Believe it or not, there are several ways to entertain children while on vacation, and no, you don’t have to spend a million dollars to do it.
Have you ever been stuck in the car for several hours? Many might answer yes to this question, and many people actually don’t mind a few hours of riding to someplace new. But, have you ever taken a cross-country road trip with small children?
The imagery alone is enough to give some parents a panic attack. Kids aren’t the best travelers, but we have to remember that small children are tiny little balls of energy just waiting for an open space to blast off.
So, you’ve decided to take your kids on vacation, and you’re going to be in the car for a while. Well, after the torture is over, for you and the kids, how will you keep them entertained while trying to enjoy yourself at the same time?
Believe it or not, there are several ways to entertain children while on vacation, and no, you don’t have to spend a million dollars to do it.
Take the kids fishing
This might seem like one of the simplest things to do, and you might not think that it would be an enjoyable experience, but it truly can be.
Learning how to fish is a milestone art that most children learn when they’re very young. Learning how to bait a hook, tie a fisherman’s knot, and to cast a line are all skills that any human being should be taught, even if it’s just for the sake of tradition.
Fishing can create a bonding experience with you and your children. Not only will you be able to teach them the ropes, you’ll be able to spend time, talk about what interests them and really get to know your children all while enjoying an outdoor activity. And, you just might land that big one that will sure to get everyone excited.
So go out and buy a new fishing tackle kit and be sure to pack it on your trip.
Local parks
No matter where you’re traveling to, there are bound to be local, state or municipal parks nearby. These spaces aren’t as popular as they once were. And while many might blame this on the advances of technology that keep more children indoors, parks are still available to enjoy in nearly every community across the country.
Playing at the park is as simple as it sounds, but the best way to enjoy a park with your children is to actively engage with them while they play.
You can play a game of hide and seek while they chase you around the playground, or you can play a game of tag. Go explore a nearby creek, or take a walk on an available nature trail. Parks are free and all it costs you is your time. And, time spent with your children is never a moment wasted.
Car games
If you’re in for a long ride that’s going to last several hours, you’ll want to make sure that your kids are entertained along the way. This might seem easier said than done, and that’s because truly, it is.
Kids need stimulation more often than adults. Where we adults can sit peacefully and admire the passing scenery while listening to our favorite podcasts, the kids will be in the backseat writhing with boredom. In order to combat this, you’ll need to get creative.
You could start singing 99 Bottles and see how far you get, but this is bound to get old quickly. But a great game to play in the car is the I-spy game. This will not only give the kids something to pass the time, but it’s also a way to get them engaged and begin noticing the passing scenery.
No matter what you do, you want to ensure that your children are aware that you’re taking the time to engage with them, and making them feel as comfortable as possible while traveling away from home. Kids might feel uneasy when traveling, so be sure to comfort them and see to their needs.
