Summer is here! Trade your backpacks for beach bags!
The car is packed, the family is excited, and chances are everyone is bored 30 minutes into the ride. If your family is taking a vacation from technology as well, try these, “unplugged” options to keep your kids thinking while passing the time.
Classic license plate games
The options to play games using license plates are endless, depending on the age of your kids.
- Younger kids can call out letters in alphabetical order; the first one to Z wins.
- Ask your child to identify the letter and provide the correct sound.
- Older kids can “collect” out-of-state plates they see. (Make it tougher by going in alphabetical order.)
- Write down the numbers and letters you see on license plates. Ask kids to make words and number sentences using the numbers and letters you wrote down.
Create a scavenger hunt
Create a scavenger hunt list before you leave. Kids can search for everything from farm animals to popular landmarks. Keep a running tally of what you see to practice math vocabulary with younger children. Who has the most, least, equal, how many more do the have?
MadLibs!
Who knew grammar could be so fun! Children can take turns practicing parts of speech while creating silly stories. MadLibs are available at most bookstores and have even been spotted at the Dollar Store on occasion.
The Picnic Game: Practice working memory skills!
One player says, “I went to a picnic and brought…” (then name a picnic favorite that begins with the letter A, like apples). The next player repeats the opening phrase, and then adds one that begins with B: “I brought an apple and some bread.” Make it challenging for older kids by naming objects they see along the way. For example, A is for armadillo, B is for barn, etc.