Keeping the kids entertained on a long journey

Long car journeys can be a daunting prospect for parents - especially during the holiday season, with busier roads and bulging bags. To beat the boredom, we asked our team to share their pick of fun and engaging activities to keep smaller passengers entertained.

Music and entertainment

Sing along to a holiday playlist: Create a festive playlist filled with your family's top holiday songs - perfect for a sing-along! If your passengers have different musical tastes, consider inviting everyone to share their five favourite songs. You never know, you might discover some new favourites (Taylor Swift, anyone?!)

Listen to audiobooks or podcasts: Before setting off, download some age-appropriate audiobooks and podcasts that will capture your kids' attention. It's a great way to spark their imagination or learn something new.

Play musical guessing games: Turn up your radio and take it in turns to guess the name of a song or the artist.

Games and Activities

Classic car games: Don’t forget timeless classics. ‘I Spy’ can be a helpful option in slow-moving traffic. Another family favourite is ‘20 questions’. Get one person to think of a person, place, thing or animal, and challenge players to guess what it is using fewer than 20 yes or no questions.

Car Bingo: Got time to prepare? Why not create a bingo card with items you're likely to see on your journey before setting off. If you’re travelling through the countryside, this might include animals, farm vehicles or trees. For city journeys, look for well-known monuments, and consider adding in some festive items, like Christmas trees and wreathes. The first person to get a line or full house wins!

Colour hunt: Choose a colour and see how many items your kids can spot in that colour. It's a great way to practice observation skills while having fun at the same time.

Complete the story: Take turns adding a sentence to a story, creating a collaborative and imaginative tale.

Tablet games and shows: Download age-appropriate games and TV shows or films before your journey.

Opportunities to learn

Learn about different places: Discuss the places you're passing through and learn about their history, culture, or interesting facts.

Identify animals and plants: Use a nature guide or app to identify animals and plants you see along the way.

Practice maths and spelling: Make your longer journeys an opportunity for learning. Consider practicing times tables, singing the alphabet (for younger children) or hosting your own spelling bee.

Remember to take regular breaks to stretch your legs and avoid fatigue. With a little planning and creativity, you can make your holiday journey a memorable and enjoyable experience for the whole family.