Traveling With Kids

I haven't posted recently as we've been on the road visiting family. After 13 years of traveling thousands of miles in the car, I've learned a few things about road trips with kids. Here are some of my best tips.

Entertainment

Whether we like it or not, our kids are accustomed to being entertained 24x7. The car (or plane/train/bus) is no different, except that their movement is severely restricted. Try being strapped into a carseat for 8 hours and see how fun it is. If you don't want endless "Are we there yets?" then you need to plan car entertainment the same way you plan your hotel reservations (ahead of time-hopefully).

Babies & Toddlers

Infants are challenging to keep entertained on long car trips. There are ways to keep the crying to a minimum.

1. Put interesting pictures on the seat back to give the baby something to focus on.
2. Purchase a couple of fresh new toys to hang from their carseat as well as an old favorite.
3. Seat one adult (if you can) in back with the infant to help keep the child comfortable and entertained.
4. Buy a portable potty for toddlers (we used one in the car and it was a lifesaver!)
5. Don't be in a hurry. Plan extra time for your trip so you can stop every 2 hours or so and keep everyone fresh.

Children and Teens
The best suggestion I can give you is --Portable Video System. Whether a DVD or VHS, it is truly a lifesaver. We bought one when our children we preschoolers and haven't been without one since. It can keep you on the road and them entertained for hours, just bring plenty of movies to cover your road time.
Here are some other suggestions to break the monotony.

1. Dollar Store Toys -- or a few bucks you can provide some fresh toys to keep the kids entertained for at least part of the trip and when you get to the hotel. If they lose them on the trip, oh well, they only cost a buck.
2. Glow Sticks--after dark the video systems can be distracting for the driver and when it's past bedtime, you want the kids to sleep. The glowsticks are comforting too when you get to the hotel and the kids want a nightlight.
3. Car Games--Our family always enjoys going through the alphabet and finding something outside the car that starts with each letter. At night on two-lane, less traveled roads, we look for "peepers" (car headlights). The first to say "peeper" and spots a car gets a point and the one with the most points wins. Twenty questions also is a good way to pass time. Here's a nice list of some other car games.
4. Audio Players--for older kids tape, CD players, MP3s (with headsets) can eliminate the fight over which radio station should be playing.

Of course, all ages like snacks. Just remember to plan ones you don't mind cleaning out of car seats and the floor. Chips and popcorn seem to make awful messes and Cheetos, Goldfish, and Oreos don't look great on upholstery. In hot weather, fruit snacks can be a mess. (This is the voice of experience on all of these.) Sipper cups are lifesavers and probably should be used until you are at least 80.
Most importantly, try to get a little sleep yourself before you hit the road. It improves your patience with the inevitable hassles of traveling with kids.
P.S. Don't forget the blessings of Dramamine!