How to Keep Kids Entertained on a Road Trip

Going on a road trip? Find out how you can keep kids entertained and comfortable on road trips!

Road Trips with Kids in Tow

Who’s ready for a road trip? Road trips can be a great way to see new places and have new experiences with your family.

But for kids? Road trips can be long, uncomfortable, and sometimes pretty boring! Once you’re on the open road and there’s not much to look at, kids can get bored quickly.

So how do you keep kids entertained on a road trip?

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Ways to Keep Kids Entertained on Trips

Here are some fun ways to keep kids entertained on a road trip:

• Pack activities. There are a number of activities you can pack to keep kids entertained on a road trip. Some popular options include:
  • Coloring books and crayons or Crayola Color Wonder activity pads
  • Puzzles
  • Books
  • Travel Lego case
  • Games, such as Uno or Go Fish, or these magnetic games that won’t fall all over
  • Origami kits
  • Dry erase markers and erasers for window art (my youngest loves this!)
  • Toys, such as stuffed animals or action figures (bonus points if the stuffed animals could be used as pillows, like this cat body pillow!)

• Play games together. There are a number of games you can play with kids on a road trip. Some popular options include:
  • I Spy: It’s a classic that changes with each round! One person chooses an object and then gives clues for the other players to guess what it is.
  • 20 Questions: Another classic! One person thinks of an object/animal/person and then the other players ask yes or no questions to try to guess what it is.
  • The Alphabet Game: This game is a great way to pass the time and learn about the alphabet. One person starts by saying a word that begins with the letter A. The next person then says a word that begins with the letter B, and so on. Another variation is that each person must say the words that the previous person said along with their new word. (Other variations include the Shopping List Game, Song List Game, etc)

• Create a fun music playlist. Playing fun music is a great way to keep kids entertained and pass the time on a road trip. You can play popular songs, songs from your favorite movies or TV shows, or play a station that has some new tunes to enjoy. Singing along can make it even more interesting!
• Tell stories. Telling stories is another great way to keep kids entertained on a road trip. You can tell stories from your own life, stories from books, or even make up your own stories. Use a Mad Libs book to create some hilarious stories!
• Listen to podcasts. Podcasts like Brains On, Earth Rangers, Wow in the World, Smash Boom Best, or Aaron’s World can both teach and entertain kids.
• Listen to audio books. Find engaging audio books for your kids to listen to on the trip. Adventure and comedy books are sure to keep kids entertained. Try Audible Plus from Amazon!
• Bring along tablets or gaming devices. Older kids will agree with this one, although younger kids would enjoy educational apps on tablets too! Make sure you have charging cables or portable chargers for all devices.

TIP: Use a car seat organizer like this one to keep all of your kids’ items in one easy-to-reach-place!

More Ways to Help Kids Enjoy Road Trips

• Dress in comfy clothes. Uncomfy clothes make uncomfy kids. Loose fitting clothing in comfortable fabrics will help to keep kids from being uncomfortable.
• Make pit stops. If you’re on a long road trip, it’s a good idea to stop every few hours so kids can get out and stretch their legs, use the restroom, and get some fresh air. If there’s space to run around safely, play a game of tag! If you’re traveling with young children, toddlers, or babies, you may also want to consider packing a portable potty or well-stocked diaper bag for potty breaks.
• Pack fun snacks and drinks. It’s not a road trip until you have fun snacks to enjoy! Have everyone bring along their favorites, but try to stick with foods that won’t make a big mess. Also, keep drinks to a minimum unless you want to make lots of pit stops!
• Use motion sickness bands or medicine. We have multiple kiddos who get motion sickness, so we never leave the house without motion sickness medicine like chewable Dramamine or Bonine. (Not interested in the meds? Try the motion sickness bands that can be worn on the wrist.) We also pack a empty bags and a clean up kit in case of emergency.
• Bring lightweight blankets. I like to keep lightweight blankets like these in the car for long trips. Not only do they help kids stay warm, they also act as a comfort item at times. Plus, they can be crumb catchers if snacks are messy. Keep in mind though that the seatbelt goes on first, though!

By following these tips, you can keep kids entertained on a road trip and make the experience more enjoyable for everyone.

Also Read: How to Pack for a Beach Vacation

Ready for Your Road Trip?

Ready to go? I hope you have a fabulous time with your family on your road trip!

Have any other suggestions? Feel free to leave a comment below, and don’t forget to share the post!