Planning Stops

• The number of stops and length of time that you drive in a day varies depending on the ages of your kids. If you are traveling with younger kids, you may need to make more frequent stops for your kids to use the bathroom or to eat. The younger the kids are, the less time you will be able to spend on the road and the less distance you can cover in a day. If your kids are older, you'll be able to drive longer distances and stop only a few times during the day.
  
  

Car Games

• Kids enjoy playing any type of game. Teach your kids some classic car games that can be played without any additional materials. Ask your kids to keep track of how many different state license plates they can spot. Have your children keep track of how many animals they see or a certain color of car. Depending on the type of terrain you are traveling through, offer a prize for the first person to spot a specific item, such as a snow-capped peak, cactus or a palm tree.
  
  

Electronics

• Electronic devices are common sources of entertainment for children of all ages. If your kids own hand-held video game systems, allow them to bring the systems along for when they get bored. However, you might want to consider putting restrictions on the use of these systems, such as only using them for an hour a day or only in the hotel room, especially if you would prefer your kids to look at the scenery. Portable DVD players also offer entertainment, especially for younger kids who cannot play video games.
  
  

Naps

• Even older kids are likely to end up sleeping through at least part of the car ride. Younger kids will sleep more than older kids. If you have the room in your car, bring items to help make your kids as comfortable as possible while they sleep, such as blankets and small travel pillows. If your kids have special stuffed animals, bring them along for your kids to snuggle with while they sleep.
  
  

Special Treats

• A road trip can be both exciting and boring for kids. They can't wait to get to their destination but the car ride can seem long. Collect a box or bag filled with special treats, such as candy, new coloring books and small travel-sized games. Candy should be a kind that will not melt and make a mess in your car. As your kids become bored or disinterested, pull something new out of the bag to keep them occupied.
  
  

Journal

• Before you leave on the trip, give each of your kids who is old enough to write a special journal for the trip. The kids can write down when you cross state lines or pass special landmarks. Instruct them to include how they are feeling and what they think about all of the things they see. After the trip is over, they can add pictures to the journal for a keepsake of their road trip. Younger children who cannot write can draw pictures of what they see instead.