As we gear up for our summer road trip, I am busy planing hotels, activities and ways to keep the kids occupied on the drive. Like many road trips part of our trip will be on boring highways, and during those portions of the drive I don’t mind screen time to keep them occupied. But as we get closer to our destination the scenery becomes part of the journey, so I need ways to keep them entertain the family on a road trip while looking up and out the window.
This post is sponsored by Audible.
Entertain The Family On A Road Trip
Keep The Conversation Flowing
Being stuck in a car for a long journey is a great way to get to know your kids. One thing we like to do is tell a story in a round, one person starts a story and then the next person adds to the story. Not only do my kids come up with some crazy plot twists, it is a great way to help build their language and writing skills.
Family Conversation Starters are another great way to keep the conversation flowing. I created these to use around the dinner table, but they are just as fun on a car trip. Download the free Family Conversation Starters here.
Car Games
Last summer I introduced our kids to the license plate game, and it was a hit. As a family we managed to spot plates from 49 states. It is a great passive game that can be played throughout the trip, and even the driver can get into the fun.
Download a free printable license plate game here.
Listen To Audio Books
Another great way to engage the whole family is with books on tape. Everyone can enjoy the benefits of the scenery while also being transported to a far away land. Audible is currently offering a 30-day free trial, which allows you to download any of its many titles for free. With Audible, the whole family can listen to the story via your smartphone or tablet — and no one is glued to a screen.
My oldest is an avid reader and after reading The BFG, she can’t wait to see the movie in theaters next month, but little sister (age 4) feels left out. Audible is a great way for the whole family to experience the book together before the movie. Another great book to listen to with the family via Audible before seeing the movie is Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.
Sign up for a 30-day, free trial of Audible here.
Looking at book ideas for my family, I noticed Audible also has a bunch of the “Who was…” series available. From Albert Einstein to Dr. Seuss the whole family can learn about famous people from history together.
What books will your family listen to while hitting the open road this summer?
Singalong
Don’t underestimate a good-old-fashion singalong. Crank up the radio to everyone’s favorite song and jam out. It is sure to break the monotony and bring on the giggles. How about everyone try singing really high or really low? Or who can do the best impression of dad singing?
Trivia
Keep everyone on their toes with family-friendly trivia. Search Pinterest for “printable trivia” and you can find oodles of free family trivia games. Scholastic also has a kids trivia app. Not only will trivia games help pass the time, but they are another great way to keep kids thinking — anything to avoid the summer slump.
Bonus – Take turns telling jokes. Need some inspiration, here are 101 Jokes for Kids.
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Audible. The opinions and text are all mine.
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