Introduction: Family Road Trips: Build a Masking Tape Wall to Prevent Backseat Boredom
Are we there yet? The problem with the backseat is that it's just so boring back there, and you can only play so many games of "I Spy" before somebody gets antsy. After that, well, all sorts of shenanigans happen.
This little project has all the hallmarks of a fabulous kid project. It lets them make a bit of a mess, gets them working toward a common goal, and cleans up easy-peasy.
Find more tried-and-tested family vacation tips at WeJustGotBack.com
Step 1: Materials
You will need:
* two or more bored kids in the backseat
* one roll of masking tape for each kid
Step 2: Create a Dividing Line
Start by using one or two strips of tape to mark off a line down the middle of the backseat.
Step 3: Add Tape Strips at Different Levels
Place additional tape strips horizonally to start to build the wall.
Step 4: Create a Lattice
Before you know it, the wall will take shape. Have the kids continue to add strips for as long as they want, making the wall as solid as they like.
Step 5: Tear It Down and Clean Up
Part of the fun is tearing down the wall when you get to your destination. Roll the tape into a ball when you're finished. No muss, no fuss.

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Are We There Yet? Challenge
26 Comments
7 years ago
cool beans
7 years ago
cool beans
7 years ago
cool beans
7 years ago
cool beans
7 years ago
cool beans
9 years ago
Did anyone else see the photoshop or am I crazy
Reply 8 years ago
Yeah, you mean the fake backgrounds? Sure did!
9 years ago
Very smart
11 years ago on Step 5
I love the idea! But, how do you keep them from "taping up" each other?
Reply 11 years ago on Step 5
Heh. Taping up each other is half the fun!
12 years ago on Introduction
Thanks I was a bit worried about having road trip with kids. Im not a mom yet but I plan on being one very soon after I get married in July 2012. My fiance will like this idea. :) Thanks!!!
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
Don't worry, by the time your kids are old enough to squabble in the back of the car, nobody will be able to afford the fuel to run cars at all...
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
By then they might have finally come up with a usable Mr Fusion.....and flying cars ;-)
12 years ago on Step 5
Very creative idea. This might even work with my teenagers, I will have to try it on my next road trip.
12 years ago on Introduction
What a great idea! Simple, cheap, keeps the kids busy... what more could one want?
12 years ago on Introduction
I used to make them sit on their hands. Four hundred miles of that cured the problem. Then all you have to do is threaten and you get fast compliance.
12 years ago on Introduction
Love the photo shop backgrounds....lol
too bad i have 3 kids & car.....
12 years ago on Introduction
the barrier does not look very sturdy, looks like it would unstick after about 15 minutes...
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
This wall didn't become unstuck on its own; it had to be torn down. If you use a few diagonal supports and many horizontal strips, the wall can stay up for as long as you want it to (barring too much sibling roughness, naturally).
12 years ago on Introduction
I appreciate your photoshop skillz!