What is it about a long car journey that brings out the worst in everyone? Maybe it’s the hours cooped up in a small space. Maybe it’s the tenth round of “are we there yet?” before you’ve even left the motorway. Whatever it is, most parents know the feeling well.
The good news is that a little preparation goes a long way. Here are 11 proven car journey tips to help you avoid the dreaded question and keep the whole family (big kids included) happy on the road.
#1. Planning Is Key
Before anyone gets the chance to ask “are we there yet?”, make sure you already know the answer.
- If you don’t have a sat nav, look up your route in advance. Most route planners give you an estimated journey time, so you’re prepared before you even set off.
- Think about the best time to leave. Some families plan trips around nap time or bedtime, popping the kids into pyjamas before setting off so they can be carried straight to bed on arrival.
- Decide who’s driving before you leave, and if you’re not behind the wheel, resist the urge to backseat drive.
- Do a little research beforehand so you know where the best stopping points are along the way.
#2. Packing Well Makes All the Difference
What you pack for use inside the car matters just as much as what goes in the boot.
- For younger children, pack a few toys that can clip onto the car seat, so you’re not spending the journey picking things up off the floor.
- Bring suitable snacks and drinks for everyone.
- Keep a packet of wet wipes within easy reach.
- Even if your children are toilet trained, a portable potty can be handy, especially if anyone is prone to travel sickness.
- Pack a spare change of clothes, just in case.
- Make sure any special teddies or comfort blankets travel inside the car with you, not packed away in the boot, especially if you’re hoping for a snooze en route.
- Keep a small first aid kit and a torch somewhere accessible.
Related reading: 10 Top Tips for Happy Car Travel with Kids
#3. Audiobooks and Podcasts
Not every child wants to (or can) read in the car. A stash of audiobooks can be a lifesaver on longer journeys, and children of all ages tend to enjoy being read a good story out loud. It’s a simple way to bring bickering and boredom to a halt.
Podcasts can work well too, especially for older kids who enjoy stories mixed with science, history or general knowledge. If you have an audiobook subscription, downloading a few titles before you travel means you won’t be relying on patchy signal along the way.
For a fun twist, let the kids build their own car journey playlist and enjoy a family sing-along.
#4. Puzzle Books, Activity Sheets and Colouring Pages
A folder of printed puzzles, colouring pages or activity sheets is an easy way to keep hands and minds busy. Sudoku, crosswords, word searches or simple puzzle books all work well for a range of ages.
Sticker books are especially good for keeping younger children entertained, particularly ones with reusable stickers that can be peeled on and off again.
#5. Car Journey Games
Classic games never go out of style, even if I-Spy occasionally causes frustration when nobody can guess what began with “C” twenty minutes ago. For younger children, playing with colours instead of letters (spotting something green, for example) works well.
Other favourites include:
- Number plate game – see how many cars you can spot with a particular letter, number or from a certain area, first to ten wins.
- Car colour game – good for younger children not quite ready for the number plate game. Pick a colour each and count cars in that colour, first to ten wins. Choosing an unusual colour keeps the game going longer.
- Car brand spotting – as a twist, spot cars by make instead of colour.
- The waving game – see who can get the most passing drivers to wave back.
- Counting game – count bridges, road signs, or anything else along the route.
Related reading: 30 Fun Games for Car Journeys and 30 Entertaining Car Ride Games for Kids Aged 8–12
#6. Tall Tales and Storytelling
Passing the time doesn’t need any equipment at all. Try one of these:
- Take turns telling a story, a tongue twister, or a riddle.
- Start a story with one line each, and let everyone add to it in turn to see where it ends up.
- Play “Who Am I?” – one person thinks of an animal, object, person or place, and everyone else asks yes/no quest
