Road trip with 6yo across CA - apps/entertainment recommendations? | DadHQ

Road trip with 6yo across CA - apps/entertainment recommendations?

Nov 301 min read

Planning a drive from SF to San Diego at the end of summer with my son. It's gonna be like 10 hours total (we're breaking it into two days). He's not a great car sitter - gets bored pretty fast. I've done the typical iPad thing but looking for recommendations on what actually works. Audiobooks? Games? Apps? Has anyone done this with a similar aged kid? What kept yours actually engaged without losing your mind?

8 comments203 views

Comments(8)

CCarl S.Regular23h ago

One tip: bring a small backseat organizer with a bunch of dollar store stuff. Cheap toys, notepads, stickers - stuff he hasn't seen before. Surprise him with a new thing every 30 minutes or so.

PPhil K.Regular20h ago

Window clings are weirdly underrated for car trips. My kid will mess with static clings for like an hour and it keeps him busy.

DDerek P.Regularjust now

If he's into it at all, get him a travel journal and let him draw/write about what you see along the way. Turns it into an activity not just entertainment.

RReggie K.New Dadjust now

For a 10-hour drive with a 6yo, audiobooks are honestly your best bet. We did Harry Potter #1 and my kid was completely absorbed. iPad is the backup plan for when everything else fails.

FFinn M.Regular17h ago

Snack rotation is underrated. Don't just load him up with snacks at the start. Bring a variety and dole them out every like hour. Gives him something to look forward to.

MMack G.New Dad8h ago

Get the Audiobooks app or Libby (free through library) and download a bunch of stuff. Percy Jackson, Wings of Fire, Diary of a Wimpy Kid - stuff with stories that actually keep them engaged.

DDean F.Regularjust now

Also just be prepared that even with all the entertainment he might be bored and complain. 6yos don't have great car sitting skills no matter what you do. Just managing expectations helps.

CCarl L.Regularjust now

SF to San Diego in 10 hours is doable but breaking it into two days is smart. Where are you stopping overnight? Kid-friendly hotel with a pool makes a huge difference.