Keep Kids Entertained with a Personalized Surprise Bag

Am I the only one who looks forward to a camping trip with my kids, only to find myself wondering ‘what what I was thinking’ by the time the second day rolls around? No matter where you’re heading, children aren’t always the best of travellers. The heat makes them cranky, it seems like they need a bathroom break every few miles, and they’re always hungry. Ah, the joys of parenting… but all well-worth it, of course.

Truth is, camping with your children will create a lifetime of memories, and there’s nothing wrong with giving the kids a break from movies, video games and the computer – even if they all manage to find their way into a suitcase. Even kids who normally spend all their time inside will likely gain an appreciation for the outdoors during a camping trip because there are new friends to meet, areas to explore, and activities to tackle.

My kids (like most others) become bored quite easily. Fortunately, a few years ago, I found the secret to making family car rides more enjoyable. While it only works for toddlers, preschoolers and young children, it can be a very effective way to waste time. It’s simple. Before you leave, take a trip to the local dollar store and buy a variety of items that would interest your children. Use common sense: while every kid loves a bouncy ball, it’s obviously not the best choice for a car.

I try to pick items that don’t spill, shoot, or make too much noise. This also works for the camping experience as well, since most dollar stores feature a large variety of beach toys, frisbees and balls that keep the fun rolling. Regardless of the items you choose, the key to a successful presentation is secrecy. Make sure the kids don’t see – or even know about – the new purchases until the trip is underway.

Keep your new in-vehicle purchases in a bag near your feet. When the kids start to grow impatient, pull out a new treasure for each of them, but don’t let on that there are more to come. Wait until they grow tired of the first item and introduce a second item. If you really want to make the most of your travel time, divide the items into two groups and keep the second half for the drive home.

The key to combating childhood boredom is variety; by keeping the ideas fresh, you just may preserve your sanity.