Traveling with kids is a phrase guaranteed to give many parents nightmares. They immediately think of whining kids kicking the back of the front seat, getting out of their seatbelts and climbing around in the car, endlessly asking “How much longer?” Kids are easily bored and long rides in cars, trains, or planes drive them crazy. Here are a few electronic games that kids love and that will make traveling with them easier.

This video game system is ideal for children. It is exactly like a Gameboy DS or a PSP except that instead of blowing things up, Leapster games focus on learning. The games feature fun characters younger children know and love, like Thomas the Tank Engine or Bob the Builder. There are also fun games where Jedi from Star Wars teach reading, or a friendly dog becomes a pet that needs your child's care.

The games are made for children 4 to 10 though younger children would enjoy pushing the buttons and hearing all the beeps and sound effects. Leapster games teach children language arts, reading, basic science, and math skills. Kids don’t realize they are learning because they are having so much fun with the Leapster. Kids will spend hours playing the games and won’t even realize how long they’ve been in the car but you’ll see how much they’ve learned when you get to Grandma’s house.

Kids of all ages love a Gameboy SP. They are easy to use, lightweight, and there is a huge variety of games available. For older children, there are adventure games and classics such as Spyro the Dragon. For younger kids, there are Pokemon games, pet games, and games that help with reading and language skills. A Gameboy SP can provide hours of fun and keep boredom at bay. If the little stylus gets lost, any capped pen will work, fingers work, and most games do not require the stylus anyway. There is sure to be something that your child would like to play.

These little games are inexpensive and always a lot of fun. You can find an appropriate game for any age child and these games can help the whole family have a peaceful trip. Pac-Man, Sudoku, Monopoly, and many more are available. All of the games are easy to play and many of them, such as Sudoku, help promote problem-solving skills while still being fun. Monopoly is always a family favorite, while games like Pac-Man are easy for younger kids to play.

Electronic games can be lifesavers when traveling with kids, since they provide fun and alleviate boredom. Just be sure if you are traveling on a plane or other communal transportation that you teach your child not to annoy other passengers with the sounds from the games – keeping the volume low or earphones are all you need for that. Bring extra batteries because you never know how long the games will last once your child starts having fun!

 Photo Credit: Hamed Saber