Ideas for Long Rides in the Car With Young Children

Pack Activities

• Sitting for hours gets boring for kids, so a bag of activities helps them pass the time. The key is choosing activities that are age-appropriate and car friendly. Your child may like to color, but a box of crayons left in a hot car creates a waxy mess. A coloring book with colored pencils is a low-mess alternative. Games with small pieces are difficult to keep together on a trip. Travel versions of favorite games or made-up games, such as a scavenger hunt of things you might see on the way, are easier to play. Other activity ideas include portable DVD players, a tablet computer loaded with games, a family sing-along, or quiet toys such as matchbox cars or dolls.

Get Comfy

• The car is likely loaded to the brim for a long trip, but little comfort items make a long ride bearable for the kids. A pillow for sleeping, a blanket to snuggle with or a favorite stuffed animal to cuddle keep kids comfortable. Each rider needs to be secured in a car seat, booster or seat belt, depending on age and size. The comfort items shouldn't interfere with the harnesses or seat belts, as this compromises safety. For example, a blanket should go over the child's lap after she is secured, not underneath the seat belt. The way you dress your child is also a matter of comfort. Choose soft, comfortable clothing with elastic waistbands that won't feel tight while he sits. Shoes that slip off and on allow your child to take them off in the car but are easily put back on when you stop.

Reward Good Behavior

• Even with comfort items and activities, kids may whine or argue on a long trip. A reward system offers motivation to stay positive during the car ride. One simple option is to write each child's name on a clothespin. You can clip the pins to a visor in the front seat. If a child acts up, her clothespin comes down. If she improves her behavior the pin goes back up. At certain intervals -- every hour or every time you stop for a break -- all kids with a pin on the visor get a small treat. A bag of goodies from a dollar store works well. The new treat keeps them occupied at least for a few minutes.

Plan Breaks

• Breaks from driving are a must with young kids in the car. Potty breaks and stretching legs keeps the kids content and less likely to throw a fit. If you have a child who recently potty trained, a portable potty is useful for those times when she really has to go but no bathroom is nearby. Roadside rest areas work well for breaks because they often have green space for running and playing. Plan for at least 15 minutes at each stop so the little travelers can run, jump, toss a ball or otherwise play before getting back into the car. Pack a small bag of outdoor toys, such as balls, frisbees and jump ropes, to use during those stops. The stops can also double as snack breaks if you don't want the kids munching in the car.