We take road trips probably five to six times a year to La Crosse, WI to visit Cory’s family. And on those trips, it’s Cory’s job to drive and my job to entertain Alea. The last road trip went extremely well and she ended up napping most of the way there and almost the entire way home, but on a typical trip I’m pulling out all the stops trying to entertain her for the 3 and a half hour drive. I could just stick a movie in the portable DVD player or let her play games on the iPad, but I like to come up with fun alternatives to keep her busy.
During one road trip I brought along a baking sheet and some magnets and let her play around on that. I felt like a total genius. And this time? I took it a step further and created this masterpiece. A Travel Chalk & Magnet Board! It’s such a simple little DIY + will provide your kids with lots and lots of road trip or anytime entertainment!
- Baking sheet (I used an old one and bought a new one to replace it!)
- Chalkboard paint (I used Rust-Oleum Chalkboard paint)
- Paint brush
- Optional: Painters tape (I was going to leave the edges of the pan unpainted, but decided to paint them)
Instructions:
- Paint the baking pan with chalkboard paint.
- Attach a string + chalk so you’re not continuously searching for chalk in the car or elsewhere.
Side note: Don’t let your kiddo help you wearing their normal clothes. Chalkpaint will stain. But you’re probably smarter than me and realized that already!
Looking for other fun activities to do with your kiddo: SWACOS Toddler Activities.
linking up with rae gun ramblings + live laugh rowe, glued to my crafts, watch out martha, nap-time creations, blackberry vine, Happy Go Lucky, diy dreamer, house of rose, someday crafts, finding fabulous, serenity now, sugar & dots and sew-much-ado.
This is genius! 🙂 I am definitely making one of these before we make the drive to the beach this summer with baby girl.
What a great idea. I will be making one of these in a few months when the little guy is old enough not to eat the chalk. Thanks!
Love this idea!
looks so cute and fun!
kw, ladies in navy
Zara giveaway
How fun! I bet she loved that! In fact, I would love that lol!
This is SUCH a cute idea!
xx
Kelly
Sparkles and Shoes
LOVE this idea! I’m going on a little trip with the kids in 2 weeks and will definitely be making two of these 🙂
This is AWESOME! I bet my 2-year-old nephew would love this while traveling! 🙂
~Kelly
http://www.leafynotbeefy.com
This is an AMAZING idea! I’m totally pinning this so that years from now when I have kids I’ll have this to go back to!
Danielle at Framed Frosting
Love it Chelsea! I need to do this for my boys asap! 🙂
Great idea … Reagan is very busy in the car too so I know she would love this!
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(¸¤ Lanaya | xoxo
http://www.raising-reagan.com
What a WONDERFUL idea to reuse an old baking sheet! I have one :).
I will be passing this one too my sisters, my niece would love this.
This is such a great idea! I’m looking for ways to entertain lil man this summer on some day trips & this will be perfect. Thanks for the inspiration
Also thank you for linking it up at Crafty Thursday Obsessions. Us girls decided you will be featured this week. Hope you stop by again, check it out and linkup with us!
Have a great Tuesday <3
-Stacey
Gluedtomycrafts.blogspot.com
Wondering if there is a way to make the chalk adhere to the baking sheet? Maybe magnetic tape?
This is a great idea…love it!
Found you via B-Inspired Mama. What a great idea! I’ve pinned it and plan on making one 🙂 Luv Luv
Great idea! I’m also considering making it dry-erase. They have rolls of stick-on dry erase…paper? at JoAnn for about $5. Maybe chalk would be safer for the car, though…
Ooh…double-sided, maybe?? *brain whirring *
Does the paint scratch off easily?
I am having this problem, and was actually trying to figure out a way to seal the paint so that it wouldn’t chip as easily. Obviously if I use a sealant over it you can’t use the chalk…hm.
Great idea. I’ve seen the magnet tray before but I never thought of making it a chalk board too. Thanks.