Best Road Trips With Kids – The Tips and Tricks For Success

Hey girl, today let’s chat about the tips and tricks for the best road trips with kids.

No matter where your destination is, there are some things you need to know to make this the best road trips with kids.

As a mom of 4, I have done my share of traveling with kids and have learned multiple tips and tricks that I want to share with you to have the best road trips with kids because the drive should be fun too.

Girl, we are going to talk about road trip essentials, road trip activities for kids, family road trip games, and even snacks (don’t forget the snacks!).

Let's jump into the best road trips with kids' tips and tricks that will make your family adventure a complete success.

Road Trip Snacks

The first thing you must put together is a list of snacks for your trip. 

Snacks are essential.  Let me say that again: ESSENTIAL!  

And it is way cheaper to bring your own than buy them at the gas stations you have to stop at.

Take a gander down the snack aisle and pick out your kiddo’s favorites. 

My kids range in age from 7 to 13 and here are the road trip favorites they have to have.

• Goldfish Crackers
• Granola Bars
• Breakfast Bars
• Jerky

Here is something to consider though.  Skip snacks that will leave crumbs everywhere or residue (like flavor from chips).  You are probably going to be in the car a lot on this trip and you don’t need it to be a hot mess from the first day.

As for drinks, keep them to a minimum unless you want to stop often.  Being a little dehydrated until you get where you're going isn’t going to hurt anyone.

If you want to keep your trip moving along and cut down on costs at the same time, pack lunches as well.  Sandwiches and homemade Lunchables work great for this without a bunch of mess.

This soft-sided cooler will be amazing for you.  I use it all the time.  It is small enough to carry around but big enough to hold snacks and lunch for a family of 6.

Bring along a few plastic grocery bags to use as garbage bags to help keep your vehicle clean.

Road Trip Activities and Games

If you want to keep your kids entertained with a screen the whole time, go for it girl.  We always try to save screen time until we are at least halfway to our destination.

There are tons of other options besides a screen to keep your kiddo busy on a road trip.

Let’s talk books.  Do you have a public library card?  Swing on over there and let your kids pick out some books to take along but don’t let them read these books until you start your trip.

Just make sure you know how many library books you are bringing so you can make sure you have them all to return.  Our rule is the library books stay in the car.

I bought activity books like Maze books, Word Search books, Dot to Dot books, Mad Libs, and Sticker by Number books.  These were all a huge hit.  We also brought along mechanical pencils (so we didn’t have to worry about sharpening them).

You can bring along a blank notebook and let your kiddo draw as well.

Games are also a great way to pass the time.  Guess in 10 is fun for the car and there are different variations you can pick up.

Road Trip Packing Tips

Check the weather of your destination! 

Before you even start packing, make sure you check the weather and then prepare for a little cooler weather than forecasted.  You can always take layers off but can’t add what you don’t have.

Girl, I have been burned by this 2 times now so I always check.

Make a list (a rather thorough list) of what you want to bring a few weeks ahead of leaving on your grand adventure so you don’t forget your essentials. 

I always make one list for my husband and me, one list for each of my kids, and a list of items that I have to pack last minute but for sure I need.  Remember, only bring what you need with a few extras.  I am sure wherever you are going, there will be a store if you forget something.

Start packing as much as you can early, like at least 5 days early.

While packing, check things off.  This will save so much brain power and frustration down the road.

Pack Your Car The Night Before

Girl, load your car the night before as much as you can and only leave a small bag out that you can grab on your way out the door the next morning.

This is the best way to start your trip off with as little stress as possible.

My kids love taking their pillows and a small blanket if we are going to leave early and be in the car for a long time.

Shower the Night Before

Everyone on your trip should shower the night before, save a step in the morning.

Early to Bed

Try to get everyone to bed a little earlier than usual.  When your kids are cranky and you are tired, it makes for a not-so-great start to your road trip.

Leave Early

Girl, I mean early!  You will not be sorry about this one.

For our last road trip, we got up at 3:15 a.m. and left our house by 4:00 a.m.  And you know what, our kids were more than happy to get the party started. 

Don’t be surprised (or frustrated) if they don’t fall back asleep right away.  They are so excited for your grand adventure.

Try to leave just as early on your last day too.  Your kids are more likely to fall back to sleep right away from being so tired from all the fun you had.

If Your Forget Something - It's OK!

Even though it is so nice when you remember everything that you will need, it is ok if you forget to pack some essentials (unless it is your contacts or medicine because you will have to turn around for that).

Where are you going on your trip?  I am sure it isn't to a place where you can't stop somewhere and get what you need.

Girl, this is why making that list and packing early are so helpful!

Bring a Bucket

Have any of your kids thrown up in your car yet? 

It has happened to me on more than 1 occasion so I keep an old ice cream bucket (with the lid) in our car all the time.

Snacks

I know I mentioned this early but it is so important Mama!  Don’t forget the snacks!

It will keep your trip moving and your kids entertained for a little bit too.