Discover 9 stress-free road trip tips with kids from a mom of three little ones. Get simple advice on making your journey happy and hassle-free, covering everything from fun activities and snacks to comfy seating and keeping your car tidy.
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Hey there! I’m a mom of three little ones, and let me tell you, I’ve been on some serious road trip adventures. Picture this: a family of five, driving for hours on end, with the longest one being almost 19 hours! Oh and picture this, 3 children under 4! Those were the ages we started these trips and continue to take them twice a year! Crazy, right? But here’s the scoop—I’ve got some road trip tips with kids up my sleeve that can turn those potentially chaotic journeys into some of the best family memories.
Now, why do we do this? Well, birthdays are a big deal in our family, especially for the kids. We love to travel to make their birthdays super special. But flying with a family of 5 can be super pricey, so we’ve figured out how to make road trips work. Sure, it gets a bit wild, and we might lose a tad bit of our sanity along the way, but these tips and tricks have been our saving grace. Whether you’re a road trip pro or a newbie, stick around for some secrets to keep the smiles bigger than the miles. Let’s dive in!
Check out: WHY WE STOPPED TRADITIONAL BIRTHDAYS AND STARTED GIVING EXPERIENCES INSTEAD
Tip 1: Keep the Little Ones Busy with a Variety of Activities
Make the journey enjoyable for the kiddos by bringing along a tablet loaded with fun games, movies, and educational apps. I personally love the Amazon Fire Tablets because they are super kid friendly and there are so many parental controls to monitor what they can get into it. Believe it or not, our first long road trip with three kids under four didn’t involve tablets. But, let me tell you, after that experience, we definitely made sure they had one for the next trip. It was a total game-changer! And don’t forget those comfy headphones to keep the peace—it can get pretty noisy!
In addition to the tablets, pack travel-friendly board games, coloring and activity books, and interactive toys. These are fantastic alternatives to screen time and can keep the kids entertained. I like to keep a bag of these items and bring one out when times are tough. I spread them out over the trip, not all at once. Introducing something new is a great way to capture their attention for a while. You don’t need to spend a fortune on these items—get creative and check out the dollar store for budget-friendly options!
Check out all my travel entertainment ideas and essentials for little kids here!
Tip 2: Snack Stations for the Win
Make snack time a breeze by having a variety of treats within easy reach. Mix in some healthy snacks along with a few special treats. Personally, I always pack a bag of apples—maybe not your typical road trip snack, but perfect for a healthy on-the-go option!
Consider using individual snack boxes or an organizer to keep things neat and avoid any potential messes. I prefer a clear plastic bin with a lid because, with three kids in and out for restroom breaks, things tend to get a bit chaotic. Bags get tossed around, and little feet step on everything. Having a plastic bin with a lid ensures that nothing gets smashed or crushed.
Just like the special toys I bring out in desperate moments, I also pull out special treats and candy. It’s not something they have access to all the time, but when times get tough, who wouldn’t love a sucker or some M&M’s? It works wonders to lift everyone’s spirits!
Need ideas on healthy snack options for kids on the go? Check out my blog post: 12 HEALTHY SNACKS FOR KIDS ON THE GO
Tip 3: Smart Seating Arrangements
Opt for an adult in the back seat if you can swing it. And guess who usually takes that spot? Yep, that’s me! It turns out to be a lot smoother when I’m within arm’s reach of all the kids, rather than being up in the front. This way, I can easily hand out snacks, sort out any disagreements, and take care of their needs without having to stop the car every few minutes. It’s all about making the journey as smooth as possible!
Tip 4: Comfort is Key
Making the trip comfy is super important. Put everyone in soft, stretchy clothes for the long sitting time. Forget tight shoes; they can make things less comfy. Opt for slip on shoes that make it easy to take off and on. Use layers to adjust to different temperatures. Also, keep blankets and pillows nearby for an extra cozy feeling. This not only makes the ride more fun but might even help the little ones take a nap, making the whole trip better for everyone.
Tip 5: Be Prepared for Motion Sickness
Here’s a lesson we learned the tough way! Picture our first road trip; only a few hours in, and suddenly there’s puke everywhere. Turns out, our second child gets car sick! Motion sickness can hit out of nowhere, just like it did for us. Be ready by keeping Dramamine or other motion sickness medicine close by if someone in the family starts feeling queasy. Now, we make sure our little one takes their Dramamine before any long trip, and I always keep it in my purse. Also, keep some plastic bags or a puke bucket nearby, just in case!
*I am not medical professional or claiming to give medical advice, please consult your doctor before giving any medication.
Tip 6: Overnight Bag Packing
Okay, I’ll admit it—I tend to overpack because I like being ready for anything. Our car ends up loaded with bags and suitcases for our road trips, especially since we often stop somewhere for the night. It’s usually pretty late, testing how far we can go (major props if you drive through the night!). To make those late-night stays easier, we pack one overnight bag just for that. When it’s time to stop, have everyone’s essentials for the night in that one pre-packed easy-to-reach bag. It saves us from hauling a bunch of bags into the hotel, making check-in way smoother.
Don’t forget to toss spare clothes into the overnight bag for each family member. This can be a real lifesaver in case of spills, sickness, or unexpected accidents. Keep this bag in a spot that’s super easy to get to!
Tip 7: Strategic Pit Stops
When you hit the gas station, make it count! Use it as a chance for everyone to take a bathroom break, so you won’t need to stop again too soon. Check out the convenience store; they usually have lots of snacks and quick meals. You can also run through a drive-thru nearby. Just a heads up, my kids aren’t big fans of the typical chicken nuggets and hamburger fast food, so I’ve learned Culver’s offers a grilled cheese and Chick-fil-A has Mac and cheese—kid-friendly options too! Don’t forget to take a few extra minutes at the gas station for a group stretch and walk. Let the kids shake off some energy and get rid of that restlessness from the car ride. This quick break can make the rest of the journey more chill and comfy.
Tip 8: Keep It Tidy for a Smooth Ride
Maintaining a clutter-free car can significantly improve your road trip experience. Keep a garbage bag handy to manage snack wrappers and any other items that need to be thrown away. This helps avoid a mess scattered all over the car, making cleanup a breeze. Consider using a backseat organizer to keep essentials at your fingertips—it’s like a one-place storage solution for all your travel needs.
Check out this travel tray I found for kids! How convenient, right!?
Limit what’s within reach to essentials only, ensuring a more organized and spacious environment. Designate spots for shoes and coats to prevent them from cluttering up the seating area. Having specific places for everything not only streamlines the space but also makes it easier to find what you need during the journey. So, keep it simple, keep it tidy, and enjoy a more relaxed ride!
Tip 9: Embrace the Fun, Even in Restless Moments
When the road trip starts feeling a bit chaotic and you wonder if you’re losing your mind, take a deep breath and remember the destination you’re headed to—whether it’s a new adventure or just home on the way back. Even in the midst of restlessness, find joy in the journey. Play silly car games, tell stories, or cue up some family-friendly tunes.
Remind yourself that every moment, even the challenging ones, is a building block for lasting memories with your family. Laughter, games, and shared experiences make the journey just as special as the destination. So, when things get a bit wild, take a step back, cherish the chaos, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
There you have it– 9 road trip tips for families to keep your sanity intact and ensure a smoother ride. You’ve got this!
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