Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means that if you click on it and purchase the product, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please know that I only link to items I truly believe in. Kindly read my full disclosure policy for more information.
Inside: Road trips with toddlers (or small children in general) can be stressful. Find actionable tips to make long drives more enjoyable for them and everyone else!
Expeditions with your little ones can be an enjoyable family experience. And what better way to relish it than to take long road trips?
Whether you visit loved ones, explore new places together, or spend some excellent quality time together as a family going somewhere new, long road trips can be so much fun!
However, traveling with toddlers on a long road trip can seem like a nightmare. Not only are you all stuck packed in your car, but toddlers’ idea of patience is nearly nonexistent.
For that reason, you wonder if you should even travel as a family or stay home.
“When you travel with your children, you are giving them something that can never be taken away – experience, exposure, and a way of life.“
~Pamela T. Chandler
- Firstly, let’s dive into the frequently asked questions about long road trips with toddlers.
- Here are 7 of my best tips on how to make long road trips fun for your toddlers:
- Final Thoughts on How to Make Long Road Trips Fun for your Toddlers
- Do you have any ways to make long road trips fun for your toddlers?
Nevertheless, taking long road trips with toddlers doesn’t have to be a headache, nor should you have to cancel your road trip plans altogether just because of your little ones.
Firstly, let’s dive into the frequently asked questions about long road trips with toddlers.
What should you take on long road trips with toddlers?
Always remember that fun comes after comfort and safety. So, make sure you pack all your toddlers’ essentials in their diaper bags. This includes, but is not limited to, the following:
- Underwear or diapers (or trainers)
- Pee bottle or potty chair
- Wipes
- Changing pad
- Hand sanitizer or antibacterial hand wipes
- Tissue or boogie wipes
- Drinks and a sippy cup
- Bibs
- Change of clothes
- Hat/cap (weather-dependent)
- Umbrella
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellant (weather-dependent)
- Travel neck pillows
- Wet bag
- Toddler busy bag
- First aid kit
What is the best time to leave for a long drive with your toddlers?
I suggest you leave early in the morning if you plan to have a long journey with your little ones. This way, they can sleep through the drive while you enjoy a few hours of peace.
On top of that, studies have also shown that the safest time to drive in the US is between 3:00 and 5:59 in the morning, with the safest day on Tuesdays.
Here are 7 of my best tips on how to make long road trips fun for your toddlers:
1. Bring New and Old Books to Entertain Your Toddlers
Consider bringing some of your kids’ favorite board books for long road trips. By bringing books you know they like, you can be 90% positive that they will likely interact with them during the expedition.
Bring along a handful of new books too! A few new book options will ensure your kids won’t get bored.
This is because books with bright, colorful visual images can appeal to your toddlers. Thus, keeping them occupied.
2. Take something to munch on with you
Having plenty of delectable snack options is another essential for having fun long road trips with your toddlers.
What child doesn’t love snack time, right?!
In that case, try to bring snacks that won’t make a complete mess in your car. It would be best to think of something that won’t spill everywhere. And yes, you can pack as many as you can afford. Absolutely!
Some snack ideas for long road trips include:
- Crackers
- Cereal
- Granola bars
- Applesauce pouches
- Banana chips
- Pretzels
- Trail mix
- Jerky
- Cookies
- Fruit snacks
As you can see, all of these snacks are relatively portable and aren’t too messy. Yet, they’re still delicious snack options that your toddlers will surely love on your road trip. Besides, these won’t need any refrigeration.
3. Schedule In Time for Short Stops to Move Around
Many car seat manufacturers recommend you stop every two hours to guarantee your child’s safety. So make sure you schedule in time to take short stops into your road trip plans.
Plus, there’s no denying that your little ones will get antsy, especially if you take a lengthy drive.
So while ensuring your toddlers’ safety is the top priority, stopping periodically for them to move around, go to the bathroom, and take a little break from driving will allow them to get some energy out.
These little stops will also give your kids something to look forward to and make the trip appear shorter for everyone.
4. Play Road Trip Games to Get the Whole Family Involved
Although the open road may seem tedious, there are so many fun and exciting games you can play with your toddlers and get the whole family involved!
Some great road trip activities you can do with your kids are:
- I Spy – Play this classic game where someone can choose something in the car or out on the road, and the first person to guess what someone picks wins.
- The License Plate Game – This game is excellent for your kids to learn about different states. Everyone calls out different states from license plates they see. The one who sees the most states wins.
- Name The Song – Play a song on the radio, and the first person to guess the song’s title wins!
- The Alphabet Game – As you pass different road signs, call out each letter a word starts with (starting with A) and continue to call out words starting with a particular letter until you get to Z.
Each game is fun and allows your kids to learn and express their creativity. Whether they’re practicing the alphabet or learning about the names of different states, this will keep your toddlers entertained.
Related article about toddlers: How to Handle Toddler Temper Tantrums: 5+ Tips to Restore Peace
5. Turn On Some Kid-Friendly Tunes
If you don’t mind the car getting a bit noisy, playing your kids’ favorite tunes can be a super fun way to get your kids involved and enjoying themselves, even if you’re driving far away.
It can also be a fantastic way to sing along and jam out to their favorite songs.
6. Bring Interactive Toys and Activities for Your Kids to Express Their Creativity
Another terrific way for your kids to have fun, even on a long road trip, is to allow them to express their creativity with some interactive toys and activities.
Consider bringing the following toys and activities for a fun-filled road trip with your little ones:
- Whiteboards for some fun time drawing! Whiteboards provide a straightforward way to both draw and play a fun game. For instance, you could try asking your kids to write a letter on the whiteboard, and you would take a guess of what they wrote. Or you could draw something on the whiteboard and let your toddler guess what you drew.
- Another fun interactive activity to keep your toddlers busy is coloring books. Coloring is simple but fun for toddlers to show off their artistic side and coloring skills. There are so many fun coloring books for endless amounts of fun for your little one.
- You can also bring a Leapfrog battery-operated book that will teach your child 100 words while you drive.
There are so many fun and easy educational ways for your toddlers to have fun. The ones above are only a few suggestions.
Related article about toddlers: Daily Toddler Routine [Free Sample Schedule Included]
7. Use Limited Technology or Screen Time
Finally, if all else fails, consider giving your child limited screen time to keep them entertained during your long road trip.
Although there are many fun ways to grow your child’s creative side outside of tech, turning on a movie or TV show can be a convenient way for your toddler to focus and relax.
Therefore, if your toddler has a favorite movie or tv series, consider bringing a tablet or gadget and downloading that movie or some episodes so your child can watch it on the road.
Final Thoughts on How to Make Long Road Trips Fun for your Toddlers
In conclusion, road trips don’t have to be a stressful experience for you or your toddlers. There are several ways to make them fun and entertaining for everyone.
To recap, here are seven of them you can take note of:
- Don’t forget to bring old and new books to entertain your toddlers.
- Always take something to munch on with you.
- Schedule in time for short stops to move around.
- Play road trip games to get the whole family involved.
- Turn on some kid-friendly tunes.
- Bring interactive toys and activities for your kids to express their creativity.
- When all else fails, use limited technology or screen time.
I guess that’s it for now, Mama. Enjoy the ride with your little ones; remember that you got this!
Talk to you soon,
Do you have any ways to make long road trips fun for your toddlers?
Go ahead and tell me what worked best for you. You can either leave them in the comment section below or email me if that’s how you roll! Thank you!
Leave a Reply