A car packed full of crabby kids, still hours away from your final destination and, inevitably, someone needs a bathroom stop. Here are 10 great activities for kids to make the most of a quick break at a rest stop – get them up and moving, even just for a few minutes, and they’ll be a lot happier for the rest of the trip!
1 – Walk along a painted line on the parking lot
2 – Balance on a curb
3 – Jump in the squares of the sidewalk
4 – Roll down a grassy hill
5 – Whip up a quick obstacle course – find sticks to jump over, a bench to jump off of, a curb to balance on, etc.
6 – See how fast your kids can complete our Sensory Motor Scavenger Hunt!
7 – Trace your route on the giant map with your index finger
8 – Use sidewalk chalk to sign your name at each rest stop along your route “Jane was here!”
9 – Have a blanket in the car? Find a grassy spot and try one of our 10 Picnic Blanket Games for Kids!
10 – Have a car clean-out relay race! See how fast kids can clear out snack wrappers and empty cups, running them one at a time to the garbage can – a great way to use up some of that pent up energy from sitting in the car!
Be sure to sign up to receive our newsletter, a weekly roundup of our favorite posts, delivered right to your inbox! Simply enter your email address in the box in the sidebar and click “Subscribe”!
photo credit: yvynyl via photopin cc – Photo changed and text added
photo credit: Stuck in Customs via photopin cc – Photo changed and text added
Looking for more great gross motor and travel activities for kids? Try these!
Latest posts by Lauren Drobnjak (see all)
- Signs of Weak Core Muscles in Babies and Toddlers - September 22, 2023
- What Causes Poor Core Strength in Kids? - September 11, 2023
- 12, 15, & 18 Month Old Milestones Red Flags (& Free Checklist) - September 5, 2023
We read books, sing along to the radio, make frequent stops, nap…a little bit of everything.
Travel to new places in the world is also a way to learn about new things in the world. I think it is best for health.
I like to have fun, make fun things…you know, create stuff! I love DIY, decorating and design and like any girl…shopping and lunch.
It’s not the fear of approaching people or rejection that keeps me from doing more of this type of photography. I’ve spent some time in Costa Rica eg, away from the touristy places, have seen the poverty and unbelievable living conditions.
See how fast kids can clear out snack wrappers and empty cups, running them one at a time to the garbage can – a great way to use up some of that pent up energy from sitting in the car.
It is great for mind and body health. One should have all the necessary equipment while travelling. These gift ideas are great.
See how fast kids can clear out snack wrappers and empty cups, running them one at a time to the garbage can – a great way to use up some of that pent up energy from sitting in the car
It’s not the fear of approaching people or rejection that keeps me from doing more of this type of photography.
Travel is a source of pleasure and enjoyment. I also visit many beautiful places in the world
See how fast kids can clear out snack wrappers and empty cups, running them one at a time to the garbage can – a great way to use up some of that pent up energy from sitting in the car.
See how fast kids can clear out snack wrappers and empty cups, running them one at a time to the garbage can – a great way to use up some of that pent up energy from sitting in the car.
Watch how quickly children can pick up snack wrappers and empty cups and take them one by one to the trash can. It’s a fun way for them to release some of their stored energy after sitting in the car.