car activities for toddlers

The Best Car Activities for Toddlers

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Best Things for a Long Car Ride with Young Children

When you are planning on a long road trip with toddlers, finding ways to keep them entertained can be difficult. They won’t like being stuck in their car seat for long periods of time. Finding car activities for toddlers that help pass the time are super helpful!

Taking a family road trip is a fun way to spend time together. But an unhappy child can be trying. So how do I entertain my toddler on a a long car ride?

The best way to come stocked with many different options. You will never know what type of activity will keep their attention for longer periods of time. So it’s a great idea to have a handful of things lined up. Then you can take out one thing at a time to work to keep their attention on the fun and not the car ride.

My family travels to my mom’s lake house a few times every summer and with it being a nearly 3 hour road trip, I am always looking for ways to keep my kids busy. Sometimes I hit the dollar store before we leave and try to find a few small activities to keep them occupied.

I also don’t worry about screen time too much in the car and have the iPads all charged up!

These other car activities for toddlers will help keep them busy on long car trips.

Books: There are so many different kinds of books that you can include – they are a great option while being stuck in the car. Here are some book ideas:

Board Books

Coloring Books and Crayons

Sticker Books

Water Wow Books

Imagine Ink Books

Crayola Mess Free Coloring books and Markers

Audio Books – you could download some new books to help keep their attention

Games: There are quite a few games that make great car activities . The kids can play them alone, with each other or with you.

I Spy – This is a simple game where you take turns finding objects based on color and having the other person guess what the object is.

Printable Road Trip Scavenger Hunt

Sing Songs – while this is not really a game, it is something little kids will definitely like! And it’s something to do with the whole family !

The Alphabet Game – This game is great for letter recognition . In the order of the alphabet, you must find each letter on a sign as you are driving. This is a great activity for older toddlers.

road trips activities for toddlers

Small Toys: These are a great way to keep young kids entertained. I like to keep a little bag in the back seat so that they can choose which they would like to play with. If you have a little travel tray , that would work great!

Toy Cars

Dolls

Magnet Tiles

Squigz

Magnetic Drawing Board

Mr. Pencil

Leapfrog Laptop

Other Helpful Items for Long Trips:

transportation activities for toddlers

Snacks

Nap Time – This is perfect if you are in need of a little quiet time. But may not be feasible with older kids .

Portable DVD Player – This works great if you have younger kids that you would rather just put a movie on for one time.

Busy Bags – You can put some fun little things in a bag for each child. Then they can explore it as you travel.

Having a fun activity or two or three while on a road trip with a toddler can make all the different in the world. These car activities can help make a long trip a much better time !

What are your go to car activities for toddlers?

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Best Road Trip Activities for Toddlers

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