Car Activities for Kids Ages 2-10
Maybe it’s the fact I’ve had crayons melt five too many times in my car that I got wise when it comes to long car rides with kids. Maybe it’s all the times I have had to pull over because someone dropped their special pencil pen. Maybe I have dug felt accessories out of car seats too many times. Maybe it’s all of the above.
As someone who doesn’t like to board a plane unless absolutely necessary, we probably take longer trips in our car than most people. I actually don’t mind it. I have lots of memories doing the same in my parent’s dusty blue, faux wood paneled mini-van, growing up with my four brothers and sisters…The cruise control was set. The car-top carrier loaded. My Dad’s hairy, sun-baked arm hanging out the window, keeping time to the music while he oscillated between threatening to pull the car over (veins bulging) and singing the chorus to Led Zepplin’s Ramble On. How did we all survive? Brainquest. That's how.
As a Mother, I’ve learned the same lessons my parents did; you needed to bring more snacks and/or you didn’t bring the right ones. And, kid’s toys with lots of little parts are the work of the Devil (RIP Polly Pocket). Through my years of figuring this all out, I’ve sourced some pretty great activities for kids age 2-10, that don’t have a lot of parts (unless they’re magnetic), keep kids engaged and don’t require help from a parent.
Screen-free Car Activities for Kids Ages 2-9
Car activities for kids age 2-10
What makes a good car activity for kids? When I’m looking to source car activities for my kids, I’m looking for items that will be easy and safe for my kids to manage on their own. We avoid screens in cars for the simple fact that I have found they overstimulate my kids, and leave us paying the price for it later. So, what I select is generally not fast-moving, too noisy or something that would be too difficult for my kids. For airbag safety, I generally try to avoid sharp corners, glass, or large wooden activity boards.
I’ve sorted these by age group but please keep in mind each kid is so different. My 7 year old is reading at a higher grade level so she has outgrown some of the books in her age-group, however she has continued playing with stuffed animals longer than some of her peers, so she still likes some of the items from the younger category. There is also some age overlap between the categories.
First, let’s talk set-up…
A Well Organized Car can prevent you from having to pull over 5 more times.
If you have the space for it, a seat organizer with compartments like this allows your little ones to have their items within reach, even if they’re rear-facing. Thankfully, most child seats have cup holders now, so I mostly just use one side for snacks and the other for activities.
seat organizer for kids activities source
For forward-facing kids, I like these back-seat organizers.
back seat organizer for kids activities source
For the older kids that might be ready to keep track of markers, audio cards and craft items, these zippered pouches are really handy.
zippered pouches for organizing kids car activities source
And we love a flexible lap desk like this one.
Lap desk for the car source
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Ages 2-4
I’ll be honest, your best bet surviving a long car ride with a child under 4 is going to be timing your trip with naps. But sometimes the ride is so long, and you just have to press on. So here are some items I’ve found they can manage on their own.
Car activities for kids age 2, 3 and 4
Ages 5-7
Your little one has probably solidly ditched their nap by now so it’s all hands on deck. God’s pee’d.
Car activities for kids age 5-7
Are we there yet? Almost, my friend.
Age 8-10
car activities for kids age 8-10
I hope you found this round-up helpful! Having the right activities for your next road trip with kids can certainly mean the difference between you arriving to your destination frazzled or fresh. You got this!
Disclaimer: Please use what I have recommended in this post at your own discretion. Some activities may have small parts that would not be suitable for a child under 3. Parental supervision advised. Never give your child an item that could injure them if an airbag is deployed.
Hi. I’m Katherine.
I’m a homeschool Mother to two girls. I also help clients beautify their homes via my remote interior design business, Hausmatter Interiors