"Are we there yet?????"

( Things to entertain your 4-8 year old on a long trip. )

Okay, you're going on vacation, and your child is at that age where he or she no longer sleeps on the road. You dread the endless "Are we there yet? Are we there yet?", which is sure to happen with kids in the 4 to 8 year old range. What can you do? I've picked out some toys for youngsters to keep them busy, and perhaps provide them with some educational content. GameBoy is NOT on the list, it is my personal belief that video games reduce a child's abiltiy to focus. So, below I've made a list of recommendations that I think may be good.


PORTABLE DVD PLAYERS: On the up side, they're nearly guaranteed to work to keep your child occupied on your trip. Afterward, they'll plug into your TV at home, so you'll get use out of them, too. On the down side, they're pricey, and I would carefully consider whether or not my child will be able to make sure this isn't dropped. If portable dvd's are too pricey, I have some other ideas below, so be sure to read on.

Remember that DVD's have multi-language tracks, so your child can use the videos to get that essential exposure to foreign languages at the essential age (before 12 is crucial!) You'll be amazed to watch your young child watching the movie in French or Spanish without complaint!


Panasonic DVD-L75 portable DVD player

This is Panasonic's best portable DVD player right now. It's also expensive, but there is something to be said for buying the best, if you can afford it.. Click here to purchase this DVD player now.

 

Panasonic DVD-LV55 Portable DVD-Video Player

I've checked out the other available portables, and I have found this to be a good choice for a tighter budget. It has many of the same features, but is more reasonably priced. Click here to purchase this DVD player now.

 

Please note, you can search for and compare other DVD players at Amazon through these links. I've already done this, and these two models would be my personal choice. Read on, as I have picked out some dvd videos to go on the trip with you:

 

DVD Movie: The Wizard of Oz (1939) with Judy Garland

It's a classic, and you remember how much YOU loved it. Click here to purchase this DVD movie now.

 

DVD Movie: Dinosaur Collector's Edition

Very much like the Land Before Time, but more recent. Click here to purchase this DVD movie now.

 

DVD Movie: Lady and The Tramp II

A sequel to the classic. Click here to purchase this DVD movie now.

 

DVD Movie: Blue's Clues - Blue's Big Musical Movie

My son loves Blues Clues. Click here to purchase this DVD movie now.

 

DVD Movie: Bear in the Big Blue House - Party Time with Bear (1997)

Both movies! Full of fun and laughter! with Tim Allen Click here to purchase this DVD movie now.

 

DVD Movie: Toy Story & Toy Story 2 (2 Pack)

The lovable bear in a movie! Click here to purchase this DVD movie now.

 

DVD Movie: Babe (1995)

This is such a good movie, with a much deeper meaning, I dare say. Click here to purchase this DVD movie now.

 

DVD Movie: Mary Poppins (1964)

The famous nanny with the flair for adventure. Click here to purchase this DVD movie now.


TOYS FOR THE TRIP:

 


GeoSafari Talking Globe (ages 8-12)

Your child can learn tons of information about geography on your trip. Click here to purchase GeoSafari Talking Globe now.

 

Travel Magna Doodle

Who doesn't love a magnadoodle? Click here to purchase Travel MagnaDoodle now.

 

Travel Etch-A-Sketch

Doesn't that bring back memories? Click here to purchase Travel Etch-A-Sketch now.

 

Pass the Pigs

Roll little pigs instead of dice and watch the laughter fly! Click here to purchase Pass the Pigs now.


For emerging readers: LeapPad and LeapPad books:

 

LeapPad reading machine

There are quite a few LeapPad books to go with this machine. I've listed a few below, but you can search for more at Amazon when you get there. Your child can read along and get help whenever he or she wants it. Click here to purchase LeapPad now.

 

LeapPad Book Science: Mammals

Read the rave reviews at Amazon for these books! Click here to purchase this LeapPad book now.

 

LeapPad Book Math: Counting on Leap

Read the rave reviews at Amazon for these books! Click here to purchase this LeapPad book now.

 

LeapPad Book Music: The Mother Goose Songbook

Read the rave reviews at Amazon for these books! Click here to purchase this LeapPad book now.

 

LeapPad Book Leap Into Classics: The Wizard of Oz

Read the rave reviews at Amazon for these books! Click here to purchase this LeapPad book now.

 

LeapPad Book Math: The Great Dune Buggy Challenge

Read the rave reviews at Amazon for these books! Click here to purchase this LeapPad book now.

 

LeapPad Book: Bounce Tigger Bounce

Read the rave reviews at Amazon for these books! Click here to purchase this LeapPad book now.


BOOKS FOR THE TRIP:

Where's Waldo? : The Fantastic Journey (Waldo Classics) by Martin Handford

I can't tear my son away from these books. No reading required, but there is plenty to be read in these books, too. Click here to purchase this book now.

Where's Waldo? : The Wonder Book (Where's Waldo? Series) by Martin Handford

I can't tear my son away from these books. No reading required, but there is plenty to be read in these books, too. Click here to purchase this book now.

 

What do you do with the teenager (or grandma) in the back seat? Take along the walkman and give him/her a great audio book to listen to! Of course, these can be purchased at Amazon,too. Just click on the search box below and you'll be free to search all over Amazon for virtually anything you seek! Have a great trip! For help, click on the links below.


"NOT NOW, MOM! I'M READING A BOOK!" The 50 BESTSELLING BOOKS FOR CHILDREN! These are the books that kids are wild about. Many are even available in audio book format, which is great for kids with reading difficulties. You can't go wrong here!

"SHOP TILL YOU DROP!" The 50 BESTSELLING TOYS FOR CHILDREN! If kids love 'em, they're here.

 

 

P.S. Don't forget the batteries.

In association with Amazon.com books

Tips for Amazon.... If you find an item you like, Amazon provides links on that page that help you to find similar items. You can also create a new search for the items you'd like to see. In my humble opinion, Amazon is the best place to shop on the net.

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