Our last family vacation involved over 30 hours of driving, along with keeping our 10 children (relatively) content for all that time. The things you choose to take along can really make a difference when it comes to whiling away the hours. Here are some suggestions!
Audio Books
Telling stories used to be one of mankind’s primary forms of enjoyment, and you can enjoy this tradition 21st century-style with good quality audiobooks.
Our hands-down favorite is the complete Chronicles of Narnia, narrated by Paul Scofield and dramatized by Radio Theatre, which means there’s music and sound effects in the background to bring everything to life. It’s over 23 hours of storytelling and beautifully packaged in a durable box for easy traveling.
Other stories that will be enjoyed by everyone in the family are Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Fantastic Fox (free on YouTube) by Roald Dahl, The Wind in the Willows and The Reluctant Dragon. For some real drama and excitement, try something by H.G. Wells or Edmund Rice Burroughs (of War of the Worlds and Tarzan fame).
Tidy Toys
Traveling can be messy, so it’s best to not bring toys that add to the chaos. The most obvious choices are things like stuffed animals, dolls and a favorite action figures, but here are a few more ideas.
If your child likes to build, the LEGO Juniors suitcases are a great way to keep everything handy and neatly stowed away. The suitcases also have dividers inside that your child can rearrange to make different sized compartments.
If you’re looking for something a bit different that packs light and keeps children entertained for hours, check out TOSY’s magnet line. We recently discovered that these tactile, magnetic puzzles and fidgets appeal to all ages, from toddlers up to adults. The Magnet Cube offers multiple diversions; it’s a puzzle, a spinner, a game and a set of blocks! My teens especially gravitated towards TOSY’s rare earth fidget spinner and it’s calming, glowing lights.
If a million possibilities are what your curious child craves, then opt for the glowing Magnet Pyramid with UV lights and holographic stickers.
Here are a few more mess-free traveling toy ideas:
- Etch-a-Sketch
- Mad Libs
- Pop-It toys
- Reusable (wipeable) coloring books
- Boggle
- LCD writing tablet
- Scavenger hunt card game
- Box of trivia questions
Sing a Song
While deciding what music to bring, don’t forget selections that everyone can sing along to. How about some musicals and theater productions, or a CD of children’s songs or folk songs?
The Wee Sing series is great for young children. The songs are catchy and easy to learn. They are also very educational!
The music of Peter, Paul and Mary is fun to sing along to, as are Mamas and Papas tunes.
If you’re looking for budget-friendly travel ideas, there are lots of options for your family – everything from cheap staycations to affordable beach vacations.
I’d love to hear your family travel tips, too!
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