Surviving (and Enjoying!) Long Car Rides with Kids
A long car ride with kids can feel like an epic adventure—or a test of patience. But with a little planning, the right mindset, and some tried-and-true hacks, road trips can be an enjoyable experience for the whole family. We asked our followers for their best tips, and they delivered! Here’s what they had to say, plus a few extra ideas to make your next trip a smooth ride.
1. Enjoy the Journey, Not Just the Destination
One of the best pieces of advice? Slow down and take in the sights! If time allows, make a point to explore roadside attractions, scenic stops, and local gems along the way. Some of the best travel memories come from unexpected detours!
2. Plan for Bathroom Breaks (Before It’s an Emergency!)
Stop every 2-3 hours to stretch, grab a snack, and most importantly—hit the restroom. If you’ve got a potty-training toddler, bringing a travel potty can be a game-changer. No more desperate searches for a gas station bathroom! (Extra tip: bring plastic bags to line the travel potty to make clean up faster and easier. Or you can try adding an open diaper to the bottom of the the potty.)
3. Prepare for Motion Sickness
If anyone in your family is prone to car sickness, plan ahead:
🚗 Try Sea Bands. (We know parents that SWEAR by these!)
🚗 Give Dramamine about 30 minutes before the trip.
🚗 Keep gallon-sized Ziploc bags handy—if someone does get sick, you can quickly seal away the mess and the smell.
🚗 Encourage kids to look out the window instead of focusing on screens or books to help prevent nausea. (Or see if the tablet has a motion sickness setting!)
4. Snacks & Drinks: The Road Trip MVPs
Nothing derails a road trip faster than a “hangry” meltdown. Pack a mix of easy-to-eat snacks, like:
🍏 Pre-cut fruits & veggies
🧀 String cheese
🍪 Granola bars
🥨 Pretzels & crackers
Also, don’t forget plenty of water—but not so much that you’re stopping every 20 minutes!
5. Entertainment is Everything
Long hours in the car can be tough for kids, so be sure to have a variety of entertainment options:
🎧 Audiobooks & Podcasts – Great for keeping the whole family engaged without screens.
📺 Movies & Streaming – If you’ve got a Firestick or tablet, download a few favorites before you go.
🎲 Games & Activities – Road trip bingo, word searches, and coloring books are great for passing the time.
🧩 Travel-Friendly Toys – Small toys that only come out on road trips (like mini Magna-Tiles) can keep kids entertained longer.
🎨 Rock Painting Kits – A fun way to pass time at rest stops or picnic areas!
6. Keep the Parents Sane, Too
Let’s be honest—keeping kids happy is only half the battle. Parents need fuel, too! Caffeine (whether it’s coffee, tea, or soda) can be a lifesaver for those long stretches. And if you’re sharing driving duties, make sure everyone gets a break to rest.
7. Be Flexible & Have Fun
At the end of the day, road trips are about making memories. If you can, take your time and enjoy the little moments—whether it’s an unexpected roadside diner, a quirky roadside attraction, or just singing along to your favorite playlist.
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