5 Must-Try Games for Your Next Family Road Trip: Screen-Free Fun with Milleli Busy Board
Nowadays, with screens everywhere, entertaining the little ones is easy, but that classic road trip vibe is kinda fading.
Think back to those family vacations in your childhood—good times, right? The memories that really stick with me are all about the lead-up to the actual trip. Picture this: the chaos of getting everything packed, the excitement in the air, and my parents planning where to take breaks during the journey.
My mom putting together mix tapes with our favorite songs (and hers), and, of course, having a stash of road trip snacks added to the fun. Our annual five-hour road trips were filled with singing, chatting, and playing road trip games.
Hitting the road is great, no doubt, but keeping everyone happy during those long stretches? It can be tough.
But here's the good news! I'm going to share some tips on how to cut down on screen time and amp up the fun. If you're worried about keeping the kids entertained (or staying awake—we've all been there), these simple games with a twist are about to make a real difference for you.
Buckle up as we explore the exciting world of road trip games designed just for your Milleli Busy Board.
In this lineup, we'll introduce you to five fantastic games that will turn your road trip into an unforgettable experience.
1 - Phonics Bingo
Ever taken a closer look at that "I Know MyAlphabet" page on your Milleli Busy Board? It's not just a regular ol' page - it's your passport to a world of Phonics Bingo! Picture this: You're on the lookout, eyes darting and ears perked up, for anything that starts with the same sound as the letter on display.
Got one? Feel that rush of victory as you pluck it off the board and tuck it away in the pocket. And the best part? Watching your kiddos' vocabulary and phonetic awareness grow right before your eyes - and they're having the time of their lives while they're at it!
I managed to keep my kids entertained and occupied with this game for 45 min! Admittedly, we couldn't spot words beginning with all the letters but still managed to avoid the dreaded "are we there yet"...
2 - Car Count
Buckle up, my friends, and prepare for a journey of colors, numbers, and speedy automobiles. Welcome to Car Count, the game that transforms your road trip into a vibrant scavenger hunt!
Now, you might be thinking, what's the catch? Well, right there in your Milleli Busy Board's pocket lies the secret. It's not just a storage space; it's the gateway to an unforgettable adventure.
Picture this: you're cruising down the highway, your favorite tunes playing, and you're fishing blindly in the pocket for a color and a number. Suddenly, your road trip isn't just about reaching a destination; it's about spotting a certain number of cars in a particular color.
But this game isn't just for fun. It's about sharpening your little one's skills, too. Spotting those colors and counting those cars can be a stealthy way to boost your toddler's color recognition and numerical abilities. And the best part? Everyone gets a fair shot at the fun.
Now, how do you play? It's easy! Toss the color pieces into the pocket and let the games begin. And remember, there's no one way to play Car Count.
For the beginners, there's the time challenge. Choose the easy-to-spot colors (white, black, grey, red, you get the drift), set a timer, and let the color spotting begin. Whoever spots the most cars in their color when the timer runs out is the champion!
For those who are up for a little more challenge, try the colors and numbers version. Each player picks a color and number. The goal? Spot the exact number of cars in your color.
And for the patient, the adventurous, and the daredevils out there, try the rare colors challenge. Pick those lesser-spotted colors - like yellow, purple, green, or even pink if you're brave enough - and see who comes out on top.
So, are you ready to turn your next road trip into a rainbow-colored, number-crunching adventure? Let's hit the road with Car Count!
3 - Spot the Color
Remember those simple joys of childhood? Spot the Color is a game that takes me right back.
It's just perfect for toddlers who are just starting to explore the world. It's kind of like phonics bingo, but with colors! Every time your little one spots the right color, they get the thrill of moving a vibrant basket into a pocket. Trust me, it's a hoot! And the best part? It's a great way to shift their focus from screens to the great outdoors and to make some colorful memories with your little one.
4 - Road Signs
You ever play "I Spy" with road signs? Here's a little secret- that's how I learned to recognize numbers. Packed in the car with my Milleli Busy Board, every trip became a vibrant classroom. From one to ten, each number was a mini victory, a tick on my "I know my numbers" board. Who knew that a simple road trip could turn into such an adventure, right? Just goes to show, learning really can happen anywhere, if you're open to it.
How to Play "I Spy" with Road Signs:
Objective: Help kids recognize and learn numbers by spotting them on road signs during the trip.
Rules:
- Choose a Spotter: Decide who will be the first spotter. This person will choose a number for everyone to find.
- Pick a Number: The spotter picks a number between 1 and 10 (or higher for older kids).
- Start Spying: Everyone looks out the windows, searching for the chosen number on road signs, license plates, buildings, or anywhere else visible from the car.
- Call It Out: When someone finds the number, they call it out and point to where they saw it. The first person to spot the number gets to be the next spotter.
- Repeat: The new spotter picks a different number, and the game continues.
Tips:
- Make it Fun: Add some excitement by giving small rewards for finding the most numbers or spotting the hardest ones.
- Keep It Moving: Change the numbers frequently to keep the game engaging and challenging.
- Encourage Learning: Use this game as an opportunity to teach kids about the importance of road signs and numbers in everyday life.
5 - Shapes All the Way
How to Play "I Spy Shapes" on the Road (Single Player):
Objective: Help kids recognize and learn different shapes by spotting them during the trip.
Rules:
- Pack the Shapes: Make sure to bring the "I Know My Shapes" page from your Milleli Busy Board, along with all the shape pieces.
- Choose a Shape: Pick a shape from the busy board (e.g., circle, square, triangle).
- Start Spying: Look out the windows, searching for the chosen shape in road signs, buildings, vehicles, or anywhere else visible from the car.
- Call It Out: When you find the shape, call it out and point to where you saw it. Keep track of how many shapes you find throughout the journey.
- Change Shapes: After finding a few of the same shapes, switch to a different shape and continue the game.
Tips:
- Keep it Fun: Celebrate each find with a cheer or a fun fact about the shape.
- Encourage Creativity: Look for shapes in unexpected places and think creatively.
- Combine with Drawing: Bring along a drawing pad so kids can draw the shapes they find, reinforcing their learning. (I always keep extra blank paper in the storage sleeves of My First Busy Board and some washable felt pens in the clear pocket)
Bonus Game: Motor Skills for Fun
Unleash the ultimate test of dexterity and coordination with the Motor Skills for Fun game on your Milleli Busy Board! Enjoy 15 fine-motor activities and compete to see who can buckle and button up the fastest, including shoelaces and hair braids for an added twist.
For the younger ones, encourage a sense of achievement by starting with the easier buckles. Not only is this game a load of fun, but it also enhances fine motor skills and fosters a sense of accomplishment in the little ones.
Objective: Enhance dexterity and coordination through various fine motor activities while having fun.
Rules:
- Pack the Board: Bring along the Milleli Busy Board with all the motor skill activities.
- Choose an Activity: Pick an activity from the board (e.g., buckles, buttons, shoelaces, or hair braids).
- Set a Goal: Decide on a goal for the activity, such as completing it within a certain time or with a specific number of repetitions.
- Start the Timer: Use a timer to track how long it takes to complete the activity.
- Complete the Task: Focus on finishing the activity as quickly and accurately as possible.
- Record Your Time: Write down your time and try to beat it with each attempt.
- Level Up: Once you've mastered one activity, move on to a more challenging one and repeat the process.
Tips:
- Start Simple: Begin with easier tasks like buckles for younger kids to build confidence.
- Increase Difficulty: Gradually move on to more challenging activities like shoelaces and hair braids.
- Keep it Fun: Celebrate each completed task and keep track of progress to stay motivated.
With the "Motor Skills for Fun" game, road trips turn into a delightful challenge, keeping kids entertained and developing their fine motor skills.
You're ready to go!
With your Milleli Busy Board as your trusty co-pilot, every family road trip transforms into a thrilling educational escapade. From mastering phonics and numbers to honing fine motor skills and shape recognition, the possibilities for fun and learning are endless. So, buckle up, pack your Milleli Busy Board, and get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey filled with laughter, learning, and cherished family moments. Remember, the journey is part of the adventure!
Feeling inspired?
Don't forget to share your own game ideas and #millelimoments @milleli_official and let us know how you're enjoying your road trip with Milleli Busy Board! So, buckle up, hit the road, and let the learning fun begin!
