Mom … Are We There Yet? Making Car Travel Fun!
Let’s face it. Kids get bored riding in the car. And when they’re bored, they pick on each other, get antsy, and of course, ask the dreaded, “Are We There Yet?” So how can you avoid this sort of fun-filled car trip? Read on.
Play the Alphabet Game
In it’s simplest form, each person playing the game looks for the letters of the alphabet, in order, on signs, billboards or license plates. For instance, if you see a sign for Applebee’s, you’ve got your A. Then a sign for Burger King gives you your B. And so on. They must be in order, though, and you can’t go backwards to get a letter from something that passed a few minutes ago (for instance, if you see a E before the D, you can’t go back and claim the E later.)
You can change some of the rules to make the game harder or easier - for instance, if you only allow license plates, the game will be harder. But if you allow letters that are inside a word instead of just the first letter, then the game is easier. You can also decide if you want to allow more than one letter from the same word. For instance, if you see Applebee’s, can you get A and B, or just A?
The Alphabet Game - With a Twist
Another variation of the alphabet game is to find objects that begin with each letter. For instance, if you drive past a red barn, you could claim either an R (red) or a B (barn), depending on which letter you need next.
I Spy…
There’s always the trusty I SPY game. I spy something green and it’s outside (as opposed to inside the car). Riders take turns looking outside for something green. If you’re driving, chances are the object will pass by quickly – so participants have to be alert. Or perhaps you spy something black and inside. Possible guesses would be the steering wheel or Mom’s purse.
Intermission
Equally important to the entertainment is the intermission. Take frequent stretch breaks. Even if you’re on a tight schedule to get to your destination, if you let others have a chance to get out of the car, use the restroom, have a snack and get some fresh air, your road trips will be much more enjoyable for all involved! Have fun!
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Kit loves bringing you info about traveling with kids. Read more of her articles at http://www.fun-travel-blog.com/.
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