Rest Stop Fun for Kids

We're on the road right now, so I don't have a lot of time for a long post.  One of the hardest parts of a long road trip is that kids are stuck in one position for hours and don't get enough time to run around.  I have three kids under eight, so I know those kids need to get their wiggles out, but it's so hard to give them time when you're trying to get to your destination quickly.  My challenge for myself and for my readers is to let your kids spend time outside of the car.  Don't just make a potty stop, make a PLAY STOP.

I've collected my family's favorite outdoor games, which would be easy to pack in the car and use on a play stop, either at a park or at a highway restroom.  All of these toys encourage kids to move their bodies around and to play with each other or other adults.  You might even make some new friends by sharing your toys on the road trip.  If you're feeling generous, you could leave the toys on a picnic table with a note that tells other kids to have their own play stop.

bubbles- toddlers love to chase and pop them and older kids like blowing them

kites- run to get the kite in the air and run to maintain it

water balloons- a quick way to cool off on a hot day

jump ropes- teach your kids the old playground rhymes and tricks 

playground balls- play kick ball or just roll it back and forth

nerf football- throw it around and roll around in the grass

water guns- another good way too cool off; could play tag with it

parachute- gather some kids and launch stuffed animals in the air

zip ball- grab onto the handles and zip the ball back and forth between you

velcro throw and catch game- the velcro makes such a satisfying sound when you pull it off the mitt

juggling clubs- learn a new skill and gather an audience

dancing ribbon- perfect for the free-thinker

frisbee- throw and chase to get all the wiggles out

sand trucks- my boys love these trucks and they're great for the car as well

soccer ball- start a game with just your family and see who else you can add



Do you have any more to add to the list?

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