Appropriate age group(s):
Preschool and Younger
Elementary School
Middle School
High School & Beyond

For which mode(s) of transportation is this tip or activity appropriate?
Traveling by car (or bus)

Describe this trip activity or tip:
My husband and I like to break up a long car trip with a "fun stop". We buy a detailed map/gazetteer of each state that we will be driving through and mark off state parks, monuments, historical sites, and anything else that may be of interest.

When we reach the point where the car space has become too small for the 4 of us, we take a "fun stop". In warm weather, this can be a swim and a picnic at a state park. Or a sight seeing visit at a historical spot, like Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. Even though these stops will lengthen the trip somewhat, they make it more interesting and fun. The thrill that our kids got when they touched the Liberty Bell and saw it's crack is something that they (and I) will always remember.

When the weather is not good enough for an outside activity, you can always check out a museum in a city that you're driving through.

Also, for the toddlers & preschool kids -- we use to stop at an enclosed mall and let our kids run the length of it. It got rid of a lot of the accumulated energy in their little bodies.

Other comments or suggestions to consider:
Spontaneity is a must! Fun stops are more fun when they are unplanned and unannounced. The element of surprise makes the kids' eyes light up just a bit brighter and makes their smiles a bit bigger.

Other ideas that we've done:
Pack a frisbee for a game of catch during a gas stop.
Rolling down small hills.
Picnic in a park/playground.
Swimming at an ocean beach.
Wading in a shallow stream.