*Links in this post are affiliate. Which means I earn a small commission at no extra charge to you.
If you’re looking for must have unusual road trip activities for kids, you’ve come to the right place. My family recently took a 16+ hour road trip from Washington state to southern California. With a 2 1/2 and almost 4 year old. To say I was a bit worried was an understatement. I wanted to make sure my boys were entertained (mostly so they didn’t drive us crazy and on this long drive). So I started doing some research of what are some cool and unusual activities that could entertain them.
These seven items I packed for my boys for our road trio. If you’re tired of the same old car games and traditional toys, it’s time to shake things up. This hand picked list of seven unusual road trip activities for kids that will make your next journey an unforgettable experience. From Wikki Stix to Go Water Wow!, these unique items are sure to keep your little travelers engaged and happy throughout the trip.
1. Wikki Stix – The Creative Superstars:
Wikki Stix are an excellent choice for unleashing your child’s creative potential during a road trip. These bendable, wax-covered sticks can be molded into various shapes and figures, offering endless possibilities for imaginative play. Whether they’re crafting animals, spelling words, or creating intricate designs, Wikki Stix will keep your kids occupied for hours.
2. Toys Squigz – Stick ‘Em Up:
Toys Squigz are like suction cup construction toys with endless entertainment value. These colorful, squishy pieces stick to windows and other smooth surfaces, allowing kids to build structures, characters, and more right there in the car. These toys will keep their hands and minds busy and will be a hit for your child’s attention and stimulate their fine motor skills.
3.Doodle Board Drawing Pad – never-ending Artistic Adventures:
A Doodle Board Drawing Pad is a great road trip companion for your budding young artists. Kids can doodle, draw, and erase till their heart’s content without the need for paper and crayons. The best part? No mess to clean up! This doodle pad is compact, lightweight, and perfect for inspiring creativity during the journey.
4. Go Water Wow! Reusable Water-Reveal Activity Pad – Mess-Free Magic:
One of my favorite activities for my boys is the reusable water reveal activity pads. These pads come in a variety of options from unicorns to construction. Plus a mess-free way for kids to have fun. These reusable pads come with a special pen that you fill with water (pack a water bottle just for the pens). As children “paint” the pages with the water pen, colorful pictures and hidden objects appear. The pages dry and can be used again and again, making it a fitting choice for a long road trip.
5. Dramamine Motion Sickness Relief – Smooth Sailing:
There were points of the road trip where my oldest son seemed to be getting a bit car sicked. We never ended up using the Dramamine, but it’s good to have on hand juuuust in case. It’s not exactly a toy, but essential for some kids, Dramamine Motion Sickness Relief can make all the difference during a road trip. If your child is prone to motion sickness, having this on hand can ensure a smoother journey. It’s available in kid-friendly chewable tablets or liquid, making it easier to dish out when needed.
6. PEZ Dispenser – Candy Fun with a Twist:
Snacks are a given MUST for road trips. How ever many snacks your THINK you need. Add a few more. I got my boys these paw patrol pez dispensers as a fun way for them to have a treat. These candy dispensers come in various character themes, which can keep kids engaged as they load and unload their favorite candies (in their favorite characters). Plus, the anticipation of the next candy adds an extra layer of excitement.
7. Toy Trucks- Toys in General
I bought brand new (honestly I had them for a while, just never gave it to them & thought this would be the perfect time) paw patrol cars for them. This actually kept them quite entertained for hours just with the trucks and mini characters they came with. Exclusive “new” toys just for this trip is something new and exciting for kids.
8. Glow Sticks- Lighting the Way
A acquaintance who goes on frequent road trips with her kids told me about this idea. She said it gives the kids something to look forward to at night. Telling them “when the sun goes down, I have a special activities for you.”- Now we went on our road trip in October, so we were able to find glow sticks easy at our local Walmart or Target because of Halloween. Definitely add glow sticks to unusual road trip activities for kids.
I gave my boys a variety of glow sticks and they loved it! When the sun goes down the kids can have a blast creating their own light show. Glow sticks are an excellent way to make the journey itself an adventure, especially during late night drives. So, don’t forget to pack a few glow sticks to light up the drive!
9. iPad or tablet- Tech Meets the Road:
While an iPad may not be an unusual choice, it’s how you use it that counts. Load it up with educational games, audiobooks, and movies for entertainment. We only ended up using the ipad for about an hour and a half of the whole trip going and coming back! I can’t guarantee that will be your story. At the end of the day, do what needs to be done to get to your destination.
Road trips with kids don’t have to be a challenge; they can be an opportunity for learning, creativity, and fun. By introducing these unusual road trip activities into your travel routine, you can make the journey just as exciting as the destination. So, pack your bags, load up the car, and get ready for a fantastic road trip filled with imaginative play and memorable experiences. Happy travels!
If you loved this blog post, you may also like: