As a kid summertime meant the annual summer vacation. While these times were ripe with adventure and excitement for us kids I can’t help but now reflect on these memories from a new perspective, the parent. There is actually a renewed level of comedy to my memories as I recall my parents struggle with the vacation they planned and the vacation which happened. I do feel a twinge of guilt. My generation is getting the easy way out. We have Nintendo DS, iTouch, portable gaming devices to entertain the kids. Cars now come equipped with video players to captivate young audiences. In some cars the front seat can enjoy different music than the backseat. Bye bye Hannah Montana. Not to mention the various GPS devices for those who are retiscent to ask for directions.
So what has happened to the iconic “vacation car game”?
It is alive and well. But for those of you who have been too plugged in too long to remember the low tech days. Here is a link to directions for each game. 10 most popular car games of all time. The classics include:
- I Spy
- 20 Questions
- License Plates
- Slug-a-Bug
- Where’s the Alphabet?
- Name That Tune
- The Picnic Game
- Count the …
- Tunnels
- Geography Lesson
My Dad’s very favorite game was “who can fall asleep the fastest” and when you fell asleep you were to whistle in order to claim your victory.
I can’t help but agree with him on some days. When I am asking for the car to be quiet while navigating 5 lanes of traffic or asking for the foot to be removed from my lower back I think back in reverence and admiration “Wow … my parents were so very patient … and no potty mouth.”
