5 Tips for Successful Road Trips with Kids

We’ve all heard it before. “Are we there yet?” they cry out from the backseat. Even though it’s only a 30-minute drive, the kids are bored after just a few minutes!

ford edge and devil's tower

Road trips can be a great way to save money on a vacation and see more places on your trip, but driving long distances with kids brings its own challenges.

Luckily, a few tips, a careful plan and some road trip essentials can help make that trip easier on the whole family! Check out these five tips for ensuring a fun family road trip with kids.

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1. Have Plenty of Space

Even if your road trip is starting from home, it can be worth the extra expense to rent a different vehicle. A car with plenty of space and the latest features can make a big difference in comfort!

Of course, if you’re flying to your starting point, you’ll be able to find plenty of airport rental options.

Look for a car or van with plenty of interior space for the kids so that they can stretch out, and so that they have room for their gear. Packing the car with entertainment options like tablets and books will ensure peaceful hours on the road, as will snacks and water.

If your own car ends up stuffed when you pack up your road trip essentials, a rental may be your best best. You’ll love how much happier the extra space makes your family!

devil's tower hiking area

2. Make Frequent Stops

Take a look at a map and try to plan out some stops at regular intervals. Know your child’s tolerance for time in the car and figure out where you can stop when they need a break.

Whatever you do, don’t wait until they’ve hit their limit, as there may not be any place worth stopping!

Taking the time to find fun stops before you leave can make the entire trip much more enjoyable. Whether it’s a kid-friendly restaurant, a playground or a petting zoo, the stops won’t just give your kids a much-needed break. They’ll also help you make more memories on your trip!

driving in 2017 ford f150

3. Use a GPS System or Download Your Google Maps Route

It is never fun getting lost, but it can be a total disaster when you are faced with bored, tired and hungry kids in the car.

If your car doesn’t have a GPS system, consider buying an inexpensive one you can use for all your future trips. Or, download the road trip route to your phone so Google Maps can keep you on track!

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4. Plan Games for the Road

Be ready to keep your kids (and yourself) entertained with some fun family games, songs and other activities. After all, half the fun of any trip is the journey!

Check out these five fun games to play in the car to help start your planning, and consider buying some inexpensive magnetic board games for even more on-the-road fun. Road Trip Bingo is always a great choice!

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5. Make a Mix Tape

Of course, you probably won’t make a literal tape for your road trip! But having some custom playlists ready for your trip can help entertain music-loving kids for hours on end.

Create a few different playlists using your favourite music service to suit different moods. A list of your kids’ current Top 40 favourites is great for sing-alongs. A mellow playlist late at night can help settle them to sleep.

There’s no doubt about it; planning is key when it comes to successful road trips with kids. And when you take the time to figure out key road trip essentials, from snacks to stops, you’ll be amazed by how much fun the drive can be!

3 thoughts on “5 Tips for Successful Road Trips with Kids”

  1. Good tips! We always plan stops that would be interesting and fun, but we never allow movies, or games in the car (unless its verbal games) because we want the kids to actually look around and see the world that is outside.

  2. There’s such a thing as successful road trips with kids ? Lol. I don’t have any kids yet but my brother has four girls and they are a handful . I will definitely try these tips out , thanks for sharing .

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