1. Download shows, games and movies
Whether you have seat-back screens or your children have tablets, download their favourite films and content before the trip.
Games, movies, apps and audiobooks are all handy ways to kill a few hours. Install these on your children’s devices – make sure you do this the night before to avoid using your mobile data streaming them on the day. A tablet with 256GB storage will have capacity for around 8hrs of high-resolution video. 512GB will have double that – enough for the longest of journeys.
Games consoles have been used to pass the time at home for years. Now we have far more advanced consoles which feature a range of fun and educational problem-solving games – which can be used outside the house.
2. Road trip bingo
We all know the game ‘I-spy’, but why not mix it up and play road trip bingo? Make your bingo card from things that you’ll encounter on the road, awarding points for the first person to get a line or full house.
Pick elements you’ll see or hear on the journey like different coloured cars, types of vehicle or brand names on filling stations; sounds such as a car horn, spotting a dog or types of animals in a field. Heighten the stakes with a few simple prizes, like treats or snacks.
3. Time to draw
Whether you trust them with colouring pencils and a pad or want to get them the special water pens that don’t leave a mark, peering out of the window on a car journey can spark creativity.
Drawing can occupy your little ones for a long time or tire them out for a nap. Fitting a travel table or tray to a child seat will help keep everything up together in the back seat art studio.
4. Route stops
Planning stops is a great way to break up the trip into manageable sections and to maintain everyone’s comfort and safety. There are plenty of relaxing stops – here are some favourites:
• Yorkshire Sculpture Park – a fantastic destination for a break of an hour or more, explore huge scale sculptures in the fresh Yorkshire air. Find it on Junction 38 on the M1.
• Fleet Pond – if you’re passing through Hampshire, Fleet Pond is a beautiful location to take a breather. Find it at Junction 4A on the M3.
• Tebay Services – banish the thought of limp fries and depressing grey. This service station between Junctions 38 & 39 of the M6, on the edge of The Lake District, is a beautiful natural hotspot, equipped with a farm shop and restaurant stocked with local produce.
• Malahide Castle – add some magic to the trip between Dublin and Belfast with a stop off at Malahide Castle between Junctions 3 & 4 of the M1.
• Tredegar House – just outside of Newport, stop off at this idyllic National Trust mansion and parkland, complete with children’s play area. Find it at Junction 28 on the M4.
• Balloch Castle – if you’re travelling along the A82, stop off at the town of Balloch to explore the local castle and take in Loch Lomond.
Make use of the opportunity to pick up some fresh snacks or drinks – hot or cold. And once everyone is satiated don’t forget the car might need a refuel too! This pit stop can be built-in to any games you are playing such as I-spy or road trip bingo.
5. Who’s next door?
Stuck in traffic? We’ve all been there. This is where the game “who’s next door” can help.
1. Everyone quickly looks out of their window to see who is next to them (look away again, you don’t want them to catch you staring).
2. Once you’ve seen who your neighbour is, think of a backstory for them.
3. Give them a fun name, silly voice and decide their destination.
6. Photo shoot
Wherever you’re travelling to, you don’t want to forget your camera. If your children have smartphones or tablets, encourage them to take photos of the sights of the journey.
Compare photos at the end of the trip – or set challenges. For example, see how many different animals they can photograph, or types of car (make sure they keep the flash off).
What to pack on a family road trip
1. Snacks
An essential for every trip, snacks and treats can keep spirits up on a long journey.
Use a box with separators inside, then fill each compartment with a tasty snack, such as sweets, crisps, biscuits and fruit. This can keep your car neat and tidy and means less stopping for takeaways at service stations.
2. Pillows and a blanket
If you’re going on a long trip and plan on setting off in the early hours, or driving through the night, chances are your children will want to have a snooze. Pack a travel pillow and a small blanket so they can get nice and comfortable.
3. A good book
Simple but effective, a good book could keep your little ones entertained on a long journey. Treat them to a new book for the trip, or encourage them to rediscover an older favourite – just make sure they don’t get car sick while reading in motion.
4. The essentials
As well as making sure your children have plenty to do to keep them entertained, you also want to ensure you have the essentials packed. Don’t forget:
• Anti-sickness medication/bands
• Wipes (for sticky hands)
• Water
• Sun cream
• Spare comfy clothes
• First aid