A lot of minivans and SUV’s these days come with a build in entertainment center, or consider purchasing a portable DVD player for the car. Nothing makes a car ride go faster then getting lost in their favorite two hour Disney movie. If you’re looking for something low tech, consider simple car ride games that everyone can enjoy.

Either before hand or on the go, make up a list of things for the kids to look out for on the ride. This road trip scavenger hunt will keep them occupied for quite awhile. Also, either with or without the aid of the radio, rock out with your kids. Let everyone belt it out and let their inner musician shine. Long car rides are also a great time away from all the stress and distractions of daily life, so consider using it to just talk.

You’ve got a captive audience who can’t escape! Share with each other, tell jokes, ask questions and just get to know each other better. And lastly, an easy educational way to keep you kids busy on a long drive is to buy them a brand new book just for them. Implement one or all of these ideas on your next road trip and you’ll be there before you know it.