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A guide to car journeys with your children

Children can get restless if they stay too long in one place and this is often the case when it comes to car journeys. Travelling by car with children can cause parents to stress, especially when they discover the phrase 'Are we there yet?' It's enough to stop long car journeys altogether.

Car journeys, however, are necessary when getting from A to B. You may be travelling across the country to see family or friends, or driving for half an hour to the next town. Whatever the case, it is essential that you find the means to keep them entertained throughout the journey.

Best ways to keep your children occupied during a long car journey

There are a number of ways that you can keep children occupied in the backseat. By taking extra measures to keep the kids entertained, you reduce the likelihood of arguing and boredom that can turn into frustration. For the sake of your own sanity, you can:

  • Sing to catchy road-trip songs
  • Bring plenty of snacks and water
  • Download movies to a tablet
  • Bring a pack of cards
  • Have notebooks and pens available
  • Bring handheld consoles

Car games for kids on a long car journey

What road trip is complete without car games? Keep the kids (and the adults) entertained with the following games:

  • I-Spy
  • Would you rather?
  • License plate game
  • Road trip bingo
  • 20 Questions
  • I'm Going on a Picnic
  • Spot the Car

If you are lucky, the above games will tire out the little ones so that you can enjoy some peace and quiet. If not, then bring out games they can enjoy by themselves.

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If you'd like some more tips and advice on travelling with the kids or inspiration for the next family holiday, check out our other pages below:


Holiday Extras Travel Insurance is sold and administered by Holiday Extras Cover Limited, registered office address: Ashford Road, Newingreen, Hythe, Kent CT21 4JF.

Holiday Extras Cover Limited is an insurance intermediary authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, registration number 828848. You can check this by visiting the Financial Services Register

Holiday Extras™ is a Trading Name of Holiday Extras Cover Limited. The insurance is underwritten by Great Lakes Insurance UK Limited. Great Lakes Insurance UK Limited is a company incorporated in England and Wales with company number 13436330 and whose registered office address is 10 Fenchurch Avenue, London, United Kingdom, EC3M 5BN.

Great Lakes Insurance UK Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Firm Reference Number 955859. You can check this by visiting the Financial Services Register