Are you traveling somewhere to spend your holidays this year? Do you have kids that get bored easily when traveling? I have a few games that you and your kids can play while traveling to help curb “Are we there yet?”
The first game I have is great when traveling by car long distances. I call it Rest stop Snowmen. It is simple to do and will help your kids burn off some of their energy. Every time you come to a rest stop, or stop for gas, get out of the car to stretch your legs. Most rest areas and gas stops will have a grassy area that doesn’t get plowed (try to avoid the pet area). Let the kids work together to build a snowman. Only use items they can find at the rest stop or gas station. They will burn off energy rolling up the snowballs to make the snowman and find items to decorate the snowman. Pinecones for buttons, cups for eyes, straws for mouth or mustaches are just some examples. Not only will everyone get the much needed exercise you need when enduring long trips but you’ll always make something for others to enjoy and possibly add to as well.
Next game is called decorate the Christmas tree. You can play this on a plane, train or in a car. Ask your kids what all you put on a Christmas tree and make a list of all the things they come up with. For example: lights, bells, balls, etc. Now with your list of items to decorate a Christmas tree, look around and try to find the items that are on the list. Light bulb could be car headlights, or a reading light above your head on a plane, bells could be someone’s earrings, etc. See if you can find something for everything listed on your list. Write down which child finds which items and let the winner pick out an extra snack at the next stop.
Secret traveling Santa. For this game you may want to stop by the store and pick up a stocking for each child you have. If you are driving, have your children pick up souvenirs on the way. It could be a free map or information packet from a rest stop, a candy bar from a gas station, a pen and notepad from the hotel, or a rock from a picnic area. Instruct the kids to find items that they like and fill the stocking with these things. When you get to your destination instruct your kids to give their stocking to a family member of their choice.
If you are flying, you can either bring your own stocking with you or simply use one of the vomit bags the plane provides at each seat. Have the children explain to the steward or stewardess that they want to be a secret Santa for someone on the plane and ask the steward/stewardess if they have any items they could find or donate. Many planes have small gifts for kids such as playing cards, pens, stickers, etc. You could even put a bag of peanuts or crackers in the bag. Have your child write, draw and color their own Christmas card to go with the package. When you get close to your destination or after you have your bag filled with everything you want to put in it, ask the steward or stewardess if they can give the bag to a random person on the plane, or you can ask the steward/stewardess if your child can give it to someone on the plane.
For more ideas on games to play with your children during the holidays check out http://familyfun.go.com/games/indoor-outdoor-games/specialfeature/christmas-games-ms/ .
