How to keep kids occupied when out and about

Photo by Leonard John Matthews

Whether it’s at the Dr.’s office, on a plane, in the car, at a restaurant or standing in line, the little ones inevitably get antsy when there’s waiting involved. Here are some ideas to keep them occupied:

• Always bring the umbrella stroller. That way, someone can be strapped in and confined if needed. Nothin’ like a toddler running wild and touching everything from here to the ends of the earth.
• Reading stories is a good idea and can pass a fair amount of time. I keep one book in the car which has lots of stories in it (i.e. an anthology). The one we have is First Reader: 12 Favorite Tales for Young Readers (sorry, don’t have an image). It’s paperback and about 5×8.5 so it’s easy to throw in my purse or the diaper bag. It’s got great illustrations and stories that keep my 2 year old as well as my 7 year old interested.
• For other good analogies, check out the 1000 Good Books List, anthologies for primary (Preschool to beginning readers), elementary (and even junior and senior levels although hopefully they’ll be reading something on their own of course).
• Designate certain toys as “out and about” toys so the novelty of it will hold their attention longer.

Waiting Games

• The Phrase That Pays. You give 3 or 4 random letters (like T, E, W), they figure out a phrase to go with them (like Thomas eats watermelon.). Fun and educational at the same time!  (via Karen Sullen)
• I Spy. You say, “I spy with my little eye, something _________ [a color].” They can ask yes or no questions to try to figure out what you spied. The person who guesses right, gets to be the next spier.
• 20 Questions. One person thinks of a person, place or thing and the others ask yes or no questions to try to narrow it down.
• Rock, Paper, Scissors.
• I’m Going on a Picnic. “The beauty of this game is that there are so many ways to play it. The first player says the phrase, ‘I’m going on a picnic and I am bringing ______.’ The next player repeats what the first person is bringing and adds an item beginning with the next letter of the alphabet. Players are out when they miss naming an item in the picnic basket.” (via grandparents.com)
• Wish I May, Wish I Might. “When we’re stuck in traffic, our kids love to play the I wish game. Tears and complaining fall away as soon as I say, “I wish this car was a giant giraffe and that we were walking past all these cars from our perch between her cute little ears.’ Take turns coming up with outlandish ways you could get to your final destination. Your kids will be delighted.” (via jenlemen)
• Fortunately, Unfortunately. “On long car rides, the Nortons of Morrison, Colorado…build a tall tale that bounces back and forth between good luck and woe. ‘A boy went to the store,’ one player might begin. ‘Fortunately, he brought three dollars in his pocket to buy bread and milk.’ The second player takes over: ‘Unfortunately, the money was soaking wet when he got there because it was raining.’ The third chimes in with another positive twist, and so on, with players alternating good and bad events. ‘It can get very silly and fun,’ says mom Alissa.” (via FamilyFun)
• Vital Information Song. “Make up a song, to a familiar tune, with your child’s name, address and phone number as lyrics. Sung to the tune of ‘You Are My Sunshine,’ you can write lyrics of almost anything: ‘My name is Billy, I’m 5-years-old. I live at 544 West Main. And my phone number, here it is, 555-6271.’ Learning the song, practicing it and laughing together over the mistakes will keep you both busy for a while!” (via Diane Laney Fitzpatrick at suite101)
• Alphabet Game. Look for the letters of the alphabet on signs, labels, menus — anywhere — and name them in order.

Other Resources

• Fun on the Run!: 324 Instant Family Activities
• Lots of waiting game ideas here (for older kids and adults).
• Here’s a printable with some more elaborate games for the car.

What about you? What do you play?

This post is part of Works for Me Wednesday. Check it out!

Related posts:

1. Parenting tip: How to reboot a sluggish outing with kids
2. That’s My Girl!
3. How we talk to our kids about gay marriage & other tough questions
4. How we talk to our kids about gay marriage & other tough questions, Part 2
5. One easy tip that has drastically improved our behavior in public