Parenting Hacks for Road Trips

Are we there yet? How much longer? When will we get there?

These questions. I’ve heard them. Over and over again. I’m not alone. Every parent out there that has attempted a cross country trip has faced these questions.

The key to a good road trip is games, creativity, books, food, and exercise. Check out these hacks for ideas on each.

Games to Pass the Time

Toddler Play: Fine Motor Skills

Here's a fun game for toddler's to play, and all you need are drinking straws and an empty box!

Pikachu Cake

When I made a bunny cake for my 2 year old's birthday, my son said I could make his cake the same way...but a Pikachu cake! I think it turned out quite well, and my little Pokemon fan was happy.

The steps for making a Pikachu cake are the same as a bunny cake...you will need white frosting, yellow frosting, Fruit Roll-Ups, mini marshmallows, and chocolate frosting.

Recycled Turtle Craft

My boys got a pet turtle last fall, so turtles have been a popular topic here. One day, my 4 year old asked if we could make a turtle craft so I looked through my stash and we made these:

Here's what you'll need to make your own cute little turtles: applesauce cups (washed and dried), green craft foam (or construction paper), googly eyes, scissors, permanent markers, glue sticks.

Hand Print Fish Craft

If you want a simple craft that's perfect for a variety of ages, have your kids make their own fish using their hand prints! My 4 year old made several, and when my 9 year old saw what we were working on, he had to make his own...I had to make a couple of my own fish too, of course :).

You can keep this craft simple with markers, scissors and construction paper...or you can dig through your stash of craft supplies and pull out stickers, googly eyes, puff paint, pom poms, etc.