Planning a road trip with kids? Whether you’re cruising down Route 66 or winding through the mountains, these tips will help you not only survive but also enjoy the time spent in the car with your kids.
Any parent knows that traveling with kids comes with the potential for chaos. From lots of whining and sing-alongs to questionable tunes and backseat bickering, the thought of enduring a long road trip with kids can seem brutal. That being said, with the right preparation and a healthy dose of flexibility, road trips can also be incredible adventures that create lasting memories for the whole family. From snacks to entertainment and everything in between, this is your guide for a successful family road trip with kids.
Plan Everything Ahead
The planning phase is the most important part of traveling with kids. Gone are the days when you could be spontaneous with minimal prep, stopping wherever and whenever needed. Now, you need to plan what to bring, what to wear, where your stops will be and what time of the day you will start driving. Do your research and be overprepared.
Timing is Everything
When it comes to road trips with kids, timing can make or break the experience. Consider your children’s schedules and try to plan your travel around their nap times or bedtime. A sleeping child means peaceful driving for you. Early morning starts can also be beneficial. Kids are usually in a better mood after a good night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast.
“Every year, we do a 24-hour drive straight with our three kids to one of our favorite vacation spots. Some of my biggest tips are to leave before dusk so that they sleep a good chunk of it and to have new activities on hand. They make travel-size games of classics like Trouble, which are perfect for siblings sitting side by side.”
— Shelby, Fit As A Mama Bear
Bring Personal Items
This may come as new information to some, but bringing personal items such as pillows, blankets and your child’s favorite stuffy leads to better sleep in the car. If you’re traveling with a toddler, make sure to bring a travel potty in case your child needs to go when you’re passing through the middle of nowhere.
Pack Plenty of Snacks
Hungry kids are not happy passengers. Pack a variety of snacks that are easy to eat in the car — think finger foods like pretzels, cheese sticks, sliced fruits and vegetables. Avoid anything too messy or sugary to prevent sticky situations. Don’t forget to have water bottles handy too.
If your kids are picky eaters and prefer homemade food, make sure to have more filling options as well. More often than not, kids refuse to eat the food at the fast food stops, so you’ll be glad to have packed sandwiches and other hot food in a travel thermos.
Stop Often
Kids get bored during road trips. Even if you give them everything, they will eventually become frustrated and start throwing tantrums. So it’s essential to stop often. Plan your stops and make them efficient. While stopping for gas, food and other necessities is important, plan a couple of stops at places where your kids can run around and burn off some energy.
“I have survived a lot of road trips with a 3-1 kid-to-parent ratio. My secrets? I plan plenty of kid-friendly stops that help them move, like a stop at a playground, a visit to a children’s museum or even a nature walk.”
— Sage Scott, Everyday Wanderer
Prepare Entertainment
For the times when your kids are awake, keep them busy and entertained with fun road trip games. Have some new or forgotten toys and books on rotation too. Coloring books, stickers and travel-size board games are all great options. During particularly long stretches of the trip, electronic devices can be a lifesaver. Make sure your child’s iPad is fully charged and loaded with kid-friendly content before you hit the road.
Don’t Forget the Essentials
There are a few things that are simply must-haves on a road trip with kids. You never know where you might be stuck and for how long, so always expect the unexpected and be prepared. Here are some of the essentials to have in the car:
- Tissues
- Wet wipes
- Trash bags
- Extra clothes
- First aid kit
- Charging devices
- Extra water
- Extra food
Create a Kid-Friendly Playlist
Music is a great way to keep spirits high during long stretches on the road. Involve your kids in creating a playlist with their favorite tunes. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself singing along to “Baby Shark” or “Let It Go” more times than you can count — it’s all part of the fun.
Embrace the Journey, Not Just the Destination
Road trips are more than just getting from point A to point B. They offer a chance to bond as a family, create lasting memories and experience new things. Enjoy the scenery by discussing with your kids the fun facts about the places you pass through. If you see something interesting along the way, take a detour and explore. You might stumble upon a hidden gem or create an unexpected adventure.
Be Patient and Flexible
Road trips with kids rarely go exactly according to the plan. Be ready to adjust your schedule and route if needed. Traffic jams, bad weather and meltdowns can happen. Stay calm and have a backup plan for unexpected situations.
One Last Thing
A road trip with kids can be a test of patience, but with the right approach, it can also be incredibly rewarding. By planning ahead, staying flexible and focusing on making the trip enjoyable, you’ll create lasting memories that your family will treasure. So, load up the car, hit the road and enjoy the adventure together. Safe travels!
This article originally appeared on Food Drink Life.
Tamara Tsaturyan is the owner and writer of Thriving In Parenting, a website focused on providing simple tips for busy parents — easy and healthy recipes, home decor and organization ideas and all things P A R E N T I N G.
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