Everyone starts a road trip excited! With their snacks in hand, music playing, and the windows down, the energy is high. Then, about an hour in, someone asks, “Are we there yet?”
Car activities save the day. Instead of scrolling social media or reading a book, bring along a few simple, car-friendly crafts for traveling. These activities will keep you and the kids busy and content for hours!
Sticker Storyboards
Give each child a small notebook and a sheet of themed stickers, such as animals, fairies, and trucks. Instead of sticking them everywhere, the kids can create scenes on each page and build a story. Maybe they’ll share their brand-new story along the way!
This craft travels well because there’s no mess. To put the items away, all you have to do is slide the stickers into a pencil pouch and tuck the notebook away in the seatback pocket.
Pipe Cleaner Sculptures
Pipe cleaners bend easily and don’t require scissors to create basic shapes. Kids might twist them into flowers, tiny animals, or a little bracelet. Older kids will challenge themselves to form letters or small 3D designs.
When you’re packing for an RV trip with multiple family members or a car ride in a small sedan, lightweight crafts won’t take up precious storage space. Pipe cleaners are easy to store in resealable bags and stash away in the seatback pocket or door.
Craft sticks are easy to find at craft and dollar stores so you can even pick some up along the way if you need some new craft ideas for the kids. We’ve got lots of craft stick projects on Creative Cynchronicity if you want some ideas.
Travel Coloring Kits
A clipboard with a storage compartment is a convenient way to color while on the move. Tuck away in coloring pages, blank paper, and a small pack of crayons. Remember that crayons are superior to markers in this case, so you don’t end up with colorful upholstery.
Felt Board Fun
Create a mini felt board by cutting a piece of stiff felt to fit inside a shallow baking tray or small lap board. Cut out simple shapes ahead of time, such as trees, houses, animals, and cars. The kids will rearrange scenes for hours.
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Washi Tape Creations
Another simple, car-friendly craft to try when you’re traveling is washi tape creations. Washi tape peels off cleanly and comes in endless colors and patterns. Decorate index cards, make mini collages, or design bookmarks that match the current read.
Even if the sticky surface ends up on the upholstery or side door, washi tape is painless to remove. Simply store the rolls and cards in a small plastic container. Whenever you or the kids need a little fun, there will be a craft station at your fingertips.
Construction Paper Projects
A pad of construction paper doesn’t take up much space. Add in a glue stick, some colored pencils, and a pair of safety scissors and there are so many things your kids can make!
Decorate the car with some paper chains (you could even make a countdown chain to count down the days or hours to your destination), make paper fans, or create your own postcards to send back home.
This moving rocket is a really fun craft project that your kids can make while on the road. Add some string or embroidery floss to your car craft kit and you’ll be all set.
More paper crafts:
Crochet on the Go
Not every road trip craft revolves around the kids. Crocheting makes a perfect travel companion because it keeps your hands busy without requiring a big setup. Choose a project that doesn’t require constant counting or complicated pattern changes.
A simple scarf, dishcloth, or granny square project fits neatly into a small tote. Cotton yarn works well because it doesn’t split easily, and a single hook won’t clutter your seat. The craft will be easy to pick up or set down at a moment’s notice.
You can find all kinds of simple beginner crochet patterns here: Crochet Projects
Road trips don’t have to be long and restless. Bring your family’s love for crafting into the car to keep everyone happy and engaged.
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