With March Break just around the corner and summer holidays not far off after that, it’s time to start thinking about how to keep the kids safe and entertained on those long road trips – whether it’s to get in a last-minute family ski-trip, or your heading to visit family. You can only handle so many “Are we there yet?” a day, right?
Audio Books
Listening to audiobooks is an easy way to keep kids entertained, especially those who may get car sick, but listening to family-friendly books together can make the experience that much more fun.
Books like the Chronicles of Narnia, Geronimo or Thea Stilton series, for example, are great for kids of all ages and adults, too.
Be Prepared for Pit Stops
If you have older kids, you can make pit stops run smoother by getting them involved and having them get ready before you pull over.
Give a 10-minute warning to start getting shoes on and pack any toys or crafts away, get jackets ready if it’s the winter months, and begin gathering up any garbage that may have gathered from the last stop. Especially on long drives, those saved minutes can really add up!
Download Music Ahead of Time
Depending on where your route takes you, you may find yourself traveling along some roads without cell phone or radio service – which also means no music. Download a playlist ahead of time so you’re not without background noise. Getting the kids involved in creating the playlist can keep them engaged during the ride, too.
Make Sure Your Car is Ready to Go
Before starting any road trip, you want to make sure your vehicle is in tip-top shape! There’s nothing worse than pulling into a roadside gas station with a flashing dash light and trying to figure out what’s wrong. Check out this blog for a checklist to help make sure all your vehicle’s essentials are taken care of and your car is ready to hit the road.
Have a Roadside Safety Kit
Having an emergency kit is crucial on road trips – hopefully, you will never need it, but if you ever do, you’ll be glad to have it.
An emergency kit isn’t just made up of a first aid kit. You’ll want to pack some blankets, extra clothing (especially for really young kids), snacks, and water, as well as any emergency phone numbers and pediatrician contact information. Something else to keep in your glove compartment is a seatbelt cutter & window punch. We don’t want to think about accidents but when they do happen a seatbelt cutter could save a life.
Traveling with kids can be an amazing experience, and the fun can start the second you leave your driveway! You don’t have to wait until you’ve arrived at your destination for a vacation to begin!
For more questions about safe winter driving or to upgrade your tires before the snow really starts to fall, call us at (250) 860-7444 or book an appointment today.