Hi akedm
I don't have the experience with the lighting issue but sure have lots of experience with the kids
Some vehicles have individual "map lights" or reading lights for the passengers. You have a Ventura van which I am not personally familiar with and have no knowledge of accessory lighting. One thing is agreed that the kids have to be amused!!
Whatever option you choose, the only thing I can suggest is that you stay with the original configuration of your interior lighting system or tie it into the ignition system where the lights will go out when the vehicle is not running. In AK you need to make sure the kids haven't killed your battery on a cold Winter day