Thinking of heading on a road trip with your little ones and need some road trip tips on how to keep the kids occupied? I’m here to help with some tips and tricks to turn chaos into practical fun! There are some simple hacks to keep your kids happy, and your sanity intact. In the list below I’ve included some clever packing tips to entertainment ideas- you’re covered!
Table of Contents
TL;DR:
- Pack strategically with easy-access to important items
- Plan lots of stops along your route, and use entertainment tactics for distraction
- Always go for safety as a priority, with i-size car seats and first-aid kits
- Prepare snacks and meals in advance
- Use technology for entertainment – for everyone’s sanity
1. The Hero of Road Trip Tips: Pack Smart
When it comes to road trips with kids, organisation is everything. Here’s how to pack like a pro:
• Labels. It requires some work up front, but it’s worth it. Use clear, labelled bags for easy access to essentials
• Pack a bag for each day of the trip. You can use packing cubes for this if you want to keep everything in one suitcase
• Bring a small cooler in the car and keep it within reach of the kids so they can grab snacks and drinks as they need them
The aim is to reduce the need to stop and dig through luggage when you need to find something. By doing the work upfront to stay organised you’ll spend less time searching during the actual trip.
2. Create a Kid-Friendly Car Setup
Make your car as comfy as possible your little ones:
- Install window shades to block out sun and heat. These are the ones we use from amazon
- If your children are no longer in car seats with padded belts, use seat belt pillows for added comfort during naps.
- Attach organisers to the back of front seats for easy access to toys and books. Find my favourite seat organisers here
- Consider a travel tray for snacks, colouring or to place tablets on
A good car setup will reduce complaints and increase comfort for everyone.
3. Stop Often
Breaking up the journey is going to be absolutely crucial for everyone, and you’ve no doubt thought about this. But here are my tips to make the most of your stops along the way”
- Research child-friendly service stations, rest areas, or parks (like national parks) along your route so the kids can get out and run around and use up their snack fuelled energy
- Stop every 2-3 hours but more often than that if you have younger kids
- Plan your stops in advance and look for open spaces where kids can run and play
- Consider educational stops like museums or historical sites to add value to your trip
Remember, a well-timed stop can reset moods and make the next leg of the journey much smoother.
4. Pack a First-Aid Kit and Car Emergency Kit
Safety first. Prepare for the unexpected with:
- A full first aid kit with band-aids / plasters, antiseptic wipes and any necessary medications like calpol, and a thermometer
- A car emergency kit with jumper cables, torch, and basic tools
- Extra water and non-perishable snacks
- Blankets and extra clothes in case of unexpected changes in weather
Being prepared gives you peace of mind and you’ll be ready for anything then.
5. Technology is your friend (I promise)
I don’t want my kids glued to screens the whole trip, but that being said, technology can be a lifesaver:
- Download educational apps and games before the trip
- Use audiobooks or podcasts for the whole family to listen to
- Get a portable charger or car charger for devices, you don’t want to deal with a tantrum if power goes out mid trip
- Consider a tablet holder that attaches to the front seat headrests for hands-free viewing
Remember to balance screen time with other activities to keep the trip engaging and interactive.
6. Snack Strategy
Hungry kids are cranky kids (I won’t lie, that also applies to me). Keep tummies full and moods high with these snack hacks:
- Pack a variety of healthy, non messy snacks. I like cucumber sticks, homemade pancakes, fruit cut into pieces small enough they’re not a choking hazard, rice cakes, percy pigs…
- Use bento boxes or compartmentalised containers for portion control. I found this great lunchbox on amazon recently
- Bring a small rubbish bag for easy clean-up
- Consider a soft-sided cooler like this one, for perishable items. This YETI one is AMAZING. It’s definitely on the pricier side, but it keeps food cool for days and I see it as such an investment.
Pro tip: Pack some road trip snacks/treats that you only bring out during road trips. This creates excitement and something for the kids to look forward to during the journey.
7. Car Entertainment
We spent a lot of time in the car when I was younger, on road trips around the UK and over to Ireland. These games are great to keep boredom at bay for a little while:
- Scavenger Hunts: Organise a mini scavenger hunt for items they might see out the window.
- I Spy
- License Plate Bingo (for older kids)
- 20 Questions
- The Alphabet Game
7. Keeping Toddlers Entertained
- Books: Bring a variety of books, including interactive and picture books, to read together.
- Toys: Pack small, portable toys that are new to your child to keep them engaged.
- Car Games: Play classic car games like “I Spy” or “20 Questions” that are suitable for toddlers.
- Music: Create a playlist of your child’s favourite songs and sing along together.
- Audio Books: Use audio books or stories on CD for a change of pace.
- Scavenger Hunts: Organize a mini scavenger hunt for items they might see out the window.
For really long road trips, but together a “Road Trip Game Kit” with printable game sheets, markers, and small prizes to keep things interesting.
8. Try out the “Surprise Bag” Technique
- Pack small bags with miniature new toys, books, or activities
- Give out a new bag every couple of hours, or at predetermined milestones
- Include age-appropriate items like sticker books, small LEGO sets, or card games
This gives the kids something to look forward to and can be a great motivator for good behaviour.
9. Dress for (road trip) Success
Comfortable kids are happy kids. Here’s how to dress them well for the journey
- Dress children in layers for easy temperature control
- Pack a change of clothes in an easy to get to bag
- Choose soft, breathable fabrics for long periods of sitting
- Consider travel pillows and blankets for extra comfort
A little extra thought in clothing choices can prevent a lot of discomfort later on.
10. Audio and Playlists suitable for Kids
Music and stories can set the mood for the whole trip.:
- Audio Books: Use audio books or podcasts for a change of pace
- Create a playlist with family friendly songs and kids favourites. Taylor Swift is our big family favourite, of course!
- Let each family member add their favourite songs
A great playlist can turn a boring drive into a sing along, and actually be quite entertaining for the grown-ups too!
11. Potty Breaks
When nature calls, be prepared:
- Research rest stops along your route
- Pack a portable potty for emergencies
- Bring extra wipes and hand sanitizer
- Think about the option of pull-ups for newly potty-trained toddlers on long drives
Being prepared for bathroom needs can prevent stress and discomfort.
12. Wet Wipes are your Best Friend
Never underestimate the power and versatility of wet wipes on a road trip! They’re great to:
- Clean hands and faces after snacks
- Wipe down surfaces in the car
- Clean up spills quickly
- Freshen up during long stretches between stops
Bring more packs than you think you’ll need – I’m always shocked how many we go through when we’re away!
13. Invest in Quality Travel Gear
The right gear can make all the difference:
- Choose a comfortable (ideally i-size) car seat with a base
- Invest in a quality travel stroller for stops, like the babyzen yoyo
- Bring a portable white noise machine for naps
While it might seem like a fair amount of money to spend upfront, quality travel gear is a real investment and pays off in comfort and convenience.
14. Record the Journey
Keep kids engaged by documenting your trip:
- Give kids disposable cameras to take their own photos
- Create a travel journal for drawing and writing about the trip
- Use a map to track your journey and learn about geography
- Start a collection (of shells or flowers) from each stop
These activities not only keep kids busy but also create some lasting memories of your trip that they can look back on.
15. Prepare for the Unexpected
Finally, always have a plan B:
- Pack a small “emergency” bag with extra clothes, nappies /diapers and essentials
- Be familiar with nearby hospitals or urgent care centres along your route
- Be flexible with your itinerary, especially if you need to make unscheduled stops. We have a toddler who unfortunately gets car sick every so often. This definitely means extra stops and changes of clothes for us!
- Pack a few “special” items (like a favourite toy or comfort object) for any meltdowns
The key to a successful family road trip is always going to come down to preparation. That will also set your mind at ease for when you depart.
Conclusion
Now you have 15 hacks to turn your family road trip into a real adventure! From packing to entertainment ideas, here are all my ideas to keep your little ones happy and engaged along the way.
Embrace the unexpected, and enjoy the time with your family. After all, it’s not about the destination – it’s about the journey and the fun that happens along the way.