Parents hitting the road for their summer staycation have been given advice on how to keep the kids quiet during long road trips.
As lockdown eases and holidays in the UK are back on the cards, the motoring experts at LeaseCar.uk have put together their tips for keeping children entertained in the car.
They cover everything from making sure parents take plenty of snacks and drinks to avoid too many stops, to fun games to keep their minds active.
Other tips include having their favourite tunes ready to play to downloading easy to watch movies for the journey.
A spokesperson from LeaseCar.uk said: “Travelling with kids on a long journey is never easy and this year may be worse with everyone heading to the same seaside destinations to enjoy their summer break.
“These tips will help make that journey a little easier. Simple things like remembering to take plenty of drinks and snacks is a must – children are always hungry and thirsty especially when they’re bored.
“Also think about fun games you can play and where you’re going to stop to give everyone a chance to stretch their legs safely.”
Here are LeaseCar.uk’s tips for road trips with your children.
- Pack the Snacks
Children are always peckish, especially on long journeys, so pack plenty of snacks and drinks. Keep them plain, nothing that will melt if it gets too hot and try and avoid anything that will leave sticky fingerprints everywhere. Take lots of water too – if you’re well stocked you won’t have to make too many unnecessary stops.
2. Car Games
Who doesn’t love a game of ‘I Spy’? the old-fashioned car games are always the best so have a few ready to play when the children are getting restless and need distracting. Other family favourites include a road trip scavenger hunt and car bingo.
3. Take some colouring
If your children love colouring, pack a few new colouring books and pencil crayons. They’re easy for them to enjoy in the pack of the car and create very little mess. Try some fun puzzle books too.
4. Music
Load up your phone with music your kids love – and slip in a few of your favourties too. There’s nothing like a family sing along to pass a few hours.
5. Download Movies
Download favourite movies to a tablet, laptop or phone. This will keep you children quiet and give you a bit of a break during the journey.
6. Take a Break
Although you won’t want to make too many stops, it is important to take a break and let you and the kids stretch your legs. Instead of heading for motorway services, why not do your homework before you go and see if you can find a park or woods not too far off the main road? It could be the perfect place to take a break away from the crowds.