Do you remember what it was like when you went on road trips with your parents as a kid? There were no tablets, you complained a lot about are you there yet, and then eventually you started making up some pretty weird games in the car with your siblings and a couple of pennies and dimes (well this was definitely my experience).
These days, whenever we take a road trip or are headed to the airport its become a no brainer to grab the tablets, the nintendo switches, and press play on TV screens so you can travel in peace and quiet. But as we learn more about how much screen time is actually good for our little ones, you quickly realize that on a road trip your kids are binging on tech. Plus, the weirdest thing happens when you try to take those devices away from kids. They turn into little monsters who have major temper tantrums and their attitudes get real turned up. SO to avoid all of that nonsense, I have partnered with five awesome companies to do a giveaway of some great alternatives to devices that you can play with your children on your next vacation.
Quote by Anne England, Co-founder of Favor
Toys
I know you’re thinking well of course we pack toys, but it's almost way too many and a few of them inevitably get lost on each trip. What if you could have a toy like this wooden hand held game, where all of the buttons actually work?! The goal of the game is to get all of the hoops through the spikes in the middle. There are so many reasons to love this toy. First, it’s a great way to wean kids off their tablets, and it's probably the toy they’ll grab for first thinking it is a tablet (haha, you tricked them good this time). Secondly, the retro vibes of this design and the compact size of this piece makes it easy to bring along on a trip. And if you’re like me and you are tired of toys being made of plastic and who knows what else, this toy was designed in Japan with beech wood and non-toxic paints by the company kiko.
Quote by Quarto Kids
Activity Books
Traveling with an activity book is a lifesaver. In my experience, the right book with a new game on each page can distract my child for hours, or at least until snack time. So the next time your planning to pick up an activity for your next trip, check out Quarto Kids. On the Plane activity book is just right for the next time you go jet setting. This activity book works for a wide spectrum of age groups, and has pretty durable pages so bring on the markers. It’s so much more than just puzzles and connect the dot activities; your kids also learn fun facts about how airplanes operate, there is a diary to chronicle their adventures, and design their own passport.
Quote by Matthew Goins, Found of Puzzle Huddle
Puzzles
When you are on a long flight, an activity for both the kids and you is always a good puzzle. Pull down the tray (permitting you have enough space if the guy in front of you hasn’t gone into a full recline), and begin to strategize together to solve it. I’m a big fan of Puzzle Huddle because their puzzles come in a range of sizes. You can get a small size 14 piece one that’s easy for on the go trips all the way up to XL sizes. More importantly, at Puzzle Huddle their puzzles focus on images of people of color (which is a huge opportunity in the commercial puzzle market today). It is exposure to imagery and play that we can all benefit from on a trip.
Quote by Kerry Stokes, Found of Calhoun & Co.
Playing cards
There is always time to play cards when you’re traveling, especially at the airport when you’re waiting to board with kids. You will absolutely fall in love with these Always Play Nice (please) playing cards by Calhoun & Co. The cards’ modern illustrations are a much needed update to the old-school deck of cards we played with as kids (Remember the stoic king and queen, why can’t they smile and enjoy life a little!?!) Also, the joker cards have been replaced by dogs. Plus, there is a cool tropical design on each card that really cements the idea that you are on vacation, and it's time to just sit back and relax. With one good deck of cards you can play an endless amount of card games like spades or go fish and begin to teach them some serious strategy moves. Or in my experience, they can teach you the game of how to pick up 52 cards in a short amount of time over and over again.
Quote by Ashley Aikele, Co-Founder Bravery Magazine
Magazines
I know that whenever I go on a trip, I make sure to pack all of my interior design goodie magazines like Elle Decor & HGTV magazine. But I rarely have a magazine for my daughter, that is until now. The Bravery magazine focuses on strong female role models that are great for any kid to read and play with on a trip. This magazine is so much more than just reading stories about heroines of the past and present, there are also fun DIYs and activities to do that go along with the theme of each issue. This is a carry-on that you can make room for on every trip.
Traveling is a time to be unscripted, the daily routine of school is done, so it’s time to spend some quality time together. So if you liked what you saw, and you want to take all of these items home before your summer vacation, well then sign up for the giveaway which ends Monday, May 27th at midnight. To be considered for the giveaway you must follow all of the above websites on Instagram, and tag a place that you want to travel to this summer.