We are gearing up for Spring Break at our house and as we have plans to head out of town, my mind is wandering to what we are going to do in the car for a couple of days. We need some boredom busters! I know that it might not be popular opinion, but I hate when my kids just sit on their electronics the entire time we are in the car. Yes, it entertains and yes, it probably makes time go by faster. But really,  don’t we already have too much screen time and don’t we already spend enough precious time with our faces bent down to the media drenched world? I am convinced that there are better things we can be doing without wanting to strangle each other at the end of the road. 

I’ve compiled a few ideas of boredom busters for long car rides that aren’t electronics. I ran the ideas past my kids, who only rolled their eyes once or twice and then gave a few suggestions of their own. 

Boredom Busters for Long Car Rides

1. Books on CD. If you know me at all, you will know why this is at the top of my list. It’s books, people! Who doesn’t love a story being read to them? If you don’t want to buy one, head to the library. Borrow from a friend or family member. If you need book suggestions, I would ask a librarian. They will have a great grasp on what is age appropriate if you’re looking for something new. If you can’t decide, go with an oldie, but a goodie. Harry Potter is always my go-to. Everyone likes it and it never gets old. 
2. Have you ever heard of Table Topics? Head over to Amazon HERE and check them out.  Their tagline is “Questions to start great conversations.” They are a little pricey, but are worth the money, in my opinion. They do have a travel set for less than half the price, which it totally worth it to me! We have been using these at dinner for years. We each take turns answering and my kids love it. I feel like I learn a lot about my kids’ personalities, likes and dislikes etc. from these little cards. Give them a try!
3. Print out maps of the route you are taking and let your kids follow along. Give them a highlighter or a red pencil and let them look for landmarks, signs, etc. I found these awesome maps in the book section at WalMart that you can write on and wipe off for $7.95. They are perfect to pass around the car.  Let everyone pick a stop. Get out of the car and see something new or just walk for a couple minutes. Everyone will feel better after you’ve wandered and you’ll be ready for another long haul in the car.
4. Educate your kids on music they wouldn’t normally listen to. Actually, I do this in the car all the time while just driving around town and it’s so fun! My kids think the Beatles have weird songs…. they learned very quickly that the Beatles are iconic and their songs are timeless, classic hits that everyone should know. They feel the same about Nat King Cole or Etta James, but you better believe they know who they are now! Pick a few oldies and tell your kids about them or better yet, let them educate you. Why do they like the music they do and who are their favorites? Let the door swing both ways!
5. Have you ever listened to any motivational CD’s? I’m talking about talks geared towards a teenage crowd. When I was growing up, I  remember listening to John Bytheway CD’s in the car. I vividly remember one called “Apples and Onions” that we listened to more than once that was engaging, interesting and funny. I really think these can have a lasting impact on young minds. Look up Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Brad Wilcox, or Joni Hilton, to name a few. 

I’m anxious to hit the road with our new list of boredom busters! I know it won’t be a whole trip without electronics, but I hope we can at least curb some of it and try something new. I am convinced that it is better for our family to be engaged with each other than with our phones, iPods or just movies. Let me know how your next road trip pans out- I’m excited for you! 🙂