LapDoodle Board
(Alex $15) Really perfect for the backseat, here's a wipe off lapboard with a game on each corner for playing Tic-Tac-Toe, Hangman, Dot to Dot, and make a Monster. Six wipe off dry-erase markers come in net zip bag that hooks to foam-backed shaped board. Great for keeping score of other games you play.
3 -8. Alex also makes some terrific Art Studios to go! (Small $ 7/24 pieces; medium $13 /74 pieces). Cases come with generous supplies of crayons, markers and larger cases include paints, rulers and colored pencils. 4 & up.
Or if you're looking for something to hold their existing supplies, consider the Art Portfolio (Alex $10) - a sturdy, colorful fabric bag with shoulder strap has pockets and holders for crayons, markers, paper and other take along goodies. (800) 666-ALEX. www.alextoys.com

Activity Books
Our testers loved the Klutz Drawbreakers ($10.95) that has partial photos with captions to which kids add their own words and drawings. 8 & up. Also handy from Klutz, Glove Compartment Games (Klutz $ 4.99 each) Like menus with lots of fun ideas, these laminated folders have game ideas for on the road fun. There are sit-down Scavenger Hunts, Spot the Coolest Cars, and Classic Games designed to match your family's interests. Pull them out when the trip needs a lift. 8's & up. www.klutz.com

Books on Tape
Having a book on tape (or CD) for the whole family to enjoy can make the time fly. Last year we recommended the Harry Potter series narrated by the wonderful Jim Dale . This year our top picks from Listening Library are: Beverly Cleary's Ramona's World read by Stockard Channing or Superfudge read by the author, Judy Blume and for older listeners don't miss last year's Newbery Medal book, Bud, Not Buddy in an outstanding performance by James Avery (your kids will know him as Uncle Phil from Fresh Prince of Bel Air). Kids need to make pictures in their mind's eye when they listen to stories without pictures- an important skill that's also needed when they read. So this may lead some to more complex stories that they will enjoy reading from the printed page as well. In fact, you might want to have the paperback version available, too. (800) 243-4504.

Brain Teasers and Card Games
Dino Dodg'em (Binary Arts $9.99) This is a two person game that's easy to take along. Two teams of dinos are racing to get off the playing board first, but watch out for blocking dino moves. The first team to get all dinos off the board wins. A relatively easy brain-teaser game that comes in a compact carrying case. 8 & up. Much more challenging for 10s & up, Elephant SpinOut ($8.99) is a solo game where the object is to line up elephant pieces and move them off the board. Much harder than it looks! (800) 468-1864.

Bzz Out & Chomp! (Gamewright $ 9.99 each) BzzOut is a quick card game that's played like War. Players get honey cards when they put down the high card- unless someone challenges them with a buzz off card. A rapid fire game for reinforcing concepts of more and less. 4-7. Chomp ! is another variation of War with a little science built in. Cards feature the food chain of the sea where the big fish eat the little fish. 6 & up. (800) 638-9568.

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