From gas station stops in each state to the sweet and salty snacks, family road trips are a highlight of many children’s summer vacations. Although keeping kids occupied while in the car can be a challenge, with a little planning and the right supplies, road trips can be a breeze. Below are five useful tips for entertaining your kids when your family is traveling.

How to Entertain Kids on a Family Road Trip

1. Give Them Activities They Can Do Alone

If your children can entertain themselves, you’ll have much less stress. Activity books are great for keeping kids engaged and for quashing any squabbling. Pick some up from a local convenience store or gas station or at any stop for fuel en route to your destination. Choose activity books that match each child’s interests. Themed word searches, crossword puzzles, sudoku, and sticker books are all great options.

2. Choose Each Gas Station Stop Wisely

When you stop for fuel, make the stop serve double duty. Find a combination gas station and convenience store where hot food and cold drinks are available. Your family can take a refreshing break and recharge without having to stop twice.

3. Stock Up on Snacks

Hunger can make anyone grumpy and restless, so pack plenty of everyone’s favorite snacks. A balanced blend of healthy, savory, and sweet should do the trick. Never underestimate the power of a well-timed nibble to counteract boredom.

4. Play Car Games

Car games will make your time on the road seem to pass faster and keep everyone in good moods. I spy is a classic. Another favorite game is license-plate hunting, where each player tries to spot license plates from as many states as possible throughout the trip. Add an extra dose of fun to your in-car gaming by awarding special prizes to winners.

5. Bring Digital Entertainment

Nothing keeps kids captivated quite like digital entertainment. Tablets, e-readers, and smartphones can occupy children and teens for hours as can hand-held gaming devices, DVDs, and audiobooks. But you may want to limit screen time to prevent sensory overload.

Tri-Mart BP is the ideal gas station to stop at on your family’s road trip. Since 1992, they’ve provided Tripoli, WI, with high-quality fuel, fresh food and coffee, and friendly service. Their pumps are available 24/7, and they have a well-stocked convenience store with everything you need at affordable prices. For locals, they offer a variety of propane services, too, including delivery and installation of new propane tanks. To learn more about their full-service gas station, visit them online or call (715) 564-2440..