Child Travel Tips

Traveling With the Family This Holiday Season? Keep the Kids Entertained and your Patience Level Maintained

The holiday season is upon us. And so are the usual hustle-bustle accompaniments of the busiest travel time of the year…road trips, traffic jams, airport lines, late flights. So while you’re busy dealing with luggage and fuel fill-ups, manage the noise level in the backseat with an array of kids’ activities.

Top 10 Ways to Keep Kids Entertained While Traveling During the Holidays:

1. Road Trip 101 says: “Never leave empty handed.”

Print out a stack of coloring sheets before you leave. Whether it’s Holly Hobbie™, Care Bears™ or fun-filled holiday pages, kids will love the creativity involved. All you need to do is grab a box of crayons and you’re ready to go.

2. Classic car games.

The classic License Plate Game is always a crowd-pleaser. Check off each state as you spot the plate – winner takes all. Don’t know how to play? Check out this video for a wacky explanation. Or try counting cows, whoever counts the most at the end of the trip wins.

3. To grandmother’s house we go.

Wherever you’re headed for the holidays, why not decorate the table on the way. Create place cards and napkin rings, perfect for a festive table. Let the kids plan the table’s theme and encourage them to help set up once you arrive.

4. Cultivate generosity.

Custom coupon books let kids get creative with their gifts, just print out the templates, and help younger kids write out their coupon surprises. One easy way to let little ones be in control of the gifts they give; make them funny, make them cute, what dad wouldn’t love a free back scratch?

5. Traveling far and away?

Printable postcards will let kids keep in touch with loved ones back home. Or, try sending one back to your own house so kids will look forward to returning home after being away. Just don’t forget the stamps.

6. All I want…

Turn holiday wish lists into keepsakes and pieces of art with seasonal stationery. Let children draw exactly what they want this year. (Explanations may be necessary.)

7. Say “cheese.”

A picture is worth a thousand words. Let the little ones play photographer with an inexpensive disposable camera. Then create lasting memories with personalized and printable scrapbook pages and festive photo frame mats.

8. Surprise!

Who doesn’t like surprises? Excite kids with their own travel-treasure bags. Fill with snacks, goodies, travel games and little toys, or let them pick a small treat every so often while on the road. (It’s a sure-fire way to ensure good behavior.)

9. Nurture Creativity.

Hand written cards never go out of style. Encourage self-expression by creating homemade holiday cards for friends and family visited throughout the holidays. Stock up on holiday stickers and accessories to give custom cards some personal flare.

10. “Jingle Bells, Batman Smells…”

Turn travel into a party with festive party hats and garland. Get goofy and celebrate the season with holiday songs and stories to set a seasonal mood. (Good for family car rides, but not suggested if traveling by airplane

Find more fun-filled ideas for keeping the kids at bay at americangreetings.com, and don’t leave home without them. Let the kids pack their fun in their own small bag and add other items so they’re comfortable the whole trip through. Happy Travels!

Carmel Mission
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