Summer arrives, the long-awaited holidays... and the dreaded long car journeys. Destination? The beach, the village, grandparents' house, a campsite, or that family hotel booked months ago. It all sounds great until your little one, at kilometer 24, utters their first "I'm bored" with a tone of desperation. And that's where the challenge begins.
Because yes, giving them a screen might be the easiest option. But if we want to foster a childhood more connected to the environment, with more real play and less digital stimulation, there are alternatives that work. And what's more, they can be fun for the whole family.
Here are some practical ideas to entertain little ones on long journeys without resorting to tablets or mobile phones. Some require a little preparation, but all are simple and realistic.
1. Sing, but with a game
Classic children's songs work. But if you combine them with games, even better: "I spy," "Word association," "Guess the hummed song"... or even have a family karaoke session. Young children enjoy it more when we involve them, even if it's just with claps and laughter.
2. "Surprise" backpack
Before you leave, pack a small backpack with toys they don't usually carry: a new plush toy, a flap book, a sensory toy, building blocks... You can take them out little by little to keep their attention. Novelty is your best ally!
3. Games with the surroundings
Even if they can't read, you can invent games to observe out the window: counting red cars, looking for cows, guessing which town you're in, or imagining stories with what they see. Young children have incredible imaginations if you give them the first push.
4. Stops with movement
Plan your stops well. Even if you're in a hurry to arrive, stopping for 15 minutes to stretch your legs and move around completely changes the mood of the trip. Bring a small scooter or ride-on toy, like the Injusa Tundra Tornado, which fits easily in the trunk. A short walk and the little one returns to the car with a calmer body.
5. Games with hands... and with you
Hands offer a lot of play: from an improvised sock puppet to tickle games, hiding small objects, or playing "rock, paper, scissors." If they're traveling with siblings, you can prepare activities for them to share.
6. Postcards from the car
If your little one already scribbles or is starting to write, prepare cards or paper for them to draw "what they see out the window." Upon arrival, they can give these postcards to their grandparents or stick them in a travel journal. It's a nice way to entertain themselves and keep memories.
7. The magic box game
Prepare a box with 4 or 5 small objects (they can be figures, animals, building blocks). Every now and then, let them pick one out without looking and integrate it into a story. You can take turns with them or invent it together. Laughter guaranteed!
Ready to enjoy the journey as much as the destination?
Because sometimes, the best memories start with "shall we play?".
