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Road tripping is one of the most fun and flexible ways to travel these days — and for most parents, that means screen time rules are the first to go. (Hey, no judgment. Whatever keeps the “Are we there yet?” chorus in check.) But these six road trip attractions-slash-distractions might just make the journey better than the destination. Why? Because: a) They give kids a taste of old-school road trip fun before screens ruled the backseat, b) they spark singing, chatting, and playing — aka built-in family bonding, and c) everyone might actually learn something cool along the way. Don’t forget the snacks!
Entertain kids on the road without screens with these tips!
Apple Music
Sing along to family jams
Before you hit the road, make a playlist of your family's favorite jams and learn *all* the lyrics by the time you get to your Airbnb. Also check out the curated Kids Road Trip playlist at Apple Music Kids and Family, which features a mix of Disney, Sesame Street, Peppa Pig, and more. There's also a superhero playlist (Pow!), country songs (Yeehaw), and pirate (Ahoy Matey) and princess themes (Princess Power). (Family plan $15 for up to 6 people)
Etsy
Play road trip bingo
For a spin on eye spy, print out or make-your-own Bingo cards with things they might see along the road (a tree!, a helicopter!, a tractor!). For kids who aren't reading yet, these can be pictures and they can cross off with a crayon, stickers, or anything that won't stain the car.;)
Ear Snacks Podcast
Listen to podcasts for kids (that you'll also love)
Podcasts are launching a new golden age of kid's programming. Check out But Why for all ages, which answers all those questions you normally Google for your kid (including timely topics about the virus, what happens to a forest after a fire, and questions about race) — have your kid ask a question before you hit the road: questions@butwhykids.org. Ear Snacks is also a super cute way for preschoolers to learn about letters, science, art, and culture (there's a whole episode dedicated to Notorious RBG and the census!).
Amazon
Hand them an old-school camera
The thing about screens is that they keep kids from looking out the window and really enjoying the journey. This is a fun way for them to document their trip, whether they're just going to grandma's or across state lines.
Barefoot Books
Give them actual books
Put a few books in the backseat to get them excited about where you're going or just a book about something they're into at this stage (space? trains? the world?). (Barefoot Books World Atlas $20)
Hopscotch
Play a guessing game
20 Questions can help build a kid's memory and problem solving skills and there are a variety of ways you can play it depending on their age. Maybe you have an animal theme, or expand it to people, places and things, or you have your kiddo give clues, which can be really fun to hear and also helps develop their language skills — win-win! This cute What am I? Game can be fun for the road or home!
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This post has been updated.
