When it comes to entertaining kids, parents fall into one of two categories – those that supply their kids with props (i.e. puzzles, coloring books, toys, DVDs, Game Boys, etc.) and those that don't. Whatever your style, we've got parent-tested activities for you!

With props:

• Head to your local library to rent books on tape. Robert Munsch stories, Enid Blyton's timeless classics, and “ Where the Sidewalk Ends ” by Shel Silverstein are great stories to start.
• If your vehicle doesn't come equipped with a built-in DVD player, consider investing in (or borrowing!) a portable one.
• Hit the dollar store before your trip and load up on four or five small trinkets per child. Wrap them and reward kids for good behavior throughout the trip.
• Look for CDs that quiz kids on general knowledge – Quizzology is a great one.
• Buy a roll of scotch tape. “My daughter spends hours unraveling the roll, getting it stuck all over herself,” says Suzanne Wilcox, mother of two girls, 1 and 4, in Toronto, Ontario. “It's tons of fun for her and there's no mess to clean up!”
• Get more ideas for travel games.

Without props:

• Get the kids involved in selecting sight-seeing stops along the way, suggests Ann Billes White, mother of two boys, 1 and 7, in Toronto, Ontario. “ We also collect information pamphlets as we travel and quiz them on the info as we drive.”
• Play an A to Z game. Start with naming an animal that starts with an “A” and have your kids take turns listing others for the rest of the letters of the alphabet. Establish a rule that you'll skip over “Q” and “X”!
• Make a scavenger hunt of the trip and list a few things they should watch for. Some suggestions: Owls, old tires on the side of the road, weird sculptures/ landmarks and a vintage car. Or, download our travel bingo game. Reward kids with their favorite snack once they've found them all.