“Are we there yet?” Put the brakes on backseat boredom with this arsenal of toys and games for kids of all ages. We’ve given the green light to these five products that make hitting the open road fun again by putting some joy back into the whole family’s journey.
1 | FLIP-TO-WIN HANGMAN TRAVEL GAME.
Future spelling bee champions will rejoice in stumping their opponents in this portable, flippable, dry-erasable update to the classic kids' game. Flip the attached tiles to tick off letters and build the eponymous man. When you’re done, reset is a snap. It’s f_n for the whole f_mily! $12.99 at HobbyTown USA, 1153 Berkshire Boulevard, Wyomissing, 610.374.1000. hobbytownofreading.com.
2 | LEAPPAD 2 EXPLORER.
If you’ve ever found a melted crayon liquefied to the upholstery you know most art supplies belong at home. But the Art Studio app gives kids a chance to create from the road without worrying about leaving behind a mess. It’s just one of the free features packed onto this portable play pad. $99.99 at Target (locations in Wyomissing, Exeter and Muhlenberg townships). Target.com.
3 | CREATE-A-SCENE.
Imaginations run wild even from the confines of the car with these choose-your-own-adventure story boards. Explore the railroad, forest, zoo, beach and other scenes populated by vinyl characters with magnetic personalities. When you reach your destination, cleanup is as simple as closing the book until another day. $9 at Educational and Fun, 10-E Wingco Lane, Cross Keys Center, Reading, 610.916.0499. educationalandfun.com.
4 | BINGO!
Auto Bingo may just be the cure for road hypnosis. Turn commonplace sightings of everything from traffic signs to overpasses into a game with these reusable cards. Younger players will learn about the world around them while they play. Just make sure you claim the police car without spotting flashing lights in your rearview mirror. $1.99 at Learning Express Toys, The Shoppes at Wyomissing, 746 Woodland Rd., 610.372.TOYS. LEWyomissing.com.
5 | TABEO.
Does getting away from it all still mean checking your e-mail once a day? There’s no need to lug your laptop when this touchscreen tablet pulls double duty. Mommy Mode lets parents set controls to limit access for younger users, so little ones won’t stumble into a shopping app that’s attached to your bank account. $149.99 at Toys ‘R Us, 1055 Woodland Rd., Wyomissing, 610.208.0898. toysrus.com.
