Road Trip Activities for Children (and Adults!)

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Road Trip Activities for Children (and Adults!)

April 28, 2021

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Did you know that every year we celebrate National Travel & Tourism Week in May?

This year focuses on the “Power of Travel” and the industry’s role in bringing back our vibrant communities, restoring the U.S. economy, rebuilding our workforce, and reconnecting America.

Our very own Mama T. Rex and her baby boy Max are joining the celebration by being lit in red light along with many other destinations across South Dakota.  

Mama T. Rex and Max are bathed in red light at dusk on the prairie of the Children's Museum of South Dakota.
Mama T. Rex and Max are bathed in red light at dusk on the prairie of the Children’s Museum of South Dakota.

Start Planning That Road Trip

Another great way to celebrate is to start planning that road trip! 80 percent of people are placing more importance on taking a vacation in 2021 than they did in 2020 or 2019. So planning will be more important than ever.  

To help you with the process, we’ve got 6 tips to help you plan your next family road trip and a great list of must-see family-friendly destinations near the Children’s Museum of South Dakota.  

But more importantly, we also have some great tips to make that road trip a bit easier and keep the kids (and adults) happy when knocking out the miles on that stretch of concrete highway! 

No road trip is complete without your very own activity kit.

Here are a few ideas: 

  • South Dakota graphic with photos of outdoor spaces inside the letters
    Road Trips and South Dakota go together like peanut butter and jelly. There’s so much to do and see!

    We love conversation starters because they offer unique questions or topics that you do not generally talk about daily. This makes for a perfect opportunity to get to know your passengers a little better (even if you live with them!). 

  • On those longer trips, a plushy travel buddy makes the perfect napping partner because it doubles as a pillow.  
  • Travel games, such as tic tac toe and I Spy, help keep any trip lively, and children forget to ask, “Are we there yet”?  
  • Books will inspire and excite your little ones for the adventures that await on the open road. Many children’s books open a world of places to visit, cultural awareness, and new experiences to be had.  
  • Google Maps may get you to your destination, but consider bringing along an atlas or paper map. Kids love following along and seeing where you are heading. 
Chat Packs are a great way to start fun conversations!
Chat Packs are a great way to start fun conversations!
Magnetic games make for a great road trip activity.
Magnetic games make for a great road trip activity.
These playful backpacks are a great way to organize your activities.
These playful backpacks are a great way to organize your activities.
An atlas and other map materials are a great way to get to know the world around you.
An atlas and other map materials are a great way to get to know the world around you.

But wait, there’s more!

  • Consider bringing a ball or frisbee to offer some fun leg-stretching exercise when you have a rest stop.
  • Heading to visit family or friends and not wanting to show up empty-handed? Art on the go keeps trips crafty and lends the opportunity to create one-of-a-kind gifts. Markers, crayons and more can be organized in plastic boxes. Use a clipboard to always have a hard surface to draw on.
  • Who can forget podcasts? We love Brains On and Wow in the World. Or check with your local library to learn about the option of checking out audiobooks.

Whether it’s before your trip or along your route, a stop in our gift shop, Play Central Toys & Books, will offer even more inspiration and we are happy to brainstorm with you to get you just what you need.

Here’s to some fun, quality bonding time, and meaningful memories on your next family road trip!

Be sure to check back in with us and let us know how it goes. We love following #PlayAlongSD and #HiFromSD on social media for even more play and travel inspiration!

Looking to visit the Children’s Museum of South Dakota?

View Our Hours and Admission Information