Does the thought of taking a family road trip with your kids give you anxiety? You’re probably expecting the worst like I have in the past. Temper tantrums, backseat fights, and asking “Are we there yet?” a million times are pretty darn good excuses for avoiding family road travel altogether. And I’m not going to sugarcoat it. There will be tantrums. There will be fights. There will be questions. But…won’t they do that if you stay at home too? Don’t let the irrational fear of hour-long meltdowns keep you from traveling the amazing landscapes of our United States. Give your kids some credit, and I think they might surprise you!
I can tell you from experience that it’s definitely worth it. My husband and I recently took a 3,000 mile trip from Indiana to South Dakota in our extended cab pickup truck. Like you, I was expecting the worst…but guess what? We had FUN! It wasn’t the dreadful experience I was imagining when Josh asked if I wanted to drive for days with our boys (9, 7, and 2!). Believe it or not – we actually ENJOYED ourselves!
Before we left I spent a lot of time thinking about how to make the best of our long hours in the truck. I’m going to give myself a little pat on the back and take partial credit for our successful trip. Let me share my 6 best road trip hacks with kids that worked for us, and I’m convinced will work for you too!
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Tip #1: Pack your Vehicle for Success
If you just throw your kids in the backseat and take off without any pre-planning, you’ve already set yourself up for disaster. We as adults have a hard enough time sitting for hours, let alone an energy-filled toddler, preschooler, or even big kid! If you don’t have things to keep them entertained, it won’t be long until they resort to negative behaviors to fill the time.
Think about the things your kids like to do and pack an easily-accessible tote full of different types of activities. Take a look at what I packed for our South Dakota trip below.
- Snacks (we had a separate small cooler for drinks)
- Movies for the headrest DVD players
- Handheld game system and charger (they love their Nintendo Switch)
- Pencil box carrying small toys/figurines
- Frisbee for stops at rest areas
- Paper, coloring books, clipboards
- Pencil box full of colored pencils and crayons
- Cards and travel board games
- Disposable grocery sacks for trash
I used an old durable tote I found in the attic, but here’s a similar utility tote with pockets to keep your car organized.
Tip #2: Think About Their Comfort
Maybe you need to throw a couple travel pillows in the backseat, or a blanket. Dress them in cotton or athletic clothing – whatever they’re most comfortable in. Stick flip flops near their seats so they can quickly get their shoes on and off for fast stops.
For our kids, their biggest complaint is not having anything to rest their feet on since they are in boosters and can’t touch the ground. So Josh got them small footstools for under their seats, and they are now much more comfortable in the truck on long rides.
Tip #3: Blow Off Energy at Rest Areas
For whatever reason, I used to have this terrible preconceived notion about interstate rest areas. I had in my head they were dirty and dark, with all sorts of suspicious people and activity. I really don’t know where I got that. 😛
Thanks to Josh, I’ve since learned that rest areas are surprisingly REALLY nice. We choose them to stop over fast food or gas stations for our breaks for a few reasons:
- They are typically cleaner and safe.
- They are right along the interstate so you can get back on the road faster.
- Packing a picnic lunch is cheaper, faster, and healthier than grabbing fast food.
- They are a good place for us to run out some energy. The boys like to get out for a few minutes to play tag, Frisbee, or other active games.
If there isn’t a rest area nearby, try to find a public park or playground.
Tip #4: Make Some Stops to Break Up the Day
There may be some notable places along your route to strategically break up long drive sections. We’ve even done the corny tourist trap type stops that we otherwise wouldn’t just to break up the day and stretch our legs – and the kids always love it! Watch for billboards or search your phone for ideas along the route you are traveling.
Tip #5: Don’t Overdo the Days
When traveling long distances with kids, we recommend making the days relatively short. On our trip to South Dakota, we’d grab a free continental breakfast at the hotel and head out. Typically we stop 2-3 times at rest areas or other roadside places and try to call it a day by early evening. That gives time to grab dinner near your next hotel and swim at the pool before it’s time for bed.
Tip #6: Cut Your Kids (and Yourself) Some Slack
It’s vacation. Now’s NOT the time to worry too much about nutrition or breaking habits (screen time limits, pacifier, potty training). Of course, you have to keep it within reason. Let them snack on those animal crackers, watch that movie, or suck on their paci part of their time in the backseat – for their sake and YOURS!
The Last Thing You Need to Know About Road Tripping with Kids
Taking a family road trip with young kids is not as bad as you might think. I promise. Follow the above tips and I think you’ll be surprised.
What did I miss? What are YOUR best tips for long rides with kids? Share them below!