Hey there, fellow parents! If you’re reading this, chances are you’re gearing up for a road trip with the kids. Whether it’s a cross-country adventure or a weekend getaway, road trips can be an awesome way to bond with your family and create lasting memories. But let’s be real—traveling with children isn’t always a walk in the park. It takes some planning, patience, and a good sense of humor. I’ve been there, done that, and lived to tell the tale, so here are some tips that have saved my sanity on the road.
1. Plan Your Route (But Be Ready to Improvise)
I’m a planner. I love having a map, a schedule, and a game plan. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned from road-tripping with kids, it’s this: You’ve got to be flexible. I remember one trip when we were supposed to make it from point A to point B in six hours. What I didn’t plan for was the sudden “emergency” ice cream stop, the epic search for a restroom in the middle of nowhere, and the unexpected detour to a roadside attraction that caught the kids’ attention.
Here’s the deal: Plan your route, sure, but build in extra time for those inevitable stops. According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), it’s wise to factor in an extra 15-20% of your total driving time for pit stops and unplanned detours. The key is to roll with the punches and enjoy the journey as much as the destination.
2. Pack Smart (and Bring More Snacks Than You Think You’ll Need)
You can never have too many snacks on a road trip. Seriously. I learned this the hard way on a road trip to the Grand Canyon when my kids demolished our snack stash by midday, and we still had hours to go before reaching the next town. Now, I pack a small cooler with a variety of healthy snacks, like apple slices, cheese sticks, and trail mix. I also throw in some fun treats, because let’s face it, road trips are a perfect excuse to indulge a little.
Pro tip: Avoid sugary snacks that will have your kids bouncing off the walls. Instead, focus on protein-rich foods that will keep them full longer. Also, pack extra water bottles to keep everyone hydrated. Dehydration can make kids cranky, and that’s the last thing you want when you’re stuck in a car together for hours on end.
3. Keep the Kids Entertained
Keeping kids entertained is a must if you want to avoid the dreaded “Are we there yet?” every five minutes. For younger kids, I always bring a bag of toys and books that they haven’t seen in a while. There’s something about the novelty of “new” toys that keeps them occupied longer. I’ve also found that audiobooks are a lifesaver, especially if you can find a story that the whole family enjoys. We listened to the entire Harry Potter series on one trip, and even my husband got hooked!
For older kids, tablets or portable gaming systems can be a great way to pass the time. Just be sure to download games, movies, or apps ahead of time, especially if you’re going to be driving through areas with spotty internet service. And don’t forget to pack chargers and headphones. Trust me, you don’t want to deal with the meltdown that happens when a device dies mid-movie.
4. Make Frequent Stops
Sitting in a car for long stretches is tough on everyone, especially kids. I like to plan stops at least every two hours, even if it’s just to stretch our legs and use the restroom. But I’ve also found that planning stops at interesting places can make the journey more fun. Whether it’s a quirky roadside attraction, a scenic overlook, or a local park, taking time to explore a bit can break up the monotony of the drive and give everyone something to look forward to.
On one trip, we discovered a tiny dinosaur park off the highway that wasn’t on our original itinerary. The kids loved it, and it ended up being one of the highlights of our trip. So don’t be afraid to veer off the beaten path. Sometimes, the best memories are made in the most unexpected places.
5. Set Realistic Expectations
I’m all for ambitious travel plans, but when you’re traveling with kids, it’s important to be realistic. If you’re trying to cover too much ground in too little time, you’re setting yourself up for stress and disappointment. On one trip, I made the mistake of planning a jam-packed itinerary with very little downtime. By day three, everyone was exhausted and cranky, and we ended up cutting our trip short.
Now, I’ve learned to scale back my expectations. If we make it to half the places on our list, I consider it a win. Remember, the goal is to enjoy the journey, not just check things off a list. Be flexible, and don’t be afraid to change your plans if things aren’t going as expected.
6. Create a Road Trip Playlist
Music can set the tone for your entire trip. I like to create a road trip playlist ahead of time, with songs that everyone in the family enjoys. We mix it up with some classic rock, pop hits, and even a few Disney songs for the kids. Singing along together not only passes the time, but it also creates a fun and positive vibe in the car.
And don’t be afraid to mix in some podcasts or audiobooks. There are tons of great options out there for families. One of our favorites is the “Wow in the World” podcast, which is full of fascinating facts and funny stories that keep everyone entertained.
7. Prepare for Emergencies
No one likes to think about worst-case scenarios, but it’s important to be prepared. I always keep a first-aid kit in the car, stocked with band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and any medications my kids might need. I also make sure we have a roadside emergency kit with things like jumper cables, a flashlight, and a spare tire.
It’s also a good idea to have a plan in case you get lost or your GPS fails. I always print out a paper map of our route, just in case. And I keep a list of important phone numbers—like roadside assistance and our hotel’s contact info—on hand, so I’m not scrambling to find them in an emergency.
8. Get the Kids Involved in the Planning
One of the best ways to keep kids engaged and excited about a road trip is to get them involved in the planning process. Before our trips, I like to sit down with my kids and look at the map together. I let them pick out a few places they’d like to stop, whether it’s a zoo, a museum, or a cool hiking spot.
This not only gives them something to look forward to, but it also helps them feel like they’re part of the adventure. Plus, it’s a great way to teach them some basic geography and map-reading skills.
9. Stick to a Routine (As Much As Possible)
Kids thrive on routine, so I try to stick to our usual schedule as much as possible, even on the road. That means keeping regular mealtimes, naptimes, and bedtimes. Of course, road trips are all about flexibility, but having some semblance of a routine can help kids feel more secure and less likely to have meltdowns.
If your kids are used to a certain bedtime routine, try to replicate it as best you can on the road. For us, that means packing their favorite bedtime stories and stuffed animals, and making sure they get some quiet time before bed, even if we’re staying in a hotel.
10. Pack a “Boredom Bag”
I can’t tell you how many times our “boredom bag” has saved the day. This is a bag filled with activities and games to keep the kids occupied when they start getting restless. I like to include things like coloring books, puzzles, and travel-sized board games. I also throw in some surprises, like a new toy or a special treat, to pull out when we really need a distraction.
And don’t forget about old-school car games like “I Spy” or the license plate game. These can be a fun way to pass the time and keep everyone engaged.
11. Embrace the Screen Time (In Moderation)
Let’s face it, screen time can be a lifesaver on a long road trip. While I try to limit how much time my kids spend on their devices, I also recognize that sometimes, it’s the easiest way to keep everyone happy and quiet. I usually set some rules, like no screens during meal times or when we’re passing through particularly scenic areas. But beyond that, I try not to stress too much about it.
That said, I do try to balance screen time with other activities, like listening to music, reading, or playing games together. It’s all about finding a balance that works for your family.
12. Document the Journey
One of the best parts of a road trip is the memories you make along the way. I always bring a camera (or just use my phone) to capture the highlights of our trip. I also like to encourage my kids to keep a travel journal, where they can write about their favorite parts of the trip, draw pictures, or collect souvenirs like ticket stubs or postcards.
When we get home, we love looking back at our photos and journals together. It’s a great way to relive the adventure and remember all the fun we had.
13. Know When to Call It a Day
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, the kids (or you) just hit a wall. Maybe they’re overtired, or maybe the car has started to feel like a prison. When that happens, it’s important to know when to call it a day. On one trip, we had planned to drive another two hours to our next destination, but the kids were clearly done. Instead of pushing through, we found a nearby hotel and called it a night. The next morning, everyone was refreshed and ready to hit the road again.
Remember, the journey is supposed to be fun. If things aren’t going according to plan, it’s okay to adjust your plans. After all, road trips are about enjoying the ride, not just getting to your destination.
14. Make the Car Comfortable
Comfort is key on a long road trip. I always make sure the kids have their favorite blankets and pillows, so they can nap comfortably in the car. I also try to keep the car organized, with everything we need within easy reach. That means snacks, drinks, toys, and activities are all accessible without having to dig through bags in the trunk.
I also recommend investing in some window shades to keep the sun out of their eyes, and maybe even a small travel fan if your car tends to get stuffy. The more comfortable the kids are, the less likely they are to get cranky.
15. Enjoy the Moment
Lastly, don’t forget to enjoy the moment. Road trips with kids can be challenging, but they can also be incredibly rewarding. Some of my favorite family memories were made on the road, exploring new places, and just spending time together.
So even when things don’t go according to plan, try to keep a positive attitude and enjoy the time you have with your family. After all, these are the moments you’ll look back on and cherish for years to come.
Final Thoughts
Road trips with children aren’t always easy, but with a little planning and a lot of patience, they can be some of the best experiences you’ll ever have as a family. From packing the right snacks to keeping the kids entertained, I hope these tips help make your next road trip a smooth and enjoyable one.
So, buckle up, hit the road, and get ready for an adventure. Safe travels!