Car travel kits for preschool-aged children provide a wide variety of activities within reach of the child. If the child is in a booster car seat, provide a lap board to write on. As children get older, they can assist with itinerary planning, navigation, and book keeping for gas and food spending. Children with a map of their own can follow the course of the roads. Books related to the destination or sites along the way may also interest children.
Older children can keep a journal of the trip.
Spaces can be left in the journal to fill in with photographs taken by the children with their own cameras, maybe disposable ones. Projects such as a journal take the pressure off parents to entertain children, but parents should not force children to participate in a project if the child does not want to. Snacks, travel games, and books can be distributed as special treats throughout the trip. Don't forget to have activities for the child to do on the way home as well. Supplying children with a variety of activities will make the miles fly by for parents and children alike.