Summer road trip season is upon us, and with it, the whines and wails of children who have been cooped up in the backseat of a car for far too long. Whether you’re traveling with babies, toddlers, school-aged children or teens, keeping kids happy and occupied is a vital component of stress-free travel.
Screen time is helpful, but it’s not the only option — especially for small children who can get easily overstimulated. And although nothing beats getting lost in a good old-fashioned book, it’s not an option for those of us who get carsick the second we step into a moving vehicle.
Luckily, there are tons of options for parents looking to keep kids entertained during long car rides, from audiobooks to magnetic board games and more.
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A roll-up keyboard
If you have a particularly musical child, get them this PicassoTiles digital keyboard. It hooks up to headphones so everyone else can enjoy peace and quiet while your little one rocks out. It has a recording feature, eight different tones, six educational demo songs and a built-in speaker.
An audiobook version of 'The Gruffalo'
An Amazon Fire 7 tablet for kids
If your kid is itching for their own tablet, consider the Amazon Fire 7. Strong parental controls mean your kid will be safe while navigating apps like Netflix or accessing books, videos, games and audiobooks via Amazon Kids+.
A three-in-one magnetic travel game case
How perfect is this three-in-one chess, checkers and backgammon set from Kaile? The magnetic board makes it possible to play in the bumpiest of conditions, and it comes with a folding case for easy cleanup.
A doodle book set
This doodle book kit is a road trip must-have. It includes 14 pages to doodle on with 12 different colored pens. There is a transparent page for copying and an included copying picture book for inspiration. You'll also get two packets of wet wipes to clean off the pages, but if you're traveling with kids, you probably already have those on hand.
A game of Simon
A paint-by-sticker book
A Nintendo Switch
If you have a video game lover on your hands, this Nintendo Switch Lite is going to save the day. It can be used anywhere, anytime — and the wide variety of games available these days cater to every age and personal preference.
A travel journal
Created especially for kids ages 6 to 9, Rob Taylor's "The Ultimate Travel Journal for Kids" is packed with journaling prompts, activities, crossword puzzles, scavenger hunts and much more. Best of all, it can be used for up to four different trips.
A kid-proof digital camera
Seckton's digital camera allows kids to document their own adventures, giving them a sense of autonomy and creativity. It'll also keep them busy as they capture passing landscapes from the comfort of their car seat.
A car-friendly activity tray
A magnetic doodle board
Throw it back to your own childhood with Sgile's magnetic drawing board. It displays four different colors so that your kid can create vivid pieces of art, then erase and start over.
