Surviving a roadtrip with kids: how to keep them busy and happy on the road
7 easy steps
to use on your next family roadtrip
It is finally time for vacation but you are terrified rather than excited. I totally get it, I have been there many times. The idea of being in a small space with the kids unable to move is nerve racking. But something amazing happened on our last roadtrip and I might have cracked the code of peaceful family trips on the road. Below you will find exactly what I did, so feel free to use the same strategy for your next family roadtrip.
I broke up the trip in steps, and seeing it that way makes it a lot more manageable.
Before departure
Timing of the departure time can impact how easy the trip will be. We like leaving after lunch or early evening (both timings ensure that kids will sleep at some point).
One important thing before you get in the car, if you think your child will sleep, make sure you have a full tank and all used the restroom before that time, you don’t want to stop and risk waking your child up!
Step 1
Departure. Don’t give your kids anything to play with. Give them time to observation and discussion. I used to immediately give activities to my kids, to avoid the “ I am bored, when are we there” during the first 30 minutes of the trip. So now we all look around and adjust to our new environment. It usually lasts for 30 minutes or so.
Step 2.
Turn on the music. Puts everyone in a good mood. I always start with parents’ favorites, and then we switch to the kids’ favorites. This can last up to 45 minutes or more!
Step 3.
Storytime. We love the “silly stories for kids” from Spotify. It kept our kids busy one entire hour (and they would not stop but I needed to). There are also wonderful podcasts for kids you could download prior to the trip. Think about meditation and breathing exercises, with a bit of luck that might even put the kids to sleep for a little while.
Step 4.
Time to offer new activities. Sticker books, activity books, magnetic games, suction toys…you will find all my favorite activities HERE.
Step 5.
Play a family game. We love to play all sorts of guessing game, there are also some great family roadtirp card games (listed in this list)
Step 6.
Let’s do some craft! Yes you can do that in the car, especially origami or Brazilian bracelets. I especially love the creative kits from Janod.
Step 7.
Screen time. It took me 3 kids to allow screens in the car. Don’t make the same mistake and save yourself stress. I have survived tens of roadtrips without screens but with screams. And let me tell you, the fight is NOT worth it. Pick your battle they say, well that one is clearly a useless one.
Why? Because letting your child watch a cartoon or play on an app during a roadtrip will NOT ruin your education principles. It is a very special time in a very special place. You can make it clear ahead of time, and they will be no bad repercussion afterwards I can promise you. Download a couple of cartoons ahead of time, or look into educative apps as well.
Psst: on our 4h roadtrip we did not need any screens, we just used the first 4 steps.
Plan your trip
Now that you know how to keep the kids busy and happy on the road, let’s explore ! Let me help you find your next destination via my family travel planning service
