Keeping the kids happy on a long car journey can be a challenge, but there are plenty of things you can do to keep even fidgety, easily-bored kids happy. From electronic devices to art packs, games, and treasure hunts, by keeping your little ones entertained for the journey, it means everyone has a stress-free trip (including the grown-ups!).

Here are a few top tips we’ve put together to keep your kids busy on those long trips, whether you’re hiring a Hertz car to go on a desert adventure, or heading off on a family road trip to the mountains.

Electronic devices

Electronic devices have become the easiest way to bust boredom for adults and children alike, so before you set off make sure that your kids’ devices are loaded up with games, movies, and entertainment. Double-check that they’re fully charged, and that you have the charging leads with you as well. Modern family cars have USB plug-in points so you can top up the battery when you stop for a break.

Art packs

Kids love to draw and it can take their minds off the journey and let them focus on something they really enjoy doing. With top-quality suspension in modern cars, they’ll be able to draw and sketch without worrying about sudden bumps ruining their colouring! Our top tip: Pack coloured pencils rather than crayons, which can go soft (and very, very sticky!) in a hot car.

Toys and games

From Lego to their favourite teddy, don’t leave home withouttoys and games ‘rescue pack’! Fill up a box with Lego bricks, figurines, small toys, and dolls, and let the kids’ imaginations run wild. The great bit of a toy pack is that it won’t take up much space, and everything can be popped back in the box at the end of the trip.

Treasure hunts

Before you set off, make a list of the things you’re likely to see on your journey, such as five red cars, certain road signs, someone walking a dog, or if you’re driving through the countryside, three camels or a brown donkey. Give the kids a sheet and a marker so they can tick off the things they see, and the winner gets a prize of a treat at the next stop!

Make the most of your stop-overs

Breaks in the journey can make all the difference. Let the kids stretch their legs, and pick rest stops in advance where there are interesting things to see such as bridges, or forts. Make sure they get a chance to use the restroom too, before piling everyone back into the car for the next leg.

Audiobooks and stories

Some children can suffer from motion sickness if they watch films or read when travelling in the back of a car. Audiobooks are a great alternative and can help a child relax and enjoy the journey much more without worrying about feeling sick.

Snap-happy pictures

Turn a journey into an adventure by giving your kids disposable cameras so they can snap pictures of their journey as they go along. The pictures can go into a scrapbook that will make a great memento of the trip.

Map books so they can chart their journey

If there’s one question that all grown-ups dread coming from the back seat, it’s: “Are we nearly there, yet?” A great way to help your kids chart their journey (and to teach them the important skill of map reading) is to print off a journey map that they can follow. They can mark special things they see along the way, so they can remember exactly where they saw that funny-looking camel, or the time they stopped to grab an ice-cream!

By making the journey as fun as the destination, you can keep your kids entertained and happy, even on a long car trip. Remember, though, if they start to feel a little sleepy then let them take a little nap, and then wake up when you’ve reached your destination!

Dubai Head Office, Al Rashidiya Dubai Airport Terminal 1 Dubai Airport Terminal 3 Dubai Motor City Dubai Marina Dubai Festival City Abu Dhabi Airport Al Reem, Abu Dhabi Al Reef, Abu Dhabi Sharjah Airport Al Hamra Mall, RAK

Dubai Head Office, Al Rashidiya

Address

Um Ramool, Rashidiya,
Dubai ,
United Arab Emirates 36800

Phone

971 4 2060206

Opening Hours

Monday-Sunday; 07:00-22:00

Dubai Airport Terminal 1

Address

Terminal 1 Arrivals Hall, Dubai International Airport,
Dubai ,
United Arab Emirates 36800

Phone

971 4 2245222

Opening Hours

Monday-Sunday; 24 hours

Dubai Airport Terminal 3

Address

Terminal 3 Arrivals Hall, Dubai International Airport,
Dubai ,
United Arab Emirates 36800

Phone

971 4 2203013

Opening Hours

Monday-Sunday; 24 hours

Dubai Motor City

Address

Shop 8, Ground Floor, Foxhill 8, Motor City,
Dubai ,
United Arab Emirates 36800

Phone

971 4 4273200

Opening Hours

Sunday-Friday; 08:00-20:00 Saturday; Closed

Dubai Marina

Address

Hertz - Dubai Marina City Premiere Marina Deluxe Hotel Apartment ,
Dubai ,
United Arab Emirates 36800

Phone

971 4 4226775

Opening Hours

Sunday-Friday; 08:00-20:00 Saturday Closed

Dubai Festival City

Address

InterContinental Hotel, Dubai Festival City,
Dubai ,
United Arab Emirates 36800

Phone

971 4 7011239

Opening Hours

Sunday-Friday; 09:00 - 15:00 Saturday; Closed

Abu Dhabi Airport

Address

AUH Terminal A Rental Returns, short term park 2nd level,
Abu Dhabi ,
United Arab Emirates 36800

Phone

971 2805 8090 971 2805 8089

Opening Hours

Monday-Sunday; 24 hours

Al Reem, Abu Dhabi

Address

Marina Square, Al Reem Island,
Abu Dhabi ,
United Arab Emirates 36800

Phone

971 2 6320494

Opening Hours

Sunday-Friday; 09:00 - 15:00 Saturday; Closed

Al Reef, Abu Dhabi

Address

Al Reef Downtown, ,
Abu Dhabi ,
United Arab Emirates 36800

Phone

971 2 645 8488

Opening Hours

Sunday-Friday; 09:00 - 15:00 Saturday; Closed

Sharjah Airport

Address

Inside Arrivals Terminal, Kiosk 2, Outside baggage claim area, Sharjah Airport,
Sharjah ,
United Arab Emirates 36800

Phone

971 6 5528290

Opening Hours

Monday-Sunday; 08:00-20:00

Al Hamra Mall, RAK

Address

Unit 52, First Floor, Al Hamra Mall, Sheikh Muhammad Bin Salem Rd,
Ras Al Khaimah ,
United Arab Emirates 36800

Phone

971 7 2434386

Opening Hours

Monday - Sunday: 10:00 to 16:00, 19:00 to 22:00

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