The starting person says the first initial of every letter in a movie title. For instance, if the movie is “The Incredibles,” you would say, “T,I.” The first person to guess gets to go next. In most cases you will have to ask for clues after a couple of wrong guesses. This game could go on for hours in my family and my four year old always says, “E” for “ET” which we all get quite a laugh out of.

Play an Alphabet Game

Pretend you are going on a trip and each person says what they will bring in alphabetical order till you reach Z. Say, “I'm going on a trip and I'm bringing an Animal.” The next person would say, “I'm going on a trip and I'm bringing a Book” etc.

For older kids make it harder and have what they're bringing go with the theme of a trip. For instance you would bring an Antenna (to hear the radio), a Book (to read since there's no TV) and a Canoe etc.

Count the Cars

Pick a color and every one can count how many cars of that color they see. Make it a competition. Assign each child a different color and the child who has seen the most cars of their color wins.

Count the Animals

If you live in a rural area, count the animals you see en route.

Tell a Story One Sentence at a Time

Taking turns, each person tells one sentence of a story. For instance, you could start with, “Once upon a time there was a dog on a roof.” Then the next person would tell what happens next. Your kids won't be able to wait till it's their turn to contribute and will be thinking of what to say next.

Be Creative

Make up a new game with your own rules. Better yet, let your kids take turns making up new car games.

Playing car games will not only get you all there in peace, it will provide some quality and fun rides.

1. Hotel

   The most important tip for both children, and parents to enjoy a trip, is the Hotel. For the kids, pools mean more than anything. The bigger the pool, the better the stay. Parents as well should find a hotel that fits there needs (ex. Spa, Restaurant, etc.)

2. Activities

   Believe it or not, kids do not enjoy going on a 5 hour bird watching tour. In order to let your kids enjoy the trip the most, include some fun adventures for them. (ex. Riding horse up a mountain, surfing lessons, waterskiing, and more)

3. Food

   Exotic does not mean better. Your children will not enjoying eating sushi and lamb for every meal on vacation. Let them enjoy the basic burger and fries every once and a while.

4. Location

   Pick something you know your children will like. If you notice they like bugs, plants, and other wildlife things, take them camping. If your child loves a game such as "Rollercoaster Tycoon" take them to Disney World. If your child loves surfing, take them to the beach. Fit your Childs wants, and the trip will be more important for the entire family.

5. Have Fun

   And probably most important, have fun. A parent yelling at a kid the entire trip for whatever he might have done can kill the entire trip. A vacation is a time to enjoy each other's company and strengthen as a family unit. So do the most you can do to have fun.

I hope these tips have helped you, and enjoy your next family vacation

Chuck E. Cheese

This restaurant chain was created to give kids a place to eat and unwind. You'll find entertainment, games, contest, and fun for the whole family under one roof. If your child has a lot of pent up energy, this is a great place to stop for a meal. Food offerings include pizza and oven roasted sandwiches along with a salad bar that the adults can appreciate. This child themed restaurant chain has locations nationwide.

Cici's Pizza

This is another pizza themed restaurant that has a different twist. They offer an all-you-can-eat pizza, pasta, salad, and dessert buffet for the incredibly low price of under $5.00 per person. Although they don't have the entertainment and games you'll find at Chuck E. Cheese restaurants, this chain is quite child friendly and tolerant of enthusiastic children and greasy hands. You can find this child friendly chain restaurant at various locations throughout the country.

McDonald's

This one should come as no surprise. Children love McDonald's and are always enthusiastic when you pull into the parking lot with the golden arches. Plus, many McDonald's restaurants have play areas designed for children which is an added bonus. Just be sure to choose menu options wisely since many of the offerings are unhealthy. Fortunately, more healthy options are gradually being added to the menu.

Rainforest Café

There are only fourteen of these restaurants nationwide but they provide a wonderful educational and sensory experience for kids. Your child will enjoy a meal surrounded by the sounds of the jungle and sights of the many animals which line the walls. This is a great way to educate your child about nature while enjoying a meal with the family. Although a bit more pricy than the other options, it's an experience your children will remember and appreciate.

If you're looking for a restaurant where your kids will be more than just tolerated, give these child friendly restaurants a try the next time you travel as a family.

To keep life interesting, these were not your typical well behaved children. Flying was their life, and although we did it often, they were totally enthralled with the whole process each time and never bored of racing through the airport, climbing over seats and throwing up incessantly.

Tricks I learned to make it worthwhile:

1. Always come prepared with ample diapers, change of clothes and LOTS of things to do - kids NEVER sleep on the airplane. They also have sensitive stomachs so diapers and clothing changes become imperative. Don't dress them in the good clothes either!
2. Bring items to occupy them in case of delays
3. Strollers are great and can be “gate checked” so you can use them throughout the airport
4. If your child is suffering from ear trouble due to altitude changes, request from the Flight Attendant two paper cups with VERY HOT napkins inside and place over your child's ears to relieve the pressure
5. Upon arrival, especially with young children, we always bought breakfast and lunch food at a grocery store and stored in our hotel room as we opted for a room with a small kitchenette. If your travels don't involve flying, pack a cooler of food and don't waste time or money eating out. Children don't care and actually prefer to eat familiar foods that you have brought along.
6. Seek out children's museums. Most areas have one, they are relatively inexpensive and it is a great place for kids to experience “hands on” activities where they can explore and learn, quite often with educational opportunities native to the area visited.
7. Book far enough in advance to get discounted vacation rates and if funds permit - pay for a seat for your lap child. Two or three hours is a long time to hold a child.
8. Make sure the rental car location has car seats readily available and prepared for your arrival. If price is a concern, don't book the larger vehicles unless you have a long drive planned.
9. If you are going to amusement parks or popular locations, schedule off season. Prices are less expensive, lines are shorter and your children have more fun because they aren't “waiting” for all the fun!
10. Look for in state discounts. One of our best vacations was when we traveled to Jackson Hole, Wyoming by van. The package included a room for two days and one night, two meals and lift tickets for $99 per person. Our room was right by the door that led to the lift. The kids could come and go at their leisure. We had purchased children's' skis and boots at a local ski rental shop for $25 at the end of a season so rentals weren't an issue. They would ski for a bit, come in and warm up, grab a snack and go out again. It was a fun trip that we looked forward to often.

My children are grown now and moving out. As I become an empty nester I miss those days when we had so much family time. Strong bonds were forged and the children recall their experiences fondly as we reflect on times past.

The children have commented often that although money was always in short supply when they were growing up, they didn't remember feeling it because we always found opportunities to travel together and experience the joy of family.