Whether
it's a trip to visit friends and relatives, or just a weekend mini-break,
most adults will jump at the chance of getting away for a few days.
On the other hand, children are prone to get
bored and fractious even en route to the shops. Luckily, we've come up
with more games for kids on long journeys.
Some tried-and-tested
games include:
I-Spy
The classic car game! 'I spy with my little eye, something beginning
with 'C'... Everyone takes turns to guess e.g. car, concrete, cows,
Citroen, and so on.
Counting Games Who can be first to spot 20 dogs? 5 tractors? Or try Counting
Cows which can be played as individuals or in teams. First,
decide on a destination where you will stop counting. Then, count the
cows on your side of the road. The winner is the person with the highest
number of cows once the destination has been reached.
Maths Games
For slightly older children, see who
can add the digits on a car number plate the fastest or find different
ways of counting back from 100 - in 10s, 5s, 20s, 2s. Quick-fire times
tables questions can be fun if you disguise them in a Who Wants
To Be A Millionaire? format - promise 10p per correct answer
so you don't break the bank. Or pick a colour and see who can be the
first to spot 10 cars of that colour... you can make number games as
easy or as difficult as you like, depending on the ages of your children.
Are We There Yet? Look up your route online and print out a map before you leave
home. Your children can mark your progress by crossing off each major
town as you pass through - you could mark a couple of milestones in
advance, and promise a reward for good behaviour when you've passed
through.
Time Out! If you're longing for some peace, Chinese Whispers can calm things down. Other quiet games include Statues
or Dead Lions where the winner is the one who keeps completely
still for the longest time.
Bribery & Corruption!
Yes, we know your children should be well-behaved because they want
to be good, rather than because they expect a reward. However, nobody's
perfect and parents deserve a break too. Why not wrap up little presents
to be distributed for good behaviour, or as prizes for spotting the
most Eddie Stobart lorries!
