Travel Survival Guide: No Screens Required
The iPad battery just died and you have 3 hours left. Don't panic. Here is your toolkit for peaceful travel.
"Are we there yet?"
It's the question every parent dreads. While screens are a valid tool for long trips, relying on them 100% of the time can lead to "zombie mode" meltdowns upon arrival. Mixing in interactive play makes the journey part of the vacation.
The Car Games Hall of Fame
The Rainbow Car Hunt
Work together to find cars in every color of the rainbow, in order. Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Purple. (Purple is the boss level!)
The "Unfortunately/Fortunately" Story
Build a story together, alternating sentences. One person starts with a positive statement ("Fortunately..."), the next adds a problem ("Unfortunately...").
"Fortunately, we are going to the beach."
"Unfortunately, a shark ate our swimsuit."
"Fortunately, the shark spit it out because it tasted like broccoli."
The Alphabet Game
Find words on road signs or billboards that start with each letter of the alphabet, from A to Z. "A" for Arby's, "B" for Bridge, "C" for Construction.
Airplane Hacks for Toddlers
Planes are harder because you can't look out the window as easily. You need Novelty and Fine Motor Focus.
- Sticky Notes: Give a toddler a pad of Post-it notes. Let them stick them all over the seat back, the tray table, and themselves. Then peel them off. This can burn 20 minutes.
- The Snack Necklace: Bring Cheerios or pretzels and a piece of string. Have them thread their own snack necklace before they can eat it.
- Window Clings: Gel window clings stick to airplane windows and tray tables but leave no residue.
- Tape Rescue: Tape small plastic animals to the tray table using masking tape. Challenge them to "rescue" the animals by peeling the tape.