How to keep my son entertained during this year’s looooong drive out to Colorado? Last year I was ready. I planned a bazillion activities, but when he was bored and whiney he didn’t want to do any of them…even though they were fun things he’d love to do any other time. This year I’ve planned similar activities, but I’m putting them together in a challenge he can’t resist to keep him occupied and to keep my sanity!
How I Made the Road Trip Challenge
I dug out a blank puzzle and used Sharpies to reveal the treasure at the end of the challenge.
(I know it’s not the most beautiful artwork on the planet!)
I counted how many pieces there were in the puzzle (12).
I cut 12 scraps of paper from old scrapbook paper.
I wrote 12 different activities on the slips of paper.
I collected 13 random envelopes.
I wrote the first note, put it in one of the envelopes and marked that envelope #1.
I stuffed each envelope with an activity and a puzzle piece.
How the Challenge Works
When P tells me he’s bored after he’s tried entertaining himself on his own (and he will), I’ll hand over the first envelope that explains the challenge. Then he can pick any one of the envelopes. Each time he completes an activity he can get a new envelope containing a new activity and a puzzle piece. When he’s completed all 12 activities he can assemble the puzzle (one more activity) to find out where he can find his prize (another activity!). This year it’ll be a 3DS game he doesn’t have; a rare treat for this kid! And this year the challenge will be a fun one for P and not a not-so-fun challenge for me and my patience 🙂
I hope between the travel activity tray and the Road Trip Challenge, things will go a little easier this year. Now I just have to pack…
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Awesome activity and idea. Where in Colorado are you going?
Thanks! We’re headed to Fort Collins. It’s a great family friendly city.
have a great time – we love the Frisco Area – thats a bit away from where you are at, but if you get there a little place called the Butterhorn Cafe is our favorite! The kids love it too.
I don’t think we’re headed in that direction this trip, but we’ll have to remember it for future trips. The name of the cafe is intriguing 🙂 Thanks!
I gonna need help for our long trip from Colorado to Canada with a toddler. Hopefully I can think of something. Have a safe trip over. 🙂
We’ve been making this trip from Wisconsin to Colorado since P was a toddler and we survived 🙂 I remember we brought lots of paper, big crayons for little hands, books, books, and more books, and music.
That’s cool. You should submit that tip to Family Fun Magazine – the It works for me column or my great ideas (something like that!)
I might do that! Thank you 🙂
That is a super good idea!
Thank you!
Love the ideals!!
Thanks!
Gee, can I use that for my 14 and 12 year olds? 😉 I will pass this on to my best friends, as she still has young ones!
I bet you could use it with tweens and teens, but the activities would have to be waaaay cooler!
What a great idea! I love that every part of this is another activity. Have fun on your trip!
Thanks! I think we will 🙂