Guide
Compact toys for the holidays
by Myrtha Brunner
8 entertainment options for long car journeys with children
1.7.2019
Translation: machine translated
Anyone who goes on holiday by car knows that space is at a premium. In addition to all the suitcases, you also need to take food and entertainment for the children. It's good if the latter is as compact as possible.
We are also venturing into the avalanche of cars this year. As planned, we want to be the head of the queue of cars, some of which are kilometres long. But what if, despite leaving early, we experience pure madness and end up in the middle of the car chaos? With two children! I make provisions for this eventuality. In the form of suitable entertainment options for the long car journey. They take up hardly any space and are also ideal for entertainment at the destination. They offer maximum fun, sometimes even for the whole family.
1. brain games
Thinking games include games such as: "I see something you don't see" or "Who sees a red car first?" The first game is handy in traffic jams because the surroundings change too quickly when you are driving. The game "I'll pack my suitcase and take ..." is a little more challenging. Generally speaking, such brain games are more suitable for older children aged 8 and over. They are ideal because they are free, always ready to use and don't take up any space.
Tip: You can create a list of possible terms in advance and print them out a few times. The first person to see the word you are looking for during the journey and say it out loud can cross it out. The winner is the first person to cross out all the words. Be creative in your choice of terms and adapt them to the age of the child. Ideas: Tower block, dog, BMW, street lamp, STOP sign, granny, person with a red T-shirt, scooter, tractor, shop.
2. singing
Singing is a good way to distract the child. The songs can be adapted to the child's age. If you only know the first few verses of the songs, it's best to take a songbook with you. You might even learn new verses or a new song along the way. Apart from a songbook, you don't need anything else.
Tip: You can try singing a song in canon with older children. The song "Brother Jacob", for example, is suitable for this.
3. camera
What children see with their eyes and what they find exciting is not always easy for us adults to understand. Put the camera in your child's hand and let them see the journey through the lens. For the younger ones, there are children's cameras. In addition to the ability to take photos, they often offer additional games.
Tip: Give your child objects to photograph. If there are two children, you can organise a competition. Who has photographed the defined subjects such as a petrol station, tree, car, block of flats or street sign faster.
4. books
Not everyone can read and drive. Some even vomit after the first few lines. If your child has no problems with pictures and letters, let them choose the books themselves. Books that your child doesn't like are unlikely to be looked at and take up unnecessary space. Personally, I find wimmel, "Where is Walter?"- or Tip Toi books are a great choice. They stimulate the brain cells and give lots to discover.
Tip: Let your child choose a book or exercise book from the kiosk as a reward for the journey. This gives them something new and keeps them occupied for a while. Donald Duck pocketbooks are usually available at newsagents and offer lots of entertainment.
5. colouring
When colouring, children often forget the time and lose themselves in the drawing. Papier und coloured pencils are therefore a must for me in the car. The only problem when driving: The coloured pencils quickly fall onto the floor of the car. Alternatively, you can use a colouring board for the journey. The drawings can be erased with a button to make room for new ones. I also think the children's colouring sets Aqua Doodle from Ravensburger are a good choice. With these colouring sets, all you have to do is fill the pencil with water in advance and start colouring. As soon as the water dries on the colouring mat, the drawings disappear again. Painting fun that never ends.
Tip: If you decide to use coloured pencils, don't forget the sharpener. It is annoying if the colour tips break off from falling and you can no longer use them. You can also use a tray with a rim to prevent the pencils from falling off.
6. games of skill
Games of skill such as magic cube, Labyrinth or Finger Spinner make time pass quickly. At the same time, they encourage interaction between hands and brain cells. They hardly take up any space and also entertain one or two adults in the meantime.
Tip: You can add the additional difficulty level "Time" here. Who can complete the game the fastest or the longest.
7. audio book / music
If you like listening to your own music, it's worth getting your child headphones. This way, they can listen to their own audio book, story or music on a separate device. The desired audiobooks and songs to your smartphone, tablet or iPod in advance. There are special children's multimedia devices for the little ones.
Tip: Get an audio book or CD that your child doesn't know yet. That way, they won't get bored so quickly on the journey
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8th flicker box
I don't want my child hanging their head over a tablet for hours on end or watching one film after another. But in an emergency, I will take a digital device with me on the journey. There's nothing worse than driving with children screaming or constantly whining. Your concentration wanes and you make mistakes more quickly as a driver. For me, driving safety comes first in this case. And during the holidays, you can watch a family film on the tablet in between.
Tip: You can also download series or short stories in advance. You can dose them better.
More tips for the journey
I have already given you a tip for each entertainment option above. In order to survive the journey as unscathed as possible, I also recommend:
- plan the route well
- to set up enough breaks where the children can play freely
- drive at night, as the children will then sleep for a few more hours.
- Have wet wipes, bibs and bags for vomiting ready.
- prepare enough food and drink
- pre-cut the food and fill it into Tupperware containers.
- Take tap water with you for emergencies or to wash your hands.
I'm a complete beginner when it comes to long car journeys with children. So I'm sure you have more tips that you can share with other parents and me. Please use the comment function. If you follow me as author, you won't miss any of my follow-up posts. <p
I’m the cook, cleaner, police officer, nurse, entertainer, motivator, author, storyteller, coach, organiser, chauffeur, lawyer and judge. To put it simply, I’m a mum to a daughter and not just a (Content) Manager at the office but also at home.
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