Planning a holiday? Because of the state of the UK economy, more and more families are choosing to holiday right here in our own beautiful country, opting for cheaper breaks which may involve a long drive to get there. Thankfully, a combination of new technology and old techniques might just balance out the time and keep the kids interested and occupied until you reach your destination.
A favourite from when we were children is good old ‘I Spy’.
Keep it inside the car, or choose objects outside for more of a challenge.
Alternatively, put a twist on and spice it up by doing your research before you
go away, and make a list of landmarks and items you may pass on the way. Set
the kids the challenge of spotting the items and crossing them out as you pass
them. It will keep them aware of their surroundings but will also give them
something to focus on. If you are feeling especially creative, turn it into a
Bingo card, with images of the landmarks so they can mark them off. Why not
give a small prize for the first one to get a row and a full house?
If your kids have hand-held game consoles or tablets, be
sure to pack them! Games and apps provide not only hours of fun, but a massive
variety of activities which can even be educational. Have a look for games or
apps which tell a story and get your child to follow, learn and discover.
For the especially creative parents, an exciting activity
would be to make a model of the journey. Use cardboard for the base and build
it up with egg boxes, Papier Mache, and anything else that helps to create the
scenery you will pass. Using Google maps or equivalent as a guide, try and
reconstruct the landscape almost as accurately as you can. When travelling, use
this model to show the children where you are and how far you have come, as
well as how far you have left to go! Give them their own little map print-off
too if you like and see if they can follow it with you.
Remember pipe cleaners? Have a pack handy for emergencies,
and watch the kids create some of the weirdest things you might ever see, using
just those furry little wires we all loved as pre-schoolers!
If your kids become stressed or fussy, take time to pull
over, let them eat, use the bathroom and generally have a run about and blow
off some steam before resuming your journey. Alternatively, travel during the
night and hope the kids take a nap!
It’s not the easiest thing in the world, travelling with
children, but it will all be worth it once you get to your much deserved
holiday. Where will you take them this year?
About the Author
This article was written on behalf of Galt Toys. Galt Toys have been
manufacturing toys for over 175 years, and know a thing or two about toys…and
having fun!
This is NOT a paid-for post, I have hosted it for free as my children enjoy Galt toys and I think some of the ideas above are excellent, I will certainly be taking pipe cleaners for our next long journey. In fact, here is Miss M painting her Galt tea set that she got for her recent birthday from Nanny.
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