{"id":9621,"date":"2021-01-02T09:00:41","date_gmt":"2021-01-02T15:00:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/daytripper28.com\/?p=9621"},"modified":"2023-07-30T07:16:44","modified_gmt":"2023-07-30T12:16:44","slug":"road-trip-activity-binder-for-your-kids","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/daytripper28.com\/road-trip-activity-binder-for-your-kids\/","title":{"rendered":"How to make a Road Trip Activity Binder for your Kids"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>One of my favorite things about road trips as a kid was getting to pull out my activity kit. It was super cool back in the day, filled with games and activities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This was before iPads and other electronics started to distract our kids. I\u2019ve gone through tons of stores trying to find something that would compare, and nothing has come close. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That\u2019s when I decided to make my own custom road trip activity binder for my kids. Each one is customized to the vacation and their education level. Here is how I did it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Materials Needed for a Road Trip Activity Binder<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2Th5pF0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">1\u201d High Quality 3 Ring Binder with removable cover <\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3kqtfdm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Section Dividers<\/a> <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/34l8xWQ\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">3 Hole Punch<\/a> <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Computer and Printer<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Writing or Coloring Utensils<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3jkUTau\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Pencil Pouch<\/a> <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>You can pick up almost everything at the Dollar Store, including the Road Trip Activity Binder. Unfortunately, the binders found there are flimsy and don\u2019t allow you to add your own cover. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They need to be sturdy enough to write and take a beating. I also found you need a better quality pencil case. I\u2019ll get more into recommendations on that later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cover Art<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>With any good book, the cover is what really sells it. It also is what sets their book apart from their sibling\u2019s book. The road trip activity binder cover should represent the trip. It can be as fancy or a simple as you want to do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For preschoolers, I recommend filling the cover with images about the destination. Since you probably haven\u2019t been there, find a few pictures online of the things you plan on doing. You can also add things they\u2019ll see along the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For Kindergarteners and up, I like to use a map, to show them where they are going. I\u2019m a firm believer that every kid needs to read a map. Why not show them where they are going based on the map. It doesn\u2019t have to be overly complicated. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Take a snapshot of the driving directions from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Google Maps<\/a>, so they can follow along. If you want to add something extra special, throw a quick picture of their face on it too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"643\" src=\"https:\/\/daytripper28.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Road-Trip-Binder-1024x643.png\" alt=\"Custom DIY road trip binder\" class=\"wp-image-9626\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/daytripper28.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Road-Trip-Binder-1024x643.png 1024w, https:\/\/daytripper28.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Road-Trip-Binder-300x188.png 300w, https:\/\/daytripper28.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Road-Trip-Binder-768x482.png 768w, https:\/\/daytripper28.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Road-Trip-Binder-1536x964.png 1536w, https:\/\/daytripper28.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Road-Trip-Binder-1080x678.png 1080w, https:\/\/daytripper28.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Road-Trip-Binder.png 1780w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Making it look professional<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Next up, add in your page dividers. This is a luxury and doesn\u2019t have to be scientific or anything. With little fingers, it helps them to jump from activity to activity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can pick these up at the Dollar Store, Target, or any office supply store. You may even have some lying around the house. Labeling each of the sections isn\u2019t necessary. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I found most kids are anxious to flip around and explore each section on their own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is where the real fun comes. A good activity book has a wide range of different things to do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Coloring<\/strong><br>Coloring sheets related to their interest.<br>Sheets about the stuff on the trip.<br>Connect the Dots<br>Color by Number<br>Blank Pages for coloring<br><strong>Games<\/strong><br>Word Finds<br>Tick Tack Toe<br>Board Games<br>Bingo<br>License Plate Game<br>Hang Man<br>Mad Libs<br>Mazes<br><strong>Educational<\/strong><br>Reading Workbook<br>Math Workbook<br>Maps<br>Journal Pages<br><strong>Handheld things<br><\/strong>Origami Instructions<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Most of the things on the list are printable and found throughout the internet. To bring it up a level, stop at the Dollar Store and visit their Education and Toy Section. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They are a treasure trove of fun activities. I\u2019ve gotten things like tick tac toe boards, travel bingo, Mad Libs, Educational Readers, and other fun things. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Pick up a book of word finds and add in a few pages. Just make sure you have a way to connect it to the binder. As long as it\u2019s not too thick, it can probably be three-hole-punched. What can\u2019t be punched, can be put in the pockets inside the binder.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"625\" height=\"319\" src=\"https:\/\/daytripper28.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Educational-1.png\" alt=\"Books to put in a road trip binder\" class=\"wp-image-9631\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/daytripper28.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Educational-1.png 625w, https:\/\/daytripper28.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Educational-1-300x153.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 625px) 100vw, 625px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"625\" height=\"469\" src=\"https:\/\/daytripper28.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Stikers-in-Pocket.png\" alt=\"Road Trip binder pockets\" class=\"wp-image-9630\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/daytripper28.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Stikers-in-Pocket.png 625w, https:\/\/daytripper28.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Stikers-in-Pocket-300x225.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 625px) 100vw, 625px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Extra Storage Pockets<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Add a State Map into the Road Trip Activity Binder to give them some more things to mess around with. You get <a href=\"https:\/\/daytripper28.com\/free-state-maps-for-you-next-road-trip\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"8168\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">free state maps if you know where to look<\/a>. Kids can follow along the route and look where you are going. If they get destroyed, oh well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Include some places for them to journal about their trip. Littler kids can draw pictures of their trip. If they can be trusted with a glue stick, you can also let them cut or rip up travel magazines to tell the story. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can also request those free when you are getting your state map, or pick up brochures at your destination. This is a great way for them to become a visual storyteller.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"816\" src=\"https:\/\/daytripper28.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Travel-Games-1024x816.png\" alt=\"Travel bingo and other games\" class=\"wp-image-9628\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/daytripper28.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Travel-Games-1024x816.png 1024w, https:\/\/daytripper28.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Travel-Games-300x239.png 300w, https:\/\/daytripper28.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Travel-Games-768x612.png 768w, https:\/\/daytripper28.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Travel-Games.png 1036w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pencil Cases<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Depending on what you filled your Road Trip Activity Binder with you may want a few different things in the pencil case. Make sure it can attach to the binder in someway. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I tested out a few versions and found that the flat cases tend to allow pencils and stuff to spill out. Last year I picked up backpack style ones that keep everything upright.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Ideas<\/strong>:<br>Colored Pencils<br>Crayons<br>Highlighters<br>Dry Erase Markers<br>Pencil Sharpener<br>Any accessories or markers that go along with the games.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Things to watch out for<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Stickers sound good at first until you find them all over the backset window and they do not come off. Consider getting reusable stickers. Or better yet, window clings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Avoid things that roll away, like crayons. Consider bringing triangular-shaped crayons. Also, ditch the box and put everything right in the case. As they get older they may get to graduate to more items.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When to give them to your child?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>I make these Road Trip Activity Binders on every big trip. Especially when we go from one state to the next, or if the trip lasts more than a few days in the car. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I like to keep the Road Trip Activity Binder a surprise for as long as possible. I\u2019ve given it to them before got in the car, or even an hour into the trip. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This way they don\u2019t start digging into it before the trip and lose enthusiasm. Most of the materials inside are reusable. I probably only spend $5-$10 on extra fun things added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pin it for later<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"712\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"9634\" src=\"https:\/\/daytripper28.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/DIY-Road-Trip-Activity-Binder-for-Kids-PIN-712x1024.png\" alt=\"Make your own Road Trip Activity Binder\" class=\"wp-image-9634\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/daytripper28.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/DIY-Road-Trip-Activity-Binder-for-Kids-PIN-712x1024.png 712w, https:\/\/daytripper28.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/DIY-Road-Trip-Activity-Binder-for-Kids-PIN-209x300.png 209w, https:\/\/daytripper28.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/DIY-Road-Trip-Activity-Binder-for-Kids-PIN.png 717w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 712px) 100vw, 712px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"9635\" src=\"https:\/\/daytripper28.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Road-Trip-Binder-Pin-683x1024.png\" alt=\"How to make an activity binder\" class=\"wp-image-9635\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/daytripper28.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Road-Trip-Binder-Pin-683x1024.png 683w, https:\/\/daytripper28.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Road-Trip-Binder-Pin-200x300.png 200w, https:\/\/daytripper28.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Road-Trip-Binder-Pin.png 698w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>One of my favorite things about road trips as a kid was getting to pull out my activity kit&#8230;.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":9627,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"MSN_Categories":"Uncategorized","MSN_Publish_Option":false,"MSN_Is_Local_News":false,"MSN_Is_AIAC_Included":"Empty","MSN_Location":"[]","MSN_Add_Feature_Img_On_Top_Of_Post":false,"MSN_Has_Custom_Author":false,"MSN_Custom_Author":"","MSN_Has_Custom_Canonical_Url":false,"MSN_Custom_Canonical_Url":"","_kad_blocks_custom_css":"","_kad_blocks_head_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_body_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_footer_custom_js":"","_kadence_starter_templates_imported_post":false,"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"apple_news_api_created_at":"","apple_news_api_id":"","apple_news_api_modified_at":"","apple_news_api_revision":"","apple_news_api_share_url":"","apple_news_coverimage":0,"apple_news_coverimage_caption":"","apple_news_is_hidden":false,"apple_news_is_paid":false,"apple_news_is_preview":false,"apple_news_is_sponsored":false,"apple_news_maturity_rating":"","apple_news_metadata":"\"\"","apple_news_pullquote":"","apple_news_pullquote_position":"","apple_news_slug":"","apple_news_sections":[],"apple_news_suppress_video_url":false,"apple_news_use_image_component":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[69],"tags":[1047,118,908,1049],"apple_news_notices":[],"taxonomy_info":{"category":[{"value":69,"label":"Tripper Tips"}],"post_tag":[{"value":1047,"label":"Games"},{"value":118,"label":"Kids"},{"value":908,"label":"Road Trips"},{"value":1049,"label":"Travel Tips"}]},"featured_image_src_large":["https:\/\/daytripper28.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/DIY-Road-Trip-Activity-Binder-for-Kids-1024x643.png",1024,643,true],"author_info":{"display_name":"Jenn S","author_link":"https:\/\/daytripper28.com\/author\/admin\/"},"comment_info":0,"category_info":[{"term_id":69,"name":"Tripper Tips","slug":"roadwise","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":69,"taxonomy":"category","description":"<span data-sheets-value=\"{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:&quot;Make the most of your travels with DayTripper's expert tips and recommendations. Unforgettable experiences await - start planning now!&quot;}\" data-sheets-userformat=\"{&quot;2&quot;:144,&quot;7&quot;:{&quot;1&quot;:[{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:0,&quot;5&quot;:{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:0}},{&quot;1&quot;:0,&quot;2&quot;:0,&quot;3&quot;:3},{&quot;1&quot;:1,&quot;2&quot;:0,&quot;4&quot;:1}]},&quot;10&quot;:0}\">Make the most of your travels with DayTripper's expert tips and recommendations. Unforgettable experiences await - start planning now!<\/span>","parent":0,"count":58,"filter":"raw","cat_ID":69,"category_count":58,"category_description":"<span data-sheets-value=\"{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:&quot;Make the most of your travels with DayTripper's expert tips and recommendations. Unforgettable experiences await - start planning now!&quot;}\" data-sheets-userformat=\"{&quot;2&quot;:144,&quot;7&quot;:{&quot;1&quot;:[{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:0,&quot;5&quot;:{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:0}},{&quot;1&quot;:0,&quot;2&quot;:0,&quot;3&quot;:3},{&quot;1&quot;:1,&quot;2&quot;:0,&quot;4&quot;:1}]},&quot;10&quot;:0}\">Make the most of your travels with DayTripper's expert tips and recommendations. Unforgettable experiences await - start planning now!<\/span>","cat_name":"Tripper Tips","category_nicename":"roadwise","category_parent":0}],"tag_info":[{"term_id":1047,"name":"Games","slug":"games","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":1047,"taxonomy":"post_tag","description":"<span data-sheets-value=\"{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:&quot;Boredom is not an option with our exciting travel games. Click to learn more and make your next adventure unforgettable with DayTripper.&quot;}\" data-sheets-userformat=\"{&quot;2&quot;:144,&quot;7&quot;:{&quot;1&quot;:[{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:0,&quot;5&quot;:{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:0}},{&quot;1&quot;:0,&quot;2&quot;:0,&quot;3&quot;:3},{&quot;1&quot;:1,&quot;2&quot;:0,&quot;4&quot;:1}]},&quot;10&quot;:0}\">Boredom is not an option with our exciting travel games. Click to learn more and make your next adventure unforgettable with DayTripper.<\/span>","parent":0,"count":2,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":118,"name":"Kids","slug":"kids","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":118,"taxonomy":"post_tag","description":"<span data-sheets-value=\"{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:&quot;Don't let boredom set in this summer! Find exciting and educational activities for kids of all ages in Minnesota with our comprehensive guide.&quot;}\">Don't let boredom set in this summer! Find exciting and educational activities for kids of all ages in Minnesota with our comprehensive guide.<\/span>","parent":0,"count":143,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":908,"name":"Road Trips","slug":"road-trips","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":908,"taxonomy":"post_tag","description":"<span data-sheets-value=\"{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:&quot;Hit the open road with DayTripper's ultimate guide to unforgettable road trips. Plan your adventure now and discover the beauty of the world around you!&quot;}\" data-sheets-userformat=\"{&quot;2&quot;:144,&quot;7&quot;:{&quot;1&quot;:[{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:0,&quot;5&quot;:{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:0}},{&quot;1&quot;:0,&quot;2&quot;:0,&quot;3&quot;:3},{&quot;1&quot;:1,&quot;2&quot;:0,&quot;4&quot;:1}]},&quot;10&quot;:0}\" data-sheets-formula=\"=GPT_list(R[0]C[-3],R2C3)\">Hit the open road with DayTripper's ultimate guide to unforgettable road trips. Plan your adventure now and discover the beauty of the world around you!<\/span>","parent":0,"count":29,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":1049,"name":"Travel Tips","slug":"travel-tips","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":1049,"taxonomy":"post_tag","description":"<span data-sheets-value=\"{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:&quot;From city hopping to countryside escapes, DayTripper has the insider knowledge to help you get around and discover hidden gems. Start planning your next adventure now!&quot;}\">From city hopping to countryside escapes, DayTripper has the insider knowledge to help you get around and discover hidden gems. Start planning your next adventure now!<\/span>","parent":0,"count":47,"filter":"raw"}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/daytripper28.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9621"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/daytripper28.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/daytripper28.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/daytripper28.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/daytripper28.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9621"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/daytripper28.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9621\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/daytripper28.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/9627"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/daytripper28.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9621"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/daytripper28.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9621"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/daytripper28.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9621"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}