Traveling by car with kids can be incredibly fun and rewarding for the whole family. There’s just something special about getting in the car, kicking off your shoes, and driving off into the sunset. You’re not confined to the airplane like sardines or crammed into a tiny seat on a train.
Road trips provide flexibility, freedom, and endless memories!
However, traveling with children, especially younger ones, can present unique challenges too. Long hours in the car with squirmy toddlers and constant “Are we there yet?” can test anyone’s patience. Planning ahead and being prepared are your best defenses against a stressful family road trip.
Keep reading for everything you need to know about taking a road trip with kids. I’ll cover packing lists, entertainment ideas, safety tips, keeping your sanity on the road, and much more.
Should You Take a Road Trip With Kids?
When you live in a world of destinations accessible by plane, taking a road trip might not seem like the first logical option. You may even worry that traveling by car could be stressful with kids in tow.
However, with the right preparation, a road trip is actually one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to travel with your children.
Here are some major benefits of traveling by road with your kids:
Flexibility
First, road trips are a lot less rigid than flying or traveling by train. You’re not at the mercy of flight times or departures and arrivals. If your toddler needs an extra bathroom break or your preschooler wants to spend more time at a park, you can adjust on-the-fly withoutpenalty. You can stop whenever you need.
Affordable
Road trips are also more affordable than flying or traveling by rail. Your transportation costs will likely be less if you have a vehicle and can drive to your destination. You’ll also save money on baggage fees and transportation costs at your destination.
Creating Memories
Finally, road trips give you the ability to create amazing memories with your kids. You’ll spend hours playing games with your little ones in the backseat and telling stories. Those are memories your kids will treasure for the rest of their lives.
Planning Your Road Trip With Children
To keep road trips fun instead of stressful, you’ll want to plan out some key details in advance.
Decide on a Kid-Friendly Destination
When traveling with kids, it’s important to choose destinations that will entertain them too. If you’re going somewhere that’s all about museums or Broadway shows, you may want to reconsider until they’re older.
Don’t forget about distance too. You don’t want to plan your first road trip with toddlers miles away. Try picking somewhere within 3–4 hours of driving.
Plot Your Course
Plot your general course and possible stops before you leave. Look for rest stops, restaurants, parks, and anything else your family might be interested in along the way.
Breaking up your journey into segments will help your kids stay entertained and give you opportunities to stretch your legs.
Schedule Around Their Routine
Try to schedule your driving around your kids’ daily routine. For example:
- Drive when your kids normally take their naps
- Leave early before breakfast when kids are rested
- Avoid driving late at night if it will disrupt sleep
Packing for a Road Trip With Kids
You’ll also want to prepare by packing essential items before your trip. The right snacks and supplies can make your life or break it on a road trip with kids.
Car Essentials
- Snacks/drinks
- Bottled water
- Wet wipes
- Hand sanitizer
- Kleenex
- Paper towels
- Trash bags
- First aid kit
Kids’ Clothing
- Blankets
- Jacket or hoodie
- Extra changes of clothes
- Sandals/comfortable shoes
Documents and Other
- Insurance/ID
- Confirmations/reservations
- Emergency contact information
Stock Up on Snacks
I cannot stress enough how important this tip is when traveling with kids. Having healthy snacks and treats on hand will be a lifesaver!
Healthy Snack Ideas
- Fruit – apples, grapes, bananas
- Crackers
- Granola bars
- Sandwiches/wraps
- Cheese sticks/yogurt
Pack juices or milk boxes too. You can also buy treats when you stop but having snacks on hand is essential.
Entertaining Kids in the Car
Keeping your kids occupied is the key to a successful road trip. If they’re bored, you’ll hear about it…and quickly.
Electronic Entertainment
Load tablets and smartphones with:
- Movies
- Shows
- Educational apps
- Games
Headphones are also helpful if you have multiple devices.
Other Entertainment
Don’t forget about screen-free entertainment either. Some of our favorites are:
- Coloring books
- Activity books
- Travel-size board games
- Books
Some of our favorite car games are:
- I Spy
- 20 Questions
- License plate game
- Alphabet game
You can even make your own games and keep kids entertained for hours!
Keeping Kids Happy on Long Drives
Unless you live nearby your destination, you will likely face several hours in the car. Here are some tips to keep your little ones happy on long drives.
Take Regular Breaks
You should stop every couple of hours to let kids stretch their legs. Let them run around and play for a bit. It’ll clear their heads and give you peace of mind.
Make each stop fun by visiting playgrounds or parks. Get ice cream or popsicles on hot days. Seek out local attractions you can explore for a bit.
Road Trip Safety With Kids
Keeping your kids safe should be your number one priority on any family road trip.
Car Seat Safety
Always ensure your child’s car seat is installed correctly and that they are safely strapped in. Don’t forget to double-check the straps and seat positioning too.
Emergency Supplies
Keep a basic emergency kit in your car in case of an accident. You should include:
- Flashlight
- Extra batteries
- Tool kit
- Emergency phone numbers
Stay Alert
If you’re driving, get plenty of rest beforehand so you can drive alert. Take turns driving with your spouse if possible. Always pay attention and don’t use phones or electronic devices.
Handling Travel Mishaps with Kids
Despite your best planning, things will still go wrong from time to time. Kids will get grumpy or bored. Here’s how to handle some common parenting struggles on the road.
Tantrums
Stay calm and don’t let your kid see you sweat. Sometimes kids just need a break from the car. Stop at your next opportunity and let them burn off steam.
Offer your child a snack or entertaining them with a new toy or game.
Motion sickness
Kids can get carsick too. Help prevent motion sickness by:
- Encouraging them to look out the window
- Avoiding greasy meals before driving
- Keeping the air circulating
Sibling Rivalry
Traveling with multiple kids in a confined space is never easy. They’ll fight at some point.
Try giving each child their own snacks and activities so they don’t fight over toys. Establish clear guidelines for behavior in the car.
Making Travel Easy on Kids
Little things can help your kids enjoy traveling by road. Create a comfortable and enjoyable environment in the car.
Organize the Vehicle
Keep essential items like toys, snacks, and luggage within arms reach. Get a few organizers or garbage bins to tidy things up.
Comfortable Environment
Play music, audiobooks, podcasts, or programs your kids will enjoy. Let them take turns picking what to listen to.
Making Your Road Trip With Kids Fun
Memories aren’t just created at your destination. They’re made during your journey too.
Point out interesting sights
Drive your kids wild and point out every landmark, farm animal, and McDonald’s you see. They’ll love learning about the world around them.
Take lots of pictures
Take tons of pictures and take turns snapping away. You can create a travel journal with your pictures or let your kids document the trip with drawings and stories.
Don’t overplan
Some of your best family memories will come from unexpected adventures. If your kid sees an amusement park or playground you didn’t know about, stop!
Traveling with Toddlers vs. School Age Kids
As your kids grow up, you’ll need to take different things into consideration. Here are some tips for various age groups.
With Toddlers
- Stick to their routine as best you can
- Bring along comfort items from home like blankets/stuffed animals
- Plan frequent stops
With Older Children
- Include them in the planning process
- Give them responsibilities like navigating or selecting stops
- Provide a variety of entertainment
Tips for Overnight Road Trips
If you’ll be spending the night during your road trip, you’ll want to plan some extra things.
Pick family-friendly accommodations
Try to find hotels or rentals that offer larger spaces, kid-friendly amenities, and are near restaurants and attractions.
Keep their bedtime routine
Do your best to maintain your kid’s bedtime routine while on the road. They’ll sleep better and have more energy for your trip.
Final Tips for Road Trips With Kids
Traveling by road can be a fun and exciting experience for your kids. The key is to plan, plan, plan!
Preparing and having everything you need at your fingertips will set you up for success. Packing the right snacks, toys, and entertainment will keep your kids busy and content on long drives.
And always remember that your road trip doesn’t end when you reach your destination. The fun starts there.
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