10 tips to keep your kids entertained (and sane!) on a road trip

10 tips to keep your kids entertained (and sane!) on a road trip

Are you getting ready to take a long road trip with your kids? Road trips can be a great way to explore new places, but they can also be a source of stress and anxiety for families. It’s important to plan ahead to make sure your trip is enjoyable for everyone. Here are 10 tips to keep your kids entertained and sane during your upcoming road trip. From healthy snacks to money-saving ideas, these tips will ensure that your trip goes as smoothly as possible!

1) Bring along their favorite toys and books
It’s important to keep your kids entertained during a long car ride, and one of the best ways to do that is by bringing along their favorite toys and books. Let them pick out some of their favorite books from home and store them in a carry-on bag for easy access. Also, think about packing some small toys such as action figures, toy cars, dolls, or stuffed animals that can fit in their carry-on bag. Not only will this provide entertainment during the ride, but it will also help create a pleasant atmosphere for the whole family. Money-saving ideas for families include investing in books and toys that can be used multiple times, so that the whole family can enjoy them over the years.

2) Have regular potty and snack breaks
Long road trips can be grueling, especially for kids. To keep them comfortable and content, plan regular stops for potty and snack breaks. This will help break up the monotony of the journey and provide a sense of familiarity for your kids.
When it comes to snacks, opt for healthier options such as fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds, whole grain crackers, or yogurt cups. Avoid sugary treats like candy, soda and chips, as these can lead to sugar rushes and crashes that make your kids cranky.
In addition to regular snacks, make sure to bring along plenty of water. Staying hydrated is key for keeping your kids happy on the road. You may also want to bring along snacks like granola bars and trail mix that they can easily eat in the car while you drive.
It’s also important to plan ahead for potty breaks. Stock up on wipes, hand sanitizer, and other supplies to keep your kids clean and comfortable. Remember to give them plenty of time to go to the bathroom during each break so they don’t feel rushed.
By planning regular snack and potty breaks on your next road trip, you can help keep your kids entertained and content throughout the entire journey.

3) Play travel games
Road trips can be a great opportunity for family fun and bonding. Instead of letting the kids get bored on the long car ride, why not break up the trip with some exciting travel games? There are so many different travel games out there to choose from, from classic car bingo to scavenger hunts.
Car bingo is a classic game that everyone loves. It’s simple to play, just print out a list of common items you might find on the road and have your kids look for them as you drive along. Whoever spots the most items on their list first, wins! You can also make your own custom bingo cards, which will make it more fun and personal.
Another great game to play while you’re on the road is scavenger hunt. You can easily make up a list of items that your kids can look for along the way. This game encourages your children to use their observation skills and keep an eye out for certain items. It also helps them to stay alert during the journey and can help to pass the time much faster.
Traveling with kids doesn't have to be a boring experience. With some creative thinking and a little bit of planning, you can turn your next road trip into an adventure with some fun and exciting travel games!

4) Bring a portable DVD player
If you're planning a long road trip with your family, one of the best ways to keep the kids entertained is to bring along a portable DVD player. Not only will this help your children pass the time with their favorite movies, it can also give you much needed peace and quiet so that you can focus on driving.
When selecting a portable DVD player, make sure it's lightweight, easy to operate, and has a good battery life. You'll also want to consider the size of the screen, since small screens can be hard for little eyes to view. Choose a DVD player with an adjustable swivel screen that can be viewed from multiple angles.
Make sure to pack plenty of your kids' favorite DVDs and download any films they may not already have. This way, you'll be able to quickly swap out movies and avoid having them become bored with the same film playing over and over again. To make sure all your movies are accessible at once, opt for a DVD player with multiple disc slots.
Finally, don't forget to bring a power source and headphones so that your kids can watch their movies in peace while you focus on driving. With a portable DVD player on hand, your road trip is sure to be stress-free and enjoyable for everyone!

5) Keep them occupied with coloring books and crayons
Coloring books and crayons are always a great way to keep kids entertained on a road trip. They can easily be found in the store and make for an inexpensive but fun activity. Have your kids draw their favorite characters, animals or other things they see out the window. You can also have them color in scenes from the book they’re reading or even make up their own stories. Coloring can help with concentration and focus, which can make long trips more bearable for everyone. Just make sure you have enough crayons for everyone and don’t forget to bring an extra set in case of spills or breakage!

6) Pack healthy snacks
Snacking is inevitable on a long road trip. It's important to provide your children with snacks that are nutritious and filling. To avoid getting hangry and tired, choose snacks that are rich in protein and fiber. Some great options include trail mix, nuts, granola bars, string cheese, fruit, and veggies. You can also pack healthy snacks like hummus, yogurt, and peanut butter sandwiches.
It's also a good idea to bring along some snacks that can be easily prepared in case of an emergency. These could include oatmeal packets, cereal bars, or instant ramen noodles. Don't forget to pack enough water so your kids stay hydrated throughout the journey. With all of these ideas, you're sure to have an enjoyable road trip with your kids.

7) Bring along a cooler for perishable items
If you’re going on a long road trip, you’ll need to make sure that your kids have enough healthy snacks and drinks to keep them going. Keeping perishable items in a cooler is the best way to ensure they stay fresh while you travel. When packing your cooler, keep items that don't need to be refrigerated on the bottom, and place your drinks and perishable items on top. Make sure to pack enough ice or ice packs to keep your food chilled. You can even freeze juice boxes and milk cartons ahead of time, and they’ll help keep the other items cold. Be sure to stock up on healthy snacks like fruits, vegetables, nuts, and yogurt. This will help to make sure your kids are getting enough nutrition on the go.

8) Use reusable storage containers
Using reusable storage containers is a great way to save money and minimize waste while on a road trip. These containers can be used to store snacks, drinks, and other items that your kids may need during the trip. If you want to avoid using disposable plastic bags and cups, reusable storage containers are the way to go. They come in many shapes and sizes and can be used for many different things such as snacks, lunch, or storing items like small toys. The key to making sure these containers are hygienic is to make sure you wash them between uses. You can also use labels to label each container and make it easier to find the items you need. Not only will this help to keep things organized and easy to find, but it will also help you save time as you don’t have to search for things in multiple containers. Reusable storage containers are a great way to make road trips easier and more enjoyable for everyone involved!

9) Stop at rest stops and playgrounds
When traveling with kids, it is always a good idea to plan ahead and factor in regular stops along the way. Taking a break from the car ride can help prevent boredom and restlessness, so look for playgrounds or rest stops with outdoor areas and let your kids get some fresh air.
If you’re driving through a state park or national park, take the time to explore and experience all the sights and sounds that nature has to offer. Use the stop as an opportunity to teach your children about nature and the importance of preserving our environment.
At rest stops, you may also find play areas specifically designed for kids, complete with slides, swings, and interactive structures. These areas can provide a great break from the monotony of the long drive, giving your kids a chance to blow off some steam.
No matter where you end up stopping, make sure to practice safe social distancing protocols and keep your family safe. If you’re not comfortable being around other people, choose playgrounds or rest stops with wide open spaces and plenty of fresh air.

10) Have a backup plan
No matter how well-prepared you are, sometimes things don’t go as planned on a road trip. From traffic jams to cranky kids, it's important to have a backup plan just in case. Before you leave, map out some alternative routes and stops in case you need them. Have a list of nearby attractions that you can visit if the original plans fall through. It's also important to have an emergency fund set aside for unexpected expenses like a flat tire or car repair. Having a contingency plan in place will help make sure your road trip goes as smoothly as possible!