“Are we there yet?” Just the mention of that phrase can be enough to strike dread in the heart of any parent who has had to travel more than a few miles with kids in tow, right? So you could be forgiven for thinking that a road trip with your kids is a really bad idea because they are not exactly known for their patience of ability to sit nicely in the car for any length of time,
The thing is, road trips can create some of the best family memories if you do them right, so instead of discounting them completely, you just need to know how to do a successful road trip with kids, and below, I have some tips to help you with that.
Plan your route carefully
A successful road trip starts with realistic planning. While it may be tempting to cover huge distances each day, children often cope better with shorter driving periods and regular breaks. Look for interesting places to stop along the route, such as:
- Parks
- Playgrounds
- Scenic viewpoints
- Family attractions
- Picnic areas
Breaking up long drives helps everyone stay happier and more comfortable. Remember that travel days are part of the holiday too, not simply obstacles to overcome.
Pack plenty of snacks
Kids (and adults too, if we’re honest) get restless and cranky when they are hungry, so if you want your road trip to go off without a hitch, you are going to want to make sure you bring along more snacks than you think you could all possibly eat because eat them you will.
Healthy options liek crackers, fruit, and granola bars are all good because you’ll probably be eating out a lot at roadside diners, so having some healthy snacks in the car will help you to keep the balance.
Bring entertainment
Keeping children occupied during long drives is essential. Depending on their age, entertainment options might include:
- Audiobooks
- Travel games
- Coloring books
- Tablets
- Music playlists
- Puzzle books
- Card games
Mixing different activities throughout the journey helps prevent boredom and keeps the trip feeling fresh. Audiobooks can be particularly effective because the whole family can enjoy the story together.
Schedule regular breaks
Kids need opportunities to move around, so it is a good idea to stop every couple of hours so you can all stretch your legs, use the restroom ad let the kids burn off some energy. This will make it more likely they’ll behave and have fun in the car instead of throwing a tantrum, and stopping more often will allow you to explore more of the places you are visiting or driving through, too.
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Choose family-friendly accommodation
Where you stay can have a big impact on the overall experience. Many families enjoy stopping at hotels, cabins, or an RV park during longer trips because these options often provide extra space and opportunities for children to play and explore. RV parks can be particularly appealing for families traveling in motorhomes or caravans, offering convenient facilities and a chance to meet other travelers. Having somewhere comfortable to relax after a long day on the road makes a huge difference.
Here’s to a fun family road trip!
Last Updated on May 29, 2026
