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Love the map and journaling idea, Jean! Wanted to jump in with some book on tape suggestions: How about "My Father's Dragon", "Harriet the Spy", "My Popper's Penguins" or "The Velveteen Rabbit"? Also a plug for your local librarian... go ask her/him suggestions for books on tape that would be good for your kids ages and interests. As for music, while you're at the library why not check out a range of cds? Long car trips are a great time to expose kids to different types of music -- Zydeco, classical, jazz, etc. Happy Travels.

OK...we did a map thing with our kids when they were young. We went on a trip to the mountains...took a couple days. They had an actual map and followed where we were going. Then they journaled each night....or during the trip as well. We kept lists of stuff.... odd things, license plates, buildings.ect. It was kinda fun!

Hi Emma - Right up my alley. We (and our 4 kids, ages 10 to 3) have the whole Bill Harley collection. Just enough of an edge to keep the older guys interested and laughing and great music for the younger two. Added bonus: he's our newest blogger here at schoolfamily.com (and, oh yeah, a 2-time Grammy winner!). Highly recommended. http://www.billharley.com/

Books or music would be good, probably a bit of both is ideal. it's a long car ride.

Hi Emma- Are you looking for books on cd or music? Also, I just want to point you to a great article about fun math games to play with your kids on the road trip. http://www.schoolfamily.com/school-family-articles/article/9724-turn-boring-road-trips-into-fun-math-lessons Lisa