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Traveling with Kids: 3 Inexpensive Boredom Busters

The kiddos will be entertained and engaged with these fun travel activities!

By Missy Robertson, Publisher Macaroni KID Monroe-West Monroe June 29, 2024

Taking family road trips is such a fun way to make memories, but you know what you will hear as soon as you make it 20 miles down the road: "Are we there yet?" To keep those little ones entertained and make the journey just as enjoyable as the destination, we've come up with three budget-friendly ideas.

1. Window Art:

Turn the car window into a canvas! Use dry-erase markers to draw pictures that match the scenery or let your imagination run wild. You can even turn it into a guessing game by adding clues or prompts for the grown-ups to join in on the fun.


Photo Credit: Sadie Summerscales


BONUS: 9 FAMILY ROAD TRIP GAMES FOR THE BEST CAR TRIP EVER!


2. Recycle Tin Containers:

Don't throw away that old holiday tin or cellphone protective screen case! Instead, use them as drawing surfaces. Add magnetic figures or other magnetic toys and building blocks to create interactive scenes. This activity is perfect for keeping little hands busy and sparks creativity.


Photo: Missy Robertson



Photo: Missy Robertson


3. FREE Downloadable Travel Games

We've got a fantastic collection of free downloadable travel games to make your journeys more enjoyable! Dive into Road Trip Bingo, challenge your fellow travelers with Tic-Tac-Toe, and explore a color sheet of the United States that sparks thoughtful conversation. These games are perfect for keeping everyone entertained and engaged on the road. We recommend getting a binder with plastic sleeve inserts so that you can slip each game into the sleeve, use dry-erase markers, and the kids will be able to play multiple times. 


Always make sure safety comes first when kids play in a car. Ensure they are secured with appropriate child restraints to prevent any potential injuries. Be vigilant about choking hazards, keep small objects out of reach, and always supervise their activities closely to ensure a safe and enjoyable environment. Prioritizing these precautions can prevent accidents and keep children safe.