It can be a rewarding experience for everyone, but it takes some planning. Each child should have a proper passenger restraint for his or her size and weight, and it should be used whenever the child is in the vehicle. It is important that you make it clear there will be no distracting the driver, no playing with door handles and no sticking of hands or heads out the window. Take plenty of favorite toys, and reserve a surprise or two for them when the trip's novelty begins to wear off. Involve older children with the navigation or the keeping of the mileage or expense records.
Younger children can amuse themselves with coloring books, picture books or soft toys.
Playing cards, simple puzzles and favorite song or story tapes are good bring-alongs. Rather than carrying a lot of games, play games that count or list license plates, roadside signs or categories of things seen along the highway. Use the information on the maps as a basis for games or quizzes about the area through which you are traveling. Some children are prone to car sickness, which can be aggravated by cigarette smoke or strong odors. Keep the car cool and well ventilated.