As our family gears up for another long weekend getaway, my children are clamoring for a sneak peek into their travel backpacks. But I hold firm; revealing the contents would spoil the surprise and strip away my last-minute tricks. For families like mine, the holiday season and school breaks often mean long car rides that can feel torturous for parents. Our travel setup typically involves loading our somewhat-clean minivan, assigning each family member their designated spot, and hitting the road.
In the past, we barely made it five minutes down the street before the chorus of “I’m bored!” erupted from the backseat. Instantly, complaints would fly, with questions like, “How much longer until we reach Grandma’s?” and “Did anyone bring snacks?” filling the air. The cacophony would escalate, with demands for music changes and movie preferences, turning our peaceful drive into a chaotic scene.
You might think the solution is to hand them devices to occupy their time. However, we limit screen time at home, and we apply the same rule during car rides. This means I had to brainstorm some engaging activities to keep my kids entertained for hours. With two tweens, a first grader, and a preschooler, fairness is paramount; otherwise, I’d be inundated with complaints.
That’s when I discovered a genius trick that transformed our travel experience. A few years back, while decluttering our closet, I stumbled upon several old backpacks that were still usable but had been replaced by newer ones for school. Instead of tossing them, I decided to repurpose them for our travels.
After giving the backpacks a wash, I headed to our playroom and unearthed some pencil cases we had received from the library. I filled them with an assortment of washable markers, crayons, and colored pencils. I also gathered mini-clipboards and attached stickers to each one, as we seem to have an endless supply. Then, I sifted through our collection of coloring books and chose one for each child, along with a spiral notebook.
Comfort is key during long drives, so I included a small stuffed animal for each child to snuggle with. Next, I rummaged through their rooms for books—old favorites as well as forgotten treasures behind their shelves—and even a few magazines. A little tip: toy catalogs that arrive in the mail are fantastic for keeping kids occupied.
I also added small toys while adhering to a few strict rules. No slime, no tiny pieces that can easily go missing, and absolutely nothing that emits loud noises that could drive me to distraction. Instead, I opted for action figures, small vehicles, fidget toys, and compact card games. Occasionally, I’ll surprise them with a wrapped new toy or book, leaving it on the console to build excitement.
If you’re feeling adventurous, consider tossing in some snacks and a water bottle. However, I’ve learned this can lead to my kids devouring everything within the first ten minutes, so we typically skip that part.
We kick off our journey by diving into the backpacks before switching to a movie. After a lunch break—complete with mandatory jumping jacks in the parking lot—we allow some device time before returning to the backpacks for more fun.
The backpack solution is also incredibly practical for when we stop at restaurants or visit family; the kids can easily carry their own bags, knowing they have entertainment at their fingertips. As we prepare for several road trips in the coming weeks, the anticipation of these backpacks brings excitement, almost akin to Christmas morning.
As we cruise down the highway, the kids eagerly open their bags to rediscover their treasures while my partner and I sip our coffees and enjoy our preferred music. It’s a blissful way to travel, and the best part? Minimal effort from me!
For more tips and tricks on family travel, check out this post on how to make your trips smoother.
In summary, the ‘Backpack Solution’ can transform stressful family travels into enjoyable adventures. By preparing engaging activities and ensuring fairness among siblings, parents can significantly reduce the chaos of road trips.