The Cookie Sheet
Little Red Schoolhouse
Whether you forgot your bag of distractions or just need some quiet right now, Little Red Schoolhouse is the game for you. It's incredibly simple: Just say, "Little red schoolhouse, go!" Whoever talks first loses. Oh, but it doesn't stop there. You need to wait until there's only one silent person left. Then they can finally be declared the winner. Your kids will think they're having a super-fun competition, and you'll enjoy some heavenly silence.
20 Questions/Who Am I?
This one's a classic for a reason! One family member picks a person (real or a character) and everyone else asks "yes" or "no" questions until they figure out who it is. Even though it's traditionally called 20 questions, we'll go ahead and say exceptions to that rule are just fine. Let your kids ask as many questions as they want.
The Alphabet Game
Starting with the letter "A," find the letters of the alphabet in order, looking at road signs, license plates and whatever else you drive by. Play as a team (everyone works together to go through the alphabet), or make it competition (everyone's on their own, and first one to "Z" wins).
Ultimate Playlist
First of all, every trip is more fun when you have a playlist (formerly burned CD … and former to that a mixtape) named for it. "The Finkelsteins go to Florida '13, baby!" The main advantage of making a playlist in advance, though, is that you'll avoid fights about music during the trip. Pick songs that everyone can agree on, or at least tolerate. MP3s let you put tons of songs on one playlist, so you'll be well-stocked for many miles.
Kid-Proof Case
If ever there was a time to share the technology, it's now. Download some fun apps, ebooks or movies, slide your iPad or other device into a secure, kid-proof case, attach some headphones, hand it over to your kid and boom! Infinite hours of uninterrupted adult talk time. Hey, you're on vacation—let the screen time rules slide. For everyone's sake.
Start Collecting
Now is a great time to encourage your kids to start a (cheap) collecting habit. Whether they gather pencils, postcards, badges or small flags from each city or state you visit, it'll help them stay excited about the trip and remember their journey fondly.
