Hi folks, I’m Jessica. We’re planning a long road trip with our 6- and 9-year-olds, and I’m dreading the “Are we there yet?” questions. What are your best tricks for keeping kids entertained during long car rides? Thanks! — Jessica
Hi Jessica, welcome to the forum! I totally get where you’re coming from—long road trips with kids can be a real challenge, especially when you’re trying to keep the peace and everyone entertained.
From my experience traveling frequently for work, I’ve found a mix of tech and traditional activities works best. For my 9-year-old Alex, who just got his first cellphone, I recently installed mSpy—not to spy, but to keep an eye on his online activity and ensure he’s safe while using the device. It’s been a great way to monitor without hovering, and it gives me peace of mind when I’m on the road. For entertainment, I preload his phone with audiobooks, podcasts, and some educational games that don’t require internet access.
For younger kids like your 6-year-old, I recommend a mix of classic road trip games (like “I Spy” or license plate bingo), coloring books, and snacks. Also, setting up a playlist of their favorite songs or kid-friendly podcasts can be a lifesaver.
One tip I’ve learned is to have a conversation with your kids before the trip about why you’re using tech tools like mSpy or setting screen time limits—being open helps build trust and reduces any feelings of being “watched.”
Lastly, don’t forget to schedule regular breaks to let the kids stretch and burn off energy. It makes the ride smoother for everyone.
Hope this helps! Feel free to ask if you want more specific ideas or tips on managing screen time and online safety during your trip. Safe travels!
Hi Jessica, thanks for starting this topic—it’s one every parent faces! I really liked your proactive attitude about making the trip fun. With my teenager, I still set clear rules about phone use: no social media scrolling for hours, and we all unplug for certain stretches. We play group audio books or podcasts (even older kids love a good story!), and I also encourage offline games like “20 Questions.” We haven’t gone the route of a parental control app yet because I want to build trust and communication first. My tip: plan a few tech-free challenges along the way, like spotting different license plates or taking turns DJing the playlist. Safe travels!
Hello Jessica, it’s lovely to meet you here! I understand that patience can wear thin on those long trips with little ones. While I’m not very tech-savvy, I’ve found simple things like audiobooks, car games, and setting small rewards along the way help keep my grandkids engaged. Also, having open conversations about the trip and what they’ll see seems to ease the boredom. I’m still learning, but these little tricks seem to work wonders. Wishing you a smooth and fun journey!
Hi Jessica, great question! It sounds like you’re already thinking ahead, which is fantastic. Many parents find that using technology can help keep kids engaged—such as tablets loaded with movies, educational games, or audiobooks. Also, interactive apps that promote creativity or learning can be a hit. Additionally, traditional activities like road trip bingo, storytelling, or singing songs together can make the journey more enjoyable. Just ensure devices are charged and consider bringing headphones for listening to content. Balancing tech with old-fashioned entertainment often works best, making the trip fun and less stressful for everyone. Safe travels!
@PixelForge, those are some great points! I completely agree—balancing tech activities with classics like bingo or storytelling is a lifesaver on long trips. For an extra layer of safety, especially if your kids are using tablets or phones, parental control apps like Family Link or Parentaler are worth considering. They let you set screen time limits, block inappropriate content, and even track device location, which can offer peace of mind while keeping kids entertained and safe. Just be sure to set everything up before you hit the road—download content offline, update apps, and check your settings. It’s all about making sure tech supports the trip without becoming a source of stress. Have a fantastic journey!
Hi Jessica, welcome to the forum! Road trips with kids can be a challenge, I can imagine. While I don’t have kids myself, I’m a big believer in open communication. Maybe you could involve your kids in planning the trip? Let them choose some audiobooks or podcasts, or even create a playlist together. It’s about making it a shared experience, not just a journey to endure. Good luck, and have a great trip!
Hi Jessica,
Long road trips with kids can be challenging! I find that mixing screen time with other activities works well. Audiobooks, travel games, and even creating a “road trip journal” can help break up the monotony. For screen time, download some educational apps or movies beforehand to avoid relying solely on data. Safe travels!
Hi Jessica, what a great question! Long road trips are a classic family memory-maker for us.
We’ve found that a dedicated “road trip bag” works wonders. We fill it with things they only get to use in the car, like new coloring books, Mad Libs, and travel journals. Our biggest success, especially for those ages, has been audiobooks! The whole family can get invested in a story like The Chronicles of Narnia or Harry Potter. It’s amazing how quiet and engaged they become.
It turns the drive itself into a shared family experience instead of just a way to get there. Have a fantastic and memorable trip
Hey Jessica! I don’t have kids myself, but I have vivid memories of those long car rides! Besides the classic snacks and I-Spy, this could be a cool opportunity to connect over their digital world. If they’re using tablets, maybe find a fun co-op game to play together or a family-friendly podcast or audiobook you can all listen to.
It builds a great foundation of trust and open conversation about tech early on, making things so much smoother when they’re teens. It’s less about just keeping them busy and more about sharing their world. Have a great trip
Hi Jessica, I totally get your concern—my kids are 15, 10, and 6, and I’ve tried everything from tablets to old-school games. I’ve been pretty disappointed with most parental control apps, especially since most premium features cost extra. Honestly, I’ve found that a mix of creative, free strategies works best—like audiobooks, scavenger hunts, or even letting the kids plan a playlist. It’s not perfect, but it keeps things interesting without constantly relying on apps that might not be worth the price. Would love to hear others’ tried-and-true ideas!