Ideas to keep 2-year old busy during car trip

[MimiMoon]

Hi,

We are driving to Disneyland next month.  We will be in the car about 8 hours.  My daughter will 28 months old.  We have a DVD player in the car, which she watches everytime we drive somewhere.  So we will buy a couple of new movies for her, but I am wondering what else I can bring to keep her busy.  Stickers, books, snacks?  I was thinking of getting one of those little trays that goes across her lap so she can color.  Does anyone have one that their 2-year old likes?  I don't know if she would like this.  Does anyone have any specific things that have kept their toddler happy in the car?

Thanks!

[lifeguard]

Whenever I do longer trips with ds I make an effort to stop every 2-2.5 hours for at least an hour. If I can manage it I make those stops somewhere he can play (those indoor McDonald's playlands are a lifesaver in bad weather). We keep snacks in the car along with a selection of toys & books. I save the dvd player until halfway through the trip generally - but ours is only used for long trips so he doesn't ask for it right away. I also try to time it so that at least a chunk of the trip is during his naptime (or bedtime) so he'll sleep a chunk.

[organicviolin]

definitely snacks and drinks.  Magna doodles are awesome because the pencil thing is attached.  Felt boards where they can put animals and trees etc.  We also play the name the animal game where we say, doggy says woof woof! etc go thru as many animals as you can.  Favorite cd - love philidelphia chickens and a couple of other bands where we clap along with the beat etc.  We also take breaks to run in.  Stretch our legs etc.  Also, little boxes with hidden treasures in there.  Like a metal lunch box with little figurines of whatever your kiddo likes.  Let your imagination run wild!  Oh, also coloring definitely.  Even though your car door may become colorful by the end of the trip - happy kid = happy traveling! :)

[mommydesi]

Great ideas already!!

I have one to add...

Not sure where you can buy them exactly, but a family member bought our 2.5YO DD an "Aqua Doodle".  It is the best car toy!!  And it makes a great church toy too!!  DD loves it, plays with it for quite some time, no mess, and quiet.  I'm sure you could probably find on Amazon if not in any local stores.

Like this...

http://www.amazon.com/AquaDoodle-20027353_1-Aquadoodle-Travel-Doodle/dp/B003AJ9LZS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1299705386&sr=8-1