The car ride to and from school can be a time to connect and reset. Whether you’re on the way to school from home or vice versa, having some activities in the back of your pocket can help keep this transition time tension free, especially if your kids like to bicker as much as mine do 😉

This is a sure way to keep your ride entertaining! All you have to do is come up with a one liner such as, “Once upon a time, a crayon came to life…”. Then everyone in the car takes turns adding a new sentence to build the storyline—the plot twists and maybe even new characters are introduced. It’s a spontaneous and hilarious way to help pass the time! Before you know it, you're deep in a story by the time you arrive to school ✏️ Hmm...what happened after the crayon came to life?!

If you haven’t gotten your hands on our Peel + Play Clings, you’ve got to get some! Our Clings are mess free, reusable, and can keep your kiddo entertained during car rides. They can work on building those fine motor skills while using their imagination as they create magical scenes ✨ These Clings also work great on our Sensory Jars. Check out all of our Peel + Play Clings here, and check out our Sensory Jars here!

“Would You Rather…” is one of my favorite games to play with my boys! It encourages decision making while also sparking creative thinking. It can be a sweet way for siblings to bond and share lots of laughs. It's so much fun to see their unique personalities come out depending on what questions they come up with 🤭

Here are some "Would You Rather..." questions with a Back To School twist to help get you going: “Would you rather have recess all day or dessert for lunch everyday?”, “Would you rather be the teacher for the day or the principal for the week?”, or “Would you rather do 100 jumping jacks or write a 5 page essay?”. The opportunities are endless!

Adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing the numbers on passing license plates is a great way to turn passive time into learning. If a plate reads ‘4729’, you can ask “What is 4+7+2+9?”, "What's the biggest number you can make from those digits?”, and “Can you make 10 using any combination of those numbers?”. This activity encourages mental math (no paper needed!) and helps build number sense. Even though my boys range from the ages of 5 to 11, they can all participate at different levels! 🚘

After a full day of structure and stimulation, kiddos need space to reset which is why I've put together a list of after school activity ideas. Whether it’s creative play, movement, games, or simple moments outside, these activities can help support emotional regulation, spark imagination, and keep minds engaged in a more laid back setting. 🖍️

This may sound simple, but I'm taking it back to the basics—coloring! Coloring can be such a source of calm and a great creative outlet that supports emotional regulation and self expression. My middle kiddo would draw and color all day if I let him. It is always so amazing to see what he comes up with! Right now, he's into drawing sneakers 👟 Coloring is one of those activities that packs a big punch and never really gets old because the sky is truly the limit!

After school also means big appetites in my house. With three growing boys, I always have snacks ready and on hand once they get home. Pairing those snacks with an audiobook is a great way to help them unwind. As they munch, their mind goes on an adventure! Listening to stories sparks imagination, builds vocabulary, and strengthens listening skills—all without the pressure of reading or feeling the need to respond. This activity is great for decompressing after a busy day, offering a little time of quiet connection and creative escape 🎧

One of my biggest after school priorities is sending my kiddos outside since they've been cooped up in a classroom all day. A simple nature hunt is a great way to transition from a structured setting to open ended exploration. Getting my boys outside gives them the opportunity to move their bodies, breathe in fresh air, and engage their senses—whether they’re listening to birds, feeling a smooth rock, or spotting bugs—it’s a great way to reset and reconnect with the world around them. You can download a simple nature hunt activity here! 🌿

Board games and puzzles are such an easy go-to and fun way to keep little minds active while winding down after school. Whether it's teaming up for a round of Connect 4 or tackling a puzzle alone, these hands-on activities offer the perfect mix of mental stimulation and emotional support. I love how playing board games helps my kids practice taking turns and teaches them how to win and lose well (who likes to lose?!). Puzzles are great for problem solving and also strengthen fine motor coordination for the younger ones of the bunch. 🧩 I'm always impressed with how fast mine can put them together!

Lastly, I wanted to share this great pack of Back To School printables our designers made for you! This playful pack is designed to support learning, promote routine, and maintain connection whether your kiddo is just starting out or is settling into a new grade. This bundle includes ABC, number, and shape cards. There are motivational, pick-me-up notes that are perfect for throwing in lunchboxes. It also has the cutest “All About Me” page that you can fill out for those important 1st Day of School photo-ops 📸 Not to mention the sweetest “Letter to My Teacher" page 📝 You definitely don't want to miss out on this printable bundle—print it all, or just print the ones you want!