If the whole family is embarking on a road trip to simply explore or with a specific purpose, such as to browse jacksonville homes for sale, for instance – you’ll need to keep the kids occupied in the car. Gone are the days of “I Spy” and license plate bingo–now most cars feature entertainment systems to keep everyone amused and happy. Keeping them entertained on a long car ride might seem like a tall order, but it is possible with good organization.

 

 

Never Travel Without a Plan

Traveling is hard. As any parent can attest to, traveling with children is harder. You don’t just have yourself to worry about–you have small people who need to be entertained. How can you make the trip go as smoothly as possible? Easy–have a plan. Before you embark on any trip with the kiddos, it’s important to have a well-developed plan in place. Use this helpful guide to enjoy a more relaxing road trip, with fewer “are we there yet?”’s

Make a List. Determine what you need to pack ahead of time. Make a list and check items off, so nothing gets forgotten.

Pre-plan stops. Obviously, emergencies will arise, but if you pre-plan stops at certain intervals, it will make things easier. Make sure to build in time to check out quirky roadside attractions.

Pack snacks and drinks. This will reduce food stops. Pack everyone’s favorites so that each person has what they like. Pre-package as much as possible to reduce the likelihood of spills. Use a cooler to keep everything cold and organized.

Tablets. Load the kids tablets with their favorite apps and games to make even the longest road trip a little more bearable. Make sure they’re charged or, if battery powered, that you’ve got plenty of extras packed.

DVD player/movies/headphones. If your vehicle is equipped with an entertainment system, pop in a DVD and give the kids each their own set of headphones. You can pack family classics or stream their favorite shows. Let them enjoy their favorite shows while you focus on the drive.