Games for Road Trips: The Perfect Expedition

When we piled into our Chevy station wagon that summer day, my brother and I knew we were in for a treat. It would be a five-hour drive to New York, and our mother, the perfect expedition leader, would make the journey as much fun as the destination. She'd sing our favorite songs. She'd have us in stitches with tales of our eccentric grandmother. And when we played Geography -- a game reserved only for car trips -- she'd amaze us with her knowledge of so many places.

Yes, back in the days before CD players and in-car VCRs and DVDs, we played games together when we traveled. It was, after all, a family vacation. And, strange as it may seem, the longer the trip, the happier we were.

If you're now the one in charge of ensuring pleasant vacation travel for your family, there are a few simple rules to follow. First, don't pack too many toys. You shouldn't have to pull a trailer with a fully appointed playroom. Next, don't pack toys with too many pieces: They'll get lost, children will cry and tempers will flare. Finally, make sure the toys you bring are creative, entertaining and tailored to the child's age.

Here are some travel-tested toys and activities that can make your car trip memorable -- in a good way!