By Molly Gold

Time management expert Molly Gold

I can honestly say that some of my fondest childhood memories include our cross country car trips. Not only did we cover the state of Ohio from South to North every Thanksgiving and August Hayden family reunion for as long as I can remember, but when I was 10, we took our first of many trips to Long Boat Key, Florida, a mere 22 hours and counting from our home in Cincinnati and later in Lincoln, Nebraska. Can you say road trip?

With my own family now spanning toddler hood to double digits, I always have travel games on hand to keep our inquiring minds wanting to know more than just the answer to the age old question, "Mom, are we there yet?" But beyond the travel games, here are a few tips I’ve found most useful to create lasting and hopefully happy memories as we take our trips down Route 66.

Fun

When it comes to media options, today’s vehicles offer more opportunity to plug in than accessories you can remember to pack. For the video inclined passengers, give those classic travel games a lift and pick up a copy of Are We There Yet? This fun DVD makes travel games come alive in both an interactive and musical format. Perhaps the best bonus about this DVD is you don’t have to take it on the road if your vehicle is not equipped. Simply learn the games at home with your family and lead them in the fun on the road.

Balance the visual stimulation with a basket full of fun (and quiet) options to encourage your kids to imagine the best. Books (both hard copy and on tape), brain gym activities using pen and pencil, and low-maintenance art supplies such as Crayola’s Wonder Line of markers and paper will unleash the Picasso in them all. Include lap desks for a sturdy working surface and don’t forget tactile items such as mid-size Legos for those who like to tinker and travel size board games for a little friendly challenge.

Exercise

Nothing like a well-timed game of tag at the nearest rest stop to get the kinks, and any cranky pants, out of the car and back in stride. Recent studies recommend that children need 60 minutes of exercise every day. Travel days should be no different, so plan your route to include two to four stops and pack a surprise to go along with the fun. Think chalk for hopscotch, jump ropes for a jumping contest, and bubbles to enchant your little ones. Parents and kids alike will benefit from getting out from behind the seat belt and into a wide open space to have some fun.

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