Call me crazy, but I love taking road trips with my kids! The older they get, the more fun it has become. We’ve been roadtripping with my boys since my oldest was only a couple months old. The key to making this adventure enjoyable lies in a little preparation. From my own experiences, I’ve picked up some favorite tools that can turn a potentially chaotic car ride into a smooth journey. So buckle up, and let’s hit the road!
1. Timing the Trip for Sleep
Timing your road trip to coincide with your kids’ sleep schedule is a game changer. It’s like magic! When the boys were younger, this meant driving during naps. Now that they’re older and we’re traveling further, we try to leave in the middle of the night. I love cruising along a beautiful stretch of highway while the kids are fast asleep in their car seats. Those moments of peaceful driving? Pure bliss.
Why Timing Matters
– Restful journey: Kids are much happier when they’re well-rested.
– Less stress: Fewer interruptions and fussing in the backseat.
– Longer stretches of driving: You can cover more ground with less stops.
Practical Tips
– Plan departure times: Leave just before their usual nap or bedtime. Bonus points if you can push their bedtime by an hour or two to ensure the best car sleeping.
– Consider meal times: A full belly often leads to a snooze.
– Create a calming environment: For us, this means an audio book on the radio and their favorite pillows. For you, it might look like their sound machine or a favorite blanket. You’re a great parent, you know what’s most likely to help them drift off.
2. Little Toy Boxes
As a parent, there is nothing quite as good as the sound of my kids playing nicely together. The key to making that happen in the car is bringing a box of toys they already love mixed with some new toys that they’ve never seen before. I tailor each box to include a mix of toys that my kids currently adore. At this age, that’s lots of monster trucks, tractors and paw patrol characters, duh!
Why Toy Boxes?
– Personalized fun: Keeping them engaged is much easier with their favorites.
– Independent play: I get a little peace while they enjoy their own imaginative worlds.
– Portable: Everything fits neatly in one box, making it easy to grab and go.
Practical Tips
– Choose a sturdy container with a lid: A small tote or a large tupperware are great for this. Trust me on this, you want it to have a lid or you’ll be finding toys all over the car forever.
– Mix it up: Include a variety of toys to keep things fresh and exciting.
– Include some new items: This is a trick I figured out this year. Mixing some new little toys in with the ones they already have will amplify the fun and the time spent playing.
3. Portable Snack Station
Let’s be real—snacks can be the difference between a harmonious road trip and a meltdown. I know you don’t need me to tell you that hungry kids are crabby kids! Now, I probably go overboard on car snacks. I love including some treats that we don’t normally keep on hand. On our last trip, I packed carrot sticks, granola bars, beef sticks and our special treat was Cheetos.
Why a Snack Station?
– Convenient: Fewer stops and less mess (… well maybe not the Cheetos).
– Healthy choices: I can make sure we’re getting some nutritious snacks mixed in with our fun foods.
– Empowers children: They love choosing their own snacks!
Practical Tips
– Select a container: Multi-compartment snack boxes work like a charm for a shorter trip. For a long trip, I throw them all in a tote bag and let the kids dig through the bag.
– Pack a variety: Everything get the parent approval check, so make sure you’re picking items you’re ok with them eating as they like.
– Keep it accessible: Ensure it’s easy for them to reach.
4. Road Trip Bingo
Road Trip Bingo is something we used to play when I was growing up. My kids are just getting old enough to start playing this on our road trips too. It’s really great because it adds a fun twist to the journey.
Why Bingo?
– Engaging: It encourages them to observe their surroundings.
– Customizable: Tailor it to your route for added fun.
– Interactive: It’s a great way for siblings to bond over who spots what first! Honestly, a little friendly game competition in the car will cut down on the arguing (in my opinion).
Practical Tips
– Print bingo cards: templates are easy to find on Pinterest.
– Provide markers: Stickers work beautifully and you can find removable stickers if you’re worried about stickers in the car.
– Offer incentives: A small prize for completing a card keeps motivation high.
(Winner gets to pick a snack at the next stop!)
5. Digital Device Management
I know, I know—screen time can be a contentious topic, but let’s be real. Sometimes, a little screen time is necessary and on road trips are exactly that time. I love the PBS apps. Their games app allows you to download games to play offline and their video app includes full episodes and movies.
Why Manage Devices Ahead of Time?
– Versatile entertainment: From games to movies, a tablet covers all bases but only if you prepare them ahead of time.
– Parental controls: I can keep things age-appropriate.
– Offline access: Be ready for no wifi or signal.
Practical Tips
– Download content: Load it up before you leave.
– Use headphones: This keeps the car environment calm and quiet.
– Bring a Backup Battery: trust me on this.
6. Stock Up on Essentials at Dollar Stores
In our house, before a trip, Grandma always stops by with treasures from the dollar store. They are full of kid-friendly items that are perfect for road trips. Last time she even showed up with light up pirate masks and a monster sticker book (big hits with my boys).
Why the Dollar Store?
– Budget-friendly: You can stock up without spending a fortune.
– Variety: Find unique items that keep kids entertained.
– Convenience: Easy to grab essentials right before your trip.
Practical Tips
– Get creative: Look for items that can be used in games or activities.
– Stock up: Don’t forget the wipes, mini trash bags and other car essentials while you’re there.
Conclusion
Taking road trips with kids doesn’t have to be a nightmare. With the right tools and a little prep, you can turn family road trips into delightful adventures. From timing your trip for sleep to individual toy boxes, portable snack stations, engaging games like bingo, and managing digital devices, each tool plays a crucial role in making your journey smoother.
What are your favorite road trip tools? Have you tried any of these, and what worked for you? I’d love to hear your stories and tips!
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