The longer days of summer means more time to enjoy the outdoors, which for many families means traveling. Family travel is a wonderful way to bond and create unforgettable memories.  Although traveling with family can be an exciting experience, it’s no secret that long car rides and flights can be a challenge. How to keep kids entertained is one of the biggest challenges.A quick fix is mobile devices but they can detract from the travel experience, preventing families from making meaningful connections with one another and the world around them.  Which is why it’s important to have a variety of screen-free entertainment options when embarking on a family adventure. Read on to discover some simple and fun screen-free entertainment ideas to incorporate in your next trip.

Games and Activities

Games and activities are a great way to pass the time and have fun as a family. Not only do they promote critical thinking and problem-solving skills, but they also encourage communication and cooperation. Family Road Trip Screen free activities

There are many games and activities that families can enjoy together during long car rides or flights.  Popular classics like “I Spy” and the license plate game are easily adaptable to fit a myriad of ages and interests. Or even word games like “Mad Libs” and “20 Questions” are fun ways to keep everyone engaged.

Another great option is activity books. These can include mazes, puzzles, and coloring pages featuring travel-themed images like landmarks and animals. Scavenger hunt style games can also be a fun activity, with family members competing to find specific sights or objects during the trip.

And let’s not forget mini board games and card games, which can easily be packed into travel bags. Games like Uno, Yahtzee, and Connect Four can be played on a tray table or folded-down car seat, providing hours of entertainment during travel.

Reading and Storytelling

Bringing along a variety of books and magazines is a great option, as is downloading audiobooks or podcasts from Scribd for long car rides. In fact, you can enjoy 60 days of fun reads for free when you join. 

You want to be sure to include reading material like travel guides and maps that can spark curiosity and learning along with traditional books and magazines. 

Playing storytelling games like “Fortunately, Unfortunately” and “Once Upon a Time”, where each person takes turns adding to a story based on specific rules and prompts is another great activity to incorporate. 

Reading and listening to stories can improve vocabulary, comprehension, and critical thinking skills, while storytelling helps to develop creativity and imagination. Plus, sharing stories and discussing books can lead to meaningful conversations and connections within the family.

Creativity and Art

When it comes to creativity and art, drawing and coloring books are a classic favorite, offering hours of entertainment and a chance to explore artistic expression. 

Writing and journaling prompts are also a great way to encourage self-expression and creativity. And don't forget about portable art supplies like markers, pencils, and sketch pads – these easy-to-pack items can provide hours of fun and allow your child to capture the beauty of their surroundings on the road. 

Also, DIY craft kits like friendship bracelet making and origami can keep children busy for hours and provide a sense of accomplishment when they finish their project. So, stock up on these creativity and arts supplies for your next road trip and watch your child's imagination soar!

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Final Thoughts

As you can see, there are many ways to enjoy screen-free entertainment during family travel. By incorporating these ideas, you can promote learning, imagination, and social interaction, while also having fun and creating memories together. We encourage you to try out these ideas on your next adventure, and to share your own experiences and suggestions. And don't forget to check out the Road Trip Activity Pack for even more fun and educational entertainment on the go.

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