Travel fever and long car rides: 5 tips to keep the kids entertained (without passive screen time)

Illustration of a child in a car seat enjoying a story during a long drive, symbolizing tips for entertaining children on long car journeys

Vacation time and long car rides can be a fantastic experience for the whole family, but for many parents, the thought of keeping the children entertained for hours is a source of stress. Here are 5 tips to make the journey fun and educational for everyone – without resorting to passive screen time.

You can keep your children entertained without passive screen time by combining active play with creative immersion. Use personalized 3D stories from Flipr, where the child is the hero, classic car games, audiobooks, and small creative kits with drawing supplies. Also remember to plan active breaks so the children can burn off energy during the trip.

Why is it a good idea to limit passive screen time on vacation?

It is tempting to give the children a tablet with cartoons when the trip drags on. But too much passive screen time can lead to:

Less interaction: Children become absorbed in the screen and interact less with each other and their surroundings.
Overstimulation: Fast cuts and colors can overstimulate the brain, which can lead to restlessness and poor sleep.
Lack of creativity: Children do not use their own imagination when they passively receive entertainment.

Instead, we can use the journey as an opportunity to strengthen bonds, stimulate creativity, and create memories.

How to keep the children entertained on the journey with Flipr and play?

1. The personalized travel story with Flipr

Flipr is your ultimate travel companion. Before you set off, you can create a personalized story together where the child is the hero on an exciting journey. The story could be about finding treasure in the country you are visiting, or about a fun adventure on the way to their grandparents. Use Flipr's "Read to me" function to listen to the story along the way, or let the child read it themselves. It is active screen time that stimulates the imagination and prepares the child for the destination.

2. Classic games with a twist

Revive the good old car and travel games, but give them a modern twist. "I spy with my little eye" can be expanded to "I see something starting with the letter..." or "I see something that is... (color/shape)". Make a bingo card with things to spot along the way. The first one to get bingo wins a small prize.

3. Audiobooks and podcasts for kids

Audiobooks are a fantastic way to immerse oneself in a story without having to look at a screen. Choose an exciting series or an educational podcast that fits the children's age. This stimulates listening comprehension and can lead to great conversations about the plot along the way.

4. Creative kits for small hands

Pack a small bag with creative materials: drawing pads, colored pencils, stickers, small building blocks, or modeling clay. These activities keep little hands busy and stimulate fine motor skills and creativity. Consider buying a few new, small items that can only be unwrapped when you are on the move.

5. Plan breaks and movement

Long periods of sitting still can be challenging for children. Plan regular breaks where the children can stretch their legs, run around, and burn off energy. A playground, a short walk in a forest, or simply jumping around at a rest stop can work wonders for mood and concentration.

How to make the car ride a cozy part of the vacation experience?

With the right preparation, long car rides and journeys can become an integrated part of the vacation adventure. By choosing active entertainment that stimulates imagination and language development – like Flipr's personalized stories – you can transform potentially boring travel time into valuable moments of learning and togetherness. If your child dreams of sports on the road, try the story The Dream Match at Brøndby Stadium – or find more in the story library.

Why should I avoid passive screen time on long trips?

Too much passive screen time can lead to overstimulation, less interaction, and a lack of creativity. Active entertainment that stimulates imagination and language development is more beneficial for children's well-being and learning on the journey.

How can Flipr help entertain children on the go?

Flipr offers personalized stories where your child is the hero. You can listen to them together via the "Read to me" function or let the child read themself. It is active screen time that stimulates the imagination.

What alternatives to screen time are good for small children on a journey?

Classic games like "I spy", audiobooks, podcasts, and creative kits with drawing pads, colored pencils, or small building blocks are great alternatives. Also remember to plan regular breaks with movement.

Is it okay to use screen time at all on a long trip?

Yes, in moderate amounts, screen time can be part of the entertainment. The key is to choose active and educational screen time, like Flipr, which stimulates rather than passively entertains.

How can I prepare my child for a long journey?

Talk to your child about the journey beforehand. Involve them in the planning, pack a bag with their favorite toys and snacks, and perhaps create a personalized story with Flipr about the trip.

Make the journey part of the adventure

Reference: Lissak, G. (2018). Adverse effects of media use on sleep in children and adolescents. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine. | Common Sense Media. (2023). Best Podcasts for Kids.