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Share the ways you keep your children entertained on long journeys with Vodafone

303 replies

AbbiCMumsnet · 12/08/2019 09:27

This activity has now closed

Every parent has their own special way of keeping long journeys fun – whether it’s through using devices to watch videos, or involving the whole family through songs and games. As the summer holiday season is in full swing, Vodafone want to know how you keep your children occupied on long trips.

Here’s what Vodafone has to say:
“It’s a glorious summer’s day. You’re stuck in the car and there’s 100 miles still to go. The kids are getting restless. But you know the perfect way to keep them entertained. A sure-fire way to keep them distracted just a little bit longer. That back-pocket ace card that you can play during times like these.

We want to know your secret!”

What’s your trick to keeping your children entertained for most of the journey? Are you a key part of the entertainment (think a family game of ‘I Spy’), or do you let them get on with it and hope for the best? Are there any particularly memorable journeys you’d like to share?

From young children to teens, what are your tips and tricks in keeping them entertained? Share on the thread below and everyone who does will be entered into a prize draw where 1 MNer will win a £300 voucher of their choice (from a list).

Thanks and good luck!

MNHQ

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Share the ways you keep your children entertained on long journeys with Vodafone
OP posts:
AbbiCMumsnet · 27/08/2019 10:39

Thanks for all your comments and congratulations to @JC4PMPLZ for winning the voucher!

OP posts:
JC4PMPLZ · 27/08/2019 10:47

cheers - I am so happy!!

cheryl100 · 28/08/2019 10:39

An ipad and snacks always does the trick for me!

GillianY1 · 28/08/2019 21:54

We play the Alphabet game. We pick a subject like food and have to go through the alphabet naming a food beginning with each letter Apple, Bread, Cheese etc

SSCRASE123 · 30/08/2019 12:44

Our favourite is nature spotting, my lad notes down all the different types of animals/birds we see (including squashed badgers). Keeps them away from their screens and lets them see the countryside.

michael888 · 31/08/2019 02:12

Videos and music on electronic devices, games and snacks seem to do the trick for us.

princesssmitheee · 31/08/2019 02:15

put Netflix on and they are always happy

poppypants · 31/08/2019 15:47

Counting caravans or buses or tractors and singalongs are fun, and sometimes watching their tablets

Minnibix · 31/08/2019 16:39

Crayons and a colouring book, picture books and some healthy snacks

avery64 · 31/08/2019 19:40

When I had young children they would spend most car journeys trying to catch me out with spelling tests and maths problems, The rule being they had to know the right answer. From time to time I would give a wrong one which kept them motivated especially as Mum was a teacher. Took them until they were teenagers to suss that out! Now do the same with our grandchildren and this holiday the 14 year old suddenly saw the light. 'Oh Nan!' End of an era but still other grandchildren to work on!

sootyo · 01/09/2019 09:26

Audio books
Count the cars, choose a colour each
I spy
Travel bingo : given 6 items each to spot

Doodygirl2009 · 01/09/2019 09:30

YouTube on my mobile and colouring books

dirtypop · 01/09/2019 09:47

take the tablet with plenty of programmes and films downloaded

tabbaz123 · 01/09/2019 14:07

We revert back to the old days of I SPY and singalong - we love our little road trips and always think up new things to spy as we go along

JoGodfray · 01/09/2019 16:04

It can be so difficult especially with Children of different ages!! There is only so much of "I SpY" my teens can tolerate with the little ones. We do lots of visual games but I am afraid if all else fails then its electronics!! Don't forget the headphones!! At least you will get some peace for a short time!!!

eandoauntie · 01/09/2019 16:30

We have always enjoyed searching for Eddy Stobarts, join the dots game, eye spy , singing, who can keep an extra strong mint in their mouth the longest ( may sound strange but we enjoy this )

Leanfun · 01/09/2019 18:18

Sing nursery rhymes, play a kind of eye spy and hope thy will go to sleep.

Mariobug25 · 01/09/2019 19:42

Child puzzle books, colouring books, Rubix cube and if all else fails, his nintendo switch. My son gets car sick so I like to keep him busy and distracted x

blue25 · 01/09/2019 21:46

Audiobooks in the car. Book/magazine on plane.

yorkie18 · 01/09/2019 22:12

Lots of games! I-Spy, name the car, battleship travel edition, colouring!

melmoo · 01/09/2019 22:38

DD invriably revises (She doesn't get the driven determination from us).
DS sleeps or iPad.
When they were very young we always tried to do long journeys through the night to avoid the issue.

potofdreams4 · 02/09/2019 07:38

We do a few activities - play I-spy, I download some movies/TV programmes in advance, they have video games and books, and we sing-along to music.

snare · 02/09/2019 08:25

we love story cd's :)

Billybadger · 02/09/2019 15:50

We take audiobooks, which the kids love.

flowerpot2000 · 02/09/2019 15:53

my way to keep the kids entertained is to keep a stack of toys and card games consoles also take them out to the fields to play ball games