5 Ways to Entertain a Toddler During Holiday Road Trips

Tis the season to start planning holiday road trips. You can avoid long hours behind the wheel by booking bus tickets and leaving the driving to someone else. Recently, my family and I traveled from Pittsburgh to Manhattan aboard a Megabus. The trip to New York was a breeze–or should I say snooze. The kids fell asleep before we even left the zip code.  But on the way back, I had to get a bit creative and keep my two-year-old busy. Toys, cartoons and coloring books didn’t keep her attention for as long as I had hoped.  So, along the way, I brainstormed five ways to entertain a toddler during holiday road trips.

Despite the falling temps, my daughter and I visit the zoo regularly. We talk about the different animals and mimic the silly sounds. When we’re not at the popular attraction, we play pretend and make up a game called Peek-a-Moo. It’s pretty simple. Just swap out the traditional game Peek-a-Boo and replace the ending with an animal sound. We cover our eyes and call out, Peek-a-Baaa, Peek-a-Squeak, Peak-a-Roar and much more!

Often, I must sit on my suitcase to zip it shut, so I can’t pack all of  my daughter’s favorite books. Thankfully, we typically travel with my 8 and 11-year-old nephews, and they keep Caitlynn entertained by telling her stories. Like the game of tag, we take turns telling the tale, and then tag someone to take over. We ask Caitlynn questions to allow her an opportunity to be a full participant.

What’s a road trip without candy? This game makes snack time learning time. Have your toddler count to ten, forward and backward. Teach him to count even and odd numbers. And throw in a lesson on subtraction by eating the sweet treats!

Megabus offers customers choice seating with a panoramic view. Play a twist of ‘I Spy’ and look for certain colors, count trucks or hunt for horses.

Use an old cookie sheet and a set of magnets. You can put the magnets in a Ziploc bag. Practice counting, saying the alphabet or spelling your child’s name. The cookie sheet can double as a tray for older kids to play card games.

Hey DFTM Fam–How do you keep your little one occupied on a bus trip? Have you made up any fun games to pass the time?