Sunday, July 22, 2012

Activities to Keep the Kids Busy on a Road Trip

We took a trip to the beach this summer... 11 hours each way.  Long trips with preschoolers can be challenging, especially when one just finished potty training.

I tried to be prepared for this trip.  In addition to the Leapsters and DVD players, we brought along some new activities this year.

Magnet box

This is just a metal bin from IKEA that we repurposed for the road trip.  This is awesome because it both holds the magnets and provides a surface to play on.



Felt boards

I put this one together the night before.  I just took some foam board and hot glued a large piece of felt to it. 
Voila!  Instant letter fun.  Each child got his or her own to limit fighting.

Crayon apron

This can be worn while in the car so the child has easy access to her crayons the entire trip!  Just be sure you don't tie the knot in the back, where it might get uncomfortable.  If you're interested in reading the tutorial on how to make it, click click here.

Each kid got his/her own basket that we kept on the floor of the minivan.  It was easy to keep things separated and organized that way, and it allowed me to have easy access to reach items they wanted to play with.  It was still a long trip, but being prepared helped!

So, have you been anywhere fun this summer?  Tell me about your road trip tips in the comments!
Blessings,
Jamie


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13 comments:

  1. I love these ideas- especially the magnet box. We went to Upper Michigan this summer and I brought magnets in a baggie with a cookie sheet to stick them to. Magnets everywhere! The box makes so much sense, and it's cute:)

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  2. Great ideas! I'll pass them on to my sis who's always looking for fun ways to occupy the kids in the car! :)

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  3. Cool ideas! Going to try these myself! Thanks!

    Visiting from Craft-O-Maniac Monday!

    - Jaime
    http://mrsmamapanda.blogspot.com/

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  4. I am always needing new ideas - thanks
    -Dusti
    http://wanttogetcrafty.blogspot.com/

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  5. Those are some great ideas. I have to give these to my brother who has three year old twins. Thanks for sharing at DIYbyDesign.

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  6. What great ideas! I love them all. Love the magnetic box and the felt board. So simple, but I bet very effective!

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  7. we are getting ready for an 8 hour car trip with a 4, a 2 and a 9 months old baby!! Great ideas! I have bought 2 cookie sheet ($tree) for the kids to play with letters magnets...

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  8. That is so clever and cute. I wish I had thought of it when the kids were little. The baskets are a great idea too! We go to Vegas at least 3 times a year (8 hours away by car) and the kids love the road trip. The first time we were leaving at 5 in the morning I was so worried, but no problems! Great tips! Thanks!

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  9. Ok- I MUST run back to IKEA for the metal box. Love that idea and my kids would be super excited to pull that out on a road trip! Thanks for linking up
    xxx
    Kim

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  10. great ideas - Would love it if you could share this on my link party Serenity Saturday @ www.serenityyou.blogspot.com

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  11. Oooh, these are great! I'm headed out on a road trip on Wednesday with my three year old and need all the ideas I can get! Coming over from the Sundae Scoop party!

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  12. Perfect ideas for a road trip. The apron is one I haven't thought of before. I'm excited to now be following you. Feel free to follow back at www.iheartpears.blogspot.com

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  13. Thanks for sharing another fabulous project -- it is part of our featured favorites this week over at Craft Junkie Too. Stop by to check it out and link up more craftiness. :)

    Hugs,
    Tracy
    http://www.craftjunkietoo.com/2012/08/tgif-linky-party-60.html

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