creating a vacation memory book with everyone's photos and comments.
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