My kids’ eyes light up whenever my parents suggest a road trip. From exploring local campgrounds to embarking on cross-country adventures, these trips have created some cherished memories. Are you a grandparent? Here are some tips for creating unforgettable memories on the open road with your grandchildren.
Hitting the Road: Safety First
Packing Essentials: What to Bring on Your Grandparent-Grandkid Adventure
Sure, your grandkids need a variety of clothing for the journey. Food, sleeping bags, toiletries are all essential. However, let’s go beyond this to some of the more complicated details.
First, be cautious of public restrooms and rest stops. Avoid letting children venture into these areas alone. Utilize family restrooms whenever possible.
Ensure your vehicle is equipped with safety features like seat belts, child car seats, and an emergency kit. Check these items before each trip.
Next, let’s consider the education aspects. Are your grandchildren in school? If so, be sure to have the children pack their homework and study materials. They may need their textbooks, notebooks, pen, and perhaps their school computer, if required.
In addition, let’s review items from a legal standpoint. I would suggest having your grandchild’s health insurance information, a copy of their birth certificate, a travel consent form, and a healthcare consent form with you.
Keep these important documents in a secure location. It is recommended to keep them in the traveling vehicle in case an emergency occurs while you are away from the RV.
Are you traveling across the border? Be sure to have the child’s passport. The consent forms should be notarized as well.
By following these safety tips, you can help ensure a safe and enjoyable road trip with your grandchildren.
Entertainment While Creating Memories on the Open Road
Road Trip Games and Activities: Fun for All Ages
Occasionally, we will allow our children to watch a movie while we travel. Especially when we traveled through Sturgis during Bike Week. Eeek!
However, if you really want to make memories with your grandchildren, here are some suggestions that are sure to bring laughter during the trip.
FREE Experiences
- I SPY – The classic game that takes turns describing objects you see out the window.
- Two Truths and a Lie – Take turns sharing three statements about yourself, with one being false.
- The Radio Game – A simple game that gives a point to the first person who calls out the artist on the radio.
- The Alphabet Game – Look at the billboards and signs to spot letters in order.
Affordable Fun
- Mad Libs – Fill in blanks with random words to create funny stories.
- Drawing – Bring an inexpensive notebook and colored pencils and let your grandkids draw what they see outside.
- Writing – Purchase a journal and neat pens for your grandkids. They can practice their story writing and creativity as they write about the area they have traveled to.
- License Plate Bingo – This fun printable game will have your grandchildren paying attention to the vehicles around you. Put the sheets in page protectors and store in a 3 Ring Binder for an organized trip.
Audio Adventures: Podcasts, Audiobooks, and Music
Embrace some of these options as you create unforgettable memories on the open road.
- Podcasts – Podcasts are a great way to keep kids entertained and engaged during long drives. Some popular options for kids include:
- Real Cool History for Kids by Angela O’Dell: This podcast explores historical events in a fun and engaging way.
- On The Night Train by The Merry Beggars: A bedtime story podcast that features classic fairy tales and original stories.
- Liz and Friends by Kids Corner: A podcast that features stories, songs, and activities for young children.
- Audiobooks – Audiobooks are another great option for long car rides. You can find a wide variety of audiobooks through your local library using the Libby app or Hoopla. Some popular choices include:
- Little Britches series by Ralph Moody: A classic series of autobiographical novels about growing up on a ranch in the American West.
- Jennifer A. Nielsen historical fiction books: These books offer exciting and informative stories set in different historical periods.
- My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George: A classic adventure story about a boy who learns to survive in the wilderness.
- Music – Music can help set the mood for your road trip and keep everyone entertained. Consider these options:
- Satellite Radio: If you’re traveling through remote areas, satellite radio can provide a reliable source of music.
- Streaming services: Popular streaming services like Apple Music, Spotify, and Pandora offer a vast library of music to choose from.
- Downloaded playlists: Create playlists of your favorite songs and download them to your device for offline listening.
By incorporating these entertainment options into your road trip, you can ensure that everyone has a fun and enjoyable experience.
Tech-Free Fun: Engaging Offline Activities
Entertainment does not have to resort to electronics. You will create more memories on the open road when you get away from screens. Here are some memory making ideas to pursue when you park for the night.
Books – Bring your favorite books and read aloud to your grandchildren. Embrace it and add drama to your voice as you lure them into the story.
Music – I am the type of person that can not even clap on beat. However, you may be musically inclined. Bring your instrument and play songs around the campfire.
Card Games – Depending on the age of your grandchildren, enjoy a game of Old Maid, Go Fish, Rummy, Euchre, and UNO.
Soak in Nature – Explore the surrounding area and identify plants, animals, and geological features. Set up a blanket and enjoy the night sky together. In addition, hiking and picnics are great memory-building opportunities.
Destination Inspiration: Creating Memories on the Open Road
As you consider a road trip adventure with your grandchildren, remember that memories are far more valuable than any material possessions. Whether you’re exploring the coast, hiking in the mountains, or exploring a bustling city, the most important thing is the time you spend together.
These unforgettable experiences create lasting bonds and teach your grandchildren valuable lessons about the world around them. So, the next time you’re planning a trip with your grandkids, remember that the destination is less important than the journey and the memories you’ll make along the way.
Hayley
Customer Support