How to Road Trip with Young Kids

Road trips are no stranger to our family. Having lived in Southern California for 6 years, I am used to spending a good chunk of time in the car. With our current home in North Carolina, we are only 5 hours away from my family. So all of us have made quite a few road trips for visits. My kids do pretty well in the car, but taking road trips can still be stressful.

We just went on our first long family road trip (12ish hours including stops) and it was a bit overwhelming. There is a lot that goes into having a successful road trip with a 2-year-old and almost 1-year-old. We had some rough times and crankiness during our trip, but overall I was really pleased with how my kids handled it. Here are all my tips and tricks to making your road trip enjoyable when you have little ones along for the ride!

How to Plan:

Plan for Pit Stops

It doesn’t matter how great your kids are in the car when on a long road trip you’re going to need to make pit stops along the way. Between meals, gas fill-ups, potty breaks, or just a need-a-break, stops are to be expected. While you can’t always plan exactly when you will need to make a pit stop you can still prepare. By preparing yourself mentally that pit stops are inevitable it will make them easier to accept when they do come along.

Plan it Over Nap Times

With road trips timing is everything. If possible, try to time the driving time for when your kids are the happiest or will sleep. Depending on the length of the road trip and the time you can actually leave it may vary but this tip is so helpful. I always try to time when I leave the house and start driving with nap time for my kids that way they will sleep part of the way. On the way back home from our recent road trip, we drove mostly overnight which made such a difference because both kids slept mostly the whole way! Find what time works best for your family and roll with it.

What to Bring:

Bring Toys

Never underestimate the power of distraction and comfort with toys. On a long road trip, I say bring all the toys! The more the better. I packed a small duffle bag full of toys by my daughter’s feet for easy access during our recent road trip. I had some of her favorites and my son’s favorites. You will want toys they use often and have low volume options (if they are sound toys). And trust me you will want plenty of options.

Bring Snacks & Drinks

Who doesn’t want a snack on a road trip? Bring some easy to share items and don’t stress about the mess. You can always vacuum out the car seats later. When on the road you’re not always going to want to stop or be able to whenever some hunger hits so having a snack around is a great option! For bonus mom points you can always pack some special treats like candy or other items your kids don’t have on the regular. I always pack some for my kids and some for me close enough to reach. You’ll also want some drinks because food makes you thirsty.

Bring Their Favorite Music

A car dance party is always a good idea! Bring along your kids’ favorite music. You may get sick of listening to it over and over, but it can be used as a great distraction. Are the kids fussy or bored? Pop in their favorite music and you’re sure to get a happy result.

Bring Their Favorite Items

Do your kids have a favorite toy or item? Bring it! My daughter has to have her blanket and her favorite doll on trips. I keep them by her and she always wants them on and off during the trip. I also make sure to bring her pacifier. She only uses it at bedtime but she won’t nap in the car without it. My son has a favorite toy book that plays music and a little stuffed doll. Having comfort items that your child loves will help them be more at ease during the trip.

What to Do:

Play Games

One of my favorite road trip activities as a kid was playing games. My mom started what we call “The Movie Game” where we would give clues and everyone else would have to guess what movie we were thinking of. This particular game isn’t the best for younger kids, but you catch my drift. Come up with some fun games that involve your kids and maybe even your surroundings. A favorite of my two-year-old’s is “I Spy”. When fussy in the car starting up a quick game of I Spy is always a winner. It gets her involved and looking outside at our surroundings.

Take Breaks Outside of the Car

You will want to take breaks outside of the car. I repeat you will want to take breaks outside of the car. Being confined to close quarters in the car can be an overload at times for not only the kids but yourself too. You will want to make some pit stops to get out of the car. You can still make the most of your time doing so though. Grab a bite to eat by sitting inside a restaurant (even if it’s still fast food). Take a stop at a local park or rest area for the kids to get a break from their car seats and stretch their legs.

Keep a Towel & Wipes Handy

This was a huge help for me on our last road trip! I kept a pack of wipes in my door handle and a towel on the sit between my kids in the back. Both items came in super handy for messes and spills. This way you won’t have to dig around for items when something happens spur of the moment. Having a towel nearby is also a huge help on the off chance your kids get sick.

Keep Diapers & a Change of Clothes Handy

You never know how many stops you will have to make or if any emergency diaper changes will be needed. You may need a spare outfit for many reasons; a dirty diaper, a spill, a sick child, etc. I always keep extra diapers and clothes in the diaper bag and keep them in reaching distance for easy access during stops. You will want these items nearby just in case.

When it comes to road trips it’s better to be prepared than sorry. You learn a lot by trial and error. Going through it you will find what works best for you and what you need and don’t need. These are the essentials that I have found that work best for us. You don’t need to cringe your whole drive. You CAN enjoy the ride!