7 Spring Break Road Trip Tips

A road trip sounds so simple - load up the car and strap the children into their car seats. And it is simple… for about two miles. Then, the little ones start inquiring about where you are going, how long it will take, and exclaiming frequently that they are bored. How can you make the journey to your destination as much fun as the vacation itself? The following tips from the Diocese of Orlando will help prepare you and your children enrolled in schools in Orlando, Florida, for a vacation across the state or across the country.

• Arts and crafts: Washable markers have been a staple on road trips for a while since they are fun for children and clean up quickly. Easy crafts, including building potholders, creating rubber band bracelets, stringing beads for necklaces, or building structures with plastic bricks will keep your little ones entertained for long stretches of empty landscape.

• Car bingo: Purchase a set of cards, download a collection from online sites, or create your own car bingo games with license plate identification, mile markers, roadside signs, et cetera. Give the winner a small prize, such as a piece of gum or candy for each row or card filled.

• Make mine music: Children love hearing their favorite songs, so choose a few CDs you both enjoy or tune into a children’s music station. Whether it’s the soundtrack from a beloved movie or a set of songs depicting a character your children enjoy, the miles will fly by with music to lighten the mood.

• Books: Let your children loose in a bookstore or library to choose a book or two to read while they are traveling. It might be an activity book, a novel, or even an informative text about dinosaurs. Whatever their passion, there’s a book for that!

• Computer crazy: Children love their electronic devices. Download a few new apps sure to inspire creative play as you breeze down the highway. Some games allow players to work together, which could easily entertain the whole backseat crew.

• Snacks: Some snacks last a long time, such as string cheese or peanuts. Select snacks that are filling and good for them rather than fast carbohydrates that will basically just keep children sated for a few miles.

• Dress up: Many stuffed animals with buttons, zippers, and shoelaces teach children fine motor skills as well as dressing skills. Stock up on dolls and clothes to mix and match outfits, from 18” dolls to tiny pocket-sized cuties. Visit your local thrift store for a great selection at a fraction of the new price, or buy one new outfit for each child’s stuffed animal or doll.

Enjoy the journey with these tips courtesy of the Diocese of Orlando. Contact the Diocese at 407-246-4903 for your child’s spring break dates, and contact the school to determine if any assignments from your child’s school in Orlando, Florida are due when school begins again. While homework in the car is not going to be a loved and treasured moment, being confined to one spot does offer a fantastic opportunity to either study or complete an assignment. Read the other blogs on our website for ideas on education, extracurricular activities to help your children thrive, and parenting techniques to keep your children energized about learning.