Long car rides with the family can go one of two ways. Either they can be the most boring thing since the invention of boredom itself, or they can be fun times that you and your children will remember forever. It all depends on what you do. With a little imagination, you can come up with lots of family activity ideas for long road trips… without ever having to resort to the portable DVD player.%3Cbr%3E

• Predesigned Fun. Luckily, the danger of boring car rides has been around a long time. Long enough that capitalism has taken notice and tried to do something about it. So now there are many games, toys, and activities available in stores and online. Age appropriate audio books can be a fun shared experience. Or try your luck at one of the many interstate bingo games, whose cards include pictures of 18 wheelers, rest areas, and even cows.

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• DIY Activities. Not all road trip family activities need to come in a fancy box. Sometimes a pad of paper and pencil are all you need. Keeping track of state license plates has long been a favorite traveling game. In fact, tallying anything can be great way to involve everyone, increase observational skills, and ultimately pass the time.

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• No Props Required. Never forget the classics. Games like 20 Questions, I Spy, and The Movie Game (depending on the age of the players) have been keeping road warriors entertained for decades. And cap it all off with a carwide singalong, worthy of Clark W. Griswold himself.

How do you keep YOUR family entertained on the road? Share your best family activity ideas for road trips in the comments below. Safe and happy travels!