Road Trips with Kids!

Since having our kids, we have still ventured out on {driving} vacations! One of the things I love to know (and I’m sure that other parents want to know also!) is how to pass the time with kids when driving or traveling somewhere (whether it’s a few hours or a few day trip!) I again appealed to fellow parents on Facebook for tips and tricks on how to keep little hands occupied!

First and foremost, these are all real ideas from real parents! Second (and my biggest piece of advice) is to lower expectations for any vacation you take! Enjoy the time to make memories with your kids and enjoying wherever you go! One of our favorite things to do with our two boys (ages 1 and 3) are to spend time at the beach or just relaxing with nowhere to rush off to. They will enjoy being able to just spend time with you with no real distractions!

Stuff to Do
Watch new movies or shows
Color, draw pictures, or read
Play travel games
Engage in fun road games
I-Spy
License plate spotting
Rock, Paper, Scissors
Spelling Bee
Family Storytelling
The Banana Game (spotting yellow cars, trucks, buses, vehicles!)
Slug Bug, Punch Bug, whatever you call it! (I don’t recommend this if tensions are high! haha)

Night time cold meds (doctor says it helps open airways when flying & they fall asleep! Just a small amount about 20 minutes before boarding!) 

(Thanks, Melissa!)

Benadryl (oh my! haha) (Thanks, Charissa!)

When traveling, bend the parenting rules a bit. “That might involve letting my toddler watch Sesame Street music videos for HOURS straight, or letting him eat tons of junk food, or anything else, really!”

(Thanks, Becky!)

Don’t be afraid to break from the routine or your schedule (for the sake of adventure & memories!) (Thanks, Kelly!)

Prepare a travel bag! Let each child put any toys, books, games, etc. in their bag before leaving and then give them some time to discover the bag throughout the trip! (Thanks, Angie!)

Nursing! “The power of the boob!” (Thanks, Caitlin!)

Don’t overplan & arrange schedules some days around one naps! (Thanks, Ashley!)

Tote along a portable potty seat and grocery bags/paper towels for those emergency bathroom stops!
(Thanks, Tanya!)

my son gets car sick, so we always have tylenol, water, and healthy snacks to make our many road trips go smooth. apples and pbj and lifesavers!

(Thanks, Jen!)

Consider leaving near naptime or bedtime (if mom & dad can stay awake!) Kiddos may be more likely to sleep through most of the drive or trip!

Thanks, Shannon, Jessie, Kelly, Tanya, Charissa, Sherry, Ashley, Melissa, Becky, Caitlin, Holly, Bethany, Amanda, Angela, Jen, and momma & poppy!

Do you have any special ways to pass the time while traveling?