Whether you’re planning a vacation or a staycation, kids and road trips don’t always go hand in hand! Here are some tips to make your road trip a success:

Top 6 Tips For A Road Trip With Kids

1: Snacks

We all like to snack when we’re bored! Kids are no different. Make sure you pack some snacks to keep your kids satisfied and occupied. When my kids were little, I used to give them a small apple or a banana – it took them forever to eat and it was relatively mess-free, healthy, and filling!

2. Nap Time

Schedule in Sleeps – tired kids are cranky kids. So make sure you don’t miss out on their regular nap times. As it's not easy to sleep with the sun shining on you, maybe try some window sun shades to create a more soothing ambiance and to minimize overstimulation.

3. Plan to Stop...Frequently

Want to reduce the chance of meltdowns? Make stops en route so your kids can stretch their legs, use the bathroom, and have a change of scenery!

Try to make time for them to have a little run around. No space to run? No problem, do a jumping jacks competition! Anything to get the wiggles out! It'll break up the journey and release their energy before the next burst of driving!

4. Entertainment

Sure, they can sit and watch a movie or play a game on a smart tablet, but you probably wouldn’t want them doing that for a prolonged period. So find some toys that are great for traveling but will also provide mental stimulation!

It's also worth investing in a car seat table so they can access their toys and snacks!

5. Timing

Imagine going on a trip with no sense of time or distance. That's basically how it feels for younger kiddos. They don't really understand whether they've been sitting in the car for 15 minutes or 3 hours. Hence the frequent cries of ARE WE THERE YET?

Help them understand (and minimize the nagging) by providing them with a visual indicator of distance or time (based on their ability/age) until the next stop or until your destination.

6. Map It

Maybe before you leave for your trip, sit together and draw a map of where you're going. Put some landmarks on the route and mark the stops! Give them colored stickers or pens and let them know when you're passing the landmark. They can then place the sticker on the map/color in and it'll help visualize where they are now relative to where they're going!

Skoolzy's Best Toys for Road Trips!