Unraveling the Secrets to Enjoyable Road Trips with Kids: A Mom’s Guide
Let me tell you a little something about road trips with kids. They can be both breathtaking and hair-raising—often at the same time. Am I right?!
If you’re nodding your head right now, or you’re shaking your head because you’re “too scared” to take a long road trip with your kiddos, I see you.
I like to think of my little family as a pod of adventure and thrill-seekers—and we are! Our kids love going on the next adventure, and yes, we do go on a ton of camping and road trips. But let's be honest: Calling it an "adventure" sometimes just means nobody threw up in the car seat.
Start with the Right Mindset
Approaching a road trip with kids as an adventure (code for "controlled chaos") can make all the difference. Here's how you can shift your perspective and somewhat maintain your sanity:
Expect the Unexpected: Like surprise bathroom breaks that just have to happen right after you pass the last rest stop for miles.
Keep a Positive Attitude: They say kids will often mirror your emotions. This means if you can fake enjoyment well enough, they might just buy it.
Pack Like a Pro
Packing for a road trip with kids is like preparing for an expedition to Mount Everest—only slightly less freezing and with more pee breaks:
Snacks, Snacks, and More Snacks: Keep hunger at bay with a variety of snacks. Remember, a quietly munching child is a piece of heaven on wheels.
I love this soft-top cooler from RTIC for all of our road trip snacks.
Entertainment Options: Variety is the spice of life and the savior of road trips. Audiobooks, playlists, and surprise toys are your best friends.
Comfort Items: Because nothing says "naptime," like their favorite blankie and the gentle hum of the highway.
Plan Your Stops
Because everyone needs to stretch their legs, and you need to ensure the car remains a no-scream zone:
Scenic Stops: Pick spots where you can pretend to appreciate nature while the kids run around like headless chickens.
Playgrounds and Parks: Essential for when everyone starts to get cranky, and you need a break from being the on-call entertainment. Parks and playgrounds are great places to stop and have a meal, killing two birds with one stone!
Engage Your Kids
If you can't beat them, join them—or better yet, make them think they’re in charge:
Let Them Choose: Give them two carefully pre-selected choices that don’t make much of a difference but make them feel like budding travel bloggers.
Educational Opportunities: Road trips are perfect for impromptu geography lessons and "I Spy" games that miraculously last longer than five minutes.
Download a Book for the Family: A road trip is a great time to listen to an audiobook as a family! Whether it be the Harry Potter series or something similar, take the opportunity to listen to something as a family! We like Audible for audiobooks.
Plan for Yourself
If you’re anything like me, then you probably start to get itchy after too much time in the car. Plan some interesting time-killing activities for yourself too!
Get a Good Book: While it’s super hard to read a physical book, or listen to a full podcast at home I find that I can read as a passenger on the road! It’s literally the only time the kids are strapped in, and preoccupied with something long enough for me to dig into something.
Visit the Womanhood Unwrapped Amazon Store for my favorite books right now.
Download Your Favorite Podcast: Whether you listen with your partner over the car speaker while the kids are plugged in or pop in the headphones, take advantage of the listening time.
Safety First
Because the only thing more terrifying than a bored child is a trip to the ER:
Regular Checks: Make sure your car doesn’t decide to give up in the middle of nowhere.
Emergency Kit: Pack like you’re a one-woman mobile hospital. You’ll thank yourself later. We like this Roadside Emergency Kit on Amazon.
Pack Gloves, Warm Hats, and Chains: If you think you’ll be in any area where there might be a chance of snow, make sure you’re prepared for an unexpected stop in snow or ice.
Create Lasting Memories
Remember, road trips are the perfect way to make memories (and occasionally, test your patience). So, take tons of pictures, laugh off the mishaps, and gather tales to tell at family gatherings.
Every family’s road trip adventure is unique, but with a dash of preparation and a good dose of humor, you’re set to make this one epic—or at least, story-worthy. So buckle up, hit play on that family playlist, and embrace the chaos of the open road!
