Have you traveled with a small child before? Let me just give you a few tips, tricks and a full out LIFE saver when traveling long distances with kiddos. We drive A LOT when traveling. Last year we hit a horrific snow storm along the East Coast and drive 33 hours. If you have little one’s you need to be prepared because you just NEVER know what will happen on the road.
I have a son so this is what I pack in his GO-TO Travel bin. I grab a inexpensive bin (it is going to be joggled around in the car no need to splurge) from Dollar Tree. A few activities my son can do whilst we drive. Spelling words with Magnetized letters, games, crayons and coloring books!
Along with Coloring books I also pack journals. These are great to let his imagination run wild as he watches our world pass via his car window. I also include activity books and STICKERS! You heard me stickers. I try and grab people so he is more likely to create reenactments on hi journal pages. Now I waited for him to be five before I introduced this because little kids can be swayed to stick stickers on your car doors and windows…..Not that I have experience with this, HAHAHA!
Bring games (He LOVES Harry Potter if you didn’t already know). I would suggest some fun printable games via Pinterest. My favorite was “Would you Rather” Harry Potter style! We can all join in and it keeps the conversation open while having fun riding along.
Another great tip: I always place the crayons in a Ziploc Bag. Also include toys. He is getting a bit older but if you are on a long trip these really do help pass the time. There is no real “right” way to pack it up but make it easily accessible. We have it sit right next to his Booster seat. Try this out on your next trip because you will thank me! Anything to die down the dreaded: “Mom, are we there yet”?
We do travel bins also. We have small ones for my 5y/o son and 8 m/o daughter. We put them in an old backpack so they can go inside doctors offices, grocery store, ect. I love that the kids are entertained and they cost basically nothing.
What a great idea! I used to make travel bags for my son when we flew but this is a great idea for the car too. Love the games you have included, particularly the Harry Potter 'Would You Rather?'. This would also be great inspiration for a rainy day box too. Thank you for sharing with the Hearth and Soul Hop. I'm featuring your post at this week's hop!
We used to do the same thing! Our sons are now 18 and 21, but when they were younger (and had less active social lives!), we took a 3-week long road trip with our camper every summer, usually out west. So, we logged a lot of miles with 2 active little boys. Everything you said here is spot-on. We used a small duffle bag instead of a plastic bin, though – fit nicely on the seat between them.
Great memories!
Found your post today through the Small Victories Sunday Link-up but always enjoy visiting your blog since I am from Rochester NY 🙂
Sue
Book By Book
These tips are so useful! We're so glad you shared these valuable and enlightening ways to create a Child Travel Bin at the Healthy, Happy, Green and Natural Party Blog Hop. I'm Pinning and sharing!