Four ingenious ways to keep kids entertained on long car journeys

Planning a long car journey with your children? Discover four ingenious ways you can keep them entertained on your road trip.

As any parent who has endured the dreaded “Are we there yet?” chorus can easily attest, ensuring kids are entertained on long car journeys can pose a huge challenge that can really test the bounds of one’s sanity. 

The combination of confined spaces, boredom, and sibling rivalry can quickly turn a family road trip into a backseat circus. James Dooley, entrepreneur at Soft Surfaces, brings four innovative and engaging solutions to this age-old dilemma.

1) Communal storytelling

Encourage your little ones to unleash their creativity by taking turns telling a collaborative story. Start with a simple premise, and let each family member add their own twist and turn. Not only does this exercise foster imagination, but it also promotes active listening and teamwork.

Storytelling is a powerful tool for bonding and cognitive development. It allows children to explore different perspectives and emotions in a safe and engaging environment.

2) Backseat scavenger hunt

Turn the journey into an adventure by creating a scavenger hunt tailored to the scenery outside the car windows. Challenge your kids to spot specific objects, colours, or shapes along the way. You can even award points or small prizes for each successful find, adding an element of friendly competition.

Scavenger hunts are a great way to keep kids engaged and observant. They encourage focus and attention to detail, while also making the journey more interactive and fun.

3) Audiobooks

Audiobooks and podcasts can be a lifesaver on long car journeys. Not only do they provide entertainment, but they also promote literacy and critical thinking skills. Consider involving your kids in the selection process, allowing them to choose stories or topics that pique their interest.

Audio content can transport children to different worlds and spark their imagination. It’s a great way to foster a love of learning while making the miles fly by.

4) Snacks

Don’t underestimate the power of snacks. Pack a variety of healthy treats in easy-to-reach containers to stave off hunger-induced meltdowns. Encourage your child to create their own snack mix or indulge in some car-friendly finger foods. 

Snacks provide not only nourishment but also a distraction. Just be mindful of sugary snacks that can lead to energy spikes and crashes.

Make your road trip a memorable adventure

Keeping kids entertained – or even distracted – on long car journeys can prove to be a daunting task for parents. However, with a little creativity and preparation, you can turn those dreaded road trips into memorable adventures,.

Soft Surfaces Ltd, established in 1997, has a great deal of experience in dealing with various projects in the sports and play industry. Over the last ten years, the company has expanded rapidly to become one of the UK’s leading playground and sports facility installers.

Soft Surfaces is committed to offering ‘Best Value’ through their commitment to technical excellence and wealth of in-house expertise. Our friendly, long-serving, knowledgeable staff can assist you with all your playground and impact-absorbing surface needs.