Taking a road trip with kids can be a cost-effective way to get from A to B, but it can also be a nightmare on wheels if you don’t play your cards right. Long drives can make youngsters understandably antsy, and if they’re cranky, everyone’s cranky. The trick is to plan ahead for all sorts of contingencies, and not be in such a rush to get where you’re going. Make plenty of pit stops to let the little ones let off some steam or you’ll be fueling a miles-long whine-fest. Here are 11 tips for taking a road trip with kids while maintaining your sanity.
1. Lean on a DVD Player
If your vehicle doesn’t have a DVD player, you might want to invest in a portable one before a long road trip with children. You can bring along a few family friendly movies that will keep the kids content as you drive the miles. Road trips are definitely one of those times where the screen makes for a convenient babysitter. Sure, they’ll be zombies missing the view, but it’ll help prevent some backseat bickering.
2. Use Digital Devices – With Headphones!
If you are traveling with several kids who all have their own ideas about entertainment, you might want to make sure each brings their own digital device to keep them occupied on the journey. One kid might love listening to music while another enjoys playing video games. If they’re tuning out with headphones on, you might be able to drive in peace, or even rock out to your own tunes instead of insipid kiddie tunes. While a vacation is a great time to disconnect from gadgets, consider allowing some use in the car just to help pass the time.
3. Try Audio Books
If you prefer a more wholesome experience that the family can share, bring along some gripping audio books for the journey. Today’s visual generation might need a few minutes to adjust the concept of listening, but they’ll soon be absorbed into the story and be swept away beyond the confines of the car. You can buy audio books online or simply borrow some from your local library. You’ll find that listening to stories is far more entertaining than just radio music.
4. Bring a Lap Desk
Lap desks (or even a cookie sheet) allow kids to draw or work on projects easily in their seats. Kids can even set their snacks on these desks or their hand-held games. You can pack along play-dough, coloring books, MadLibs, puzzles or even Legos for your kids to focus on as you travel down the road. The lip on the cookie sheet should keep the little pieces from rolling off, plus it’s magnetic. Bring out new distractions every now and then to keep things fresh.
5. Set a Kid-Friendly Travel Itinerary
Be sure to map your trek so that it includes plenty of stops for bathroom breaks, road-side runarounds and scenic views. Every two to three hours you should plan to pull over, even if you’re anxious to stick to your driving schedule. Kids don’t tolerate being cooped up for long, physically or mentally, so these strategic breaks can make all the difference between a fun road trip or miserable memories. Stop for meals or to kick a ball in a park in order to let everyone stretch, get some fresh air and ease the monotony of the drive.
6. Pack Plenty of Road Snacks
Everybody tends to feel cranky when they get bored and hungry. Be sure to pack a range of snacks for your kids to enjoy during the trip. You’ll want to avoid messy treats or sugary snacks that can cause them to get hyper and have trouble sitting still. Instead, choose healthy nibbles that will stave off hunger and keep them from whining for food. Think granola bars, carrot sticks, cheese and crackers and easy-to-eat fruit – nothing that might spill or cause them to choke.
7. Bring a Friend Along
You might think adding another body to the trip is asking for more trouble, but it can be an asset – especially for only children or families with large age-gaps. Allowing your child to bring a friend can add a lot of fun to a family vacation. When a kid has a buddy or a cousin along, they’ll rely less on Mom and Dad to keep them entertained. That’s a win-win.
8. Don’t Forget the Classic Road Games
They’re oldies but goodies, and can help pass the time in a pinch. I Spy, 20 Questions, Spelling Bee, Group Story Telling (each person tells the next line), Grocery Game (make and memorize a list taking turns starting with A, B, C…), Road Scavenger Hunt (spot a fire truck, red sports car, VW bug etc…), License Plate Hunt (each child has to spot certain states), 99 Bottles and more. Here are 101 road games to brush up on before you go.
9. Keep Them Comfy
Pillows and blankets can make life in the backseat pretty cozy. Be sure to dress your kids in appropriate layers so they can adjust if they get too cold or hot. Consider some sort of window shade if the sun will be beaming in on them for hours. Easy slip off shoes will make them more comfortable on a long trip. Put them in pajamas if it makes things more comfy. Don’t over-stuff the car so the kids aren’t any more cramped than they need to be.
10. Plan Fun Side Trips
When taking a road trip with kids, make the journey part of the fun. Try to infuse your itinerary with little travel stops where you visit landmarks or kid-friendly venues. Take an hour out of your drive for go-carting or play a round of miniature golf. Sure, it might take you a little longer to reach your destination, but these little breaks can actually enhance your family vacation. Cater to those little attention spans, and you’ll all benefit.
11. Be Prepared for Car Sickness
Car sickness is a reality of the road for some traveling families. Children between the ages of 2 and 12 are particularly susceptible. It’s best to think ahead and be prepared rather than get caught off-guard during a wave of nausea. Have an ice cream pail or coffee can on hand in case you can’t pull over safely during an episode. Go easy on the liquids, especially milk, before a road trip if you know your kid is prone to car motion sickness. Have your child stare at the horizon rather than the side of the road. Have them take a doctor-approved medication 30 minutes before you embark, if this is an anticipated problem. Having a change of clothes and some wet wipes handy can help you deal with aftermath.
