Reader Tips for Roadtrips with Littles
Reader roundup! Tips from moms for moms! I’ve shared some of our best roadtrip tips on Instagram and invited readers to do the same. Here’s the best of the best!
“Sticker by letter/sticker by number books for kids 5 and up. No mess and takes up time. Highlights magazine activity books (on Amazon) road trip scavenger hunt cards. Folding scooters (if you have space) to burn energy at rest stops!” – @Imlenn
” Just the reminder that you don’t have to make a happy kid happier, ride out entertainment as long as possible before you offer to try to provide something else!” – @jessicafwlr
“Sticky notes on the window labeled for each hour and what you’ll do in that hour ( tv, draw, etc.)” – @becca_rak
“Drive at night so the kids can sleep!” – @grace_holloway_
“Chick-fil-A is another solid stop for clean bathrooms!” – @emily_loveady_
“iPad holder that easily attaches/detaches from front headrest and Bluetooth!” – @mrsking1811
“Just go like you said, I also pack a toy bag and a snack bag. Make it their cozy back seat!” – @maristers
“A dirty clothes bag or hamper-right in the wash when you get home!” – @sydney.m.solomon
“Audio books. Train them young so they love them!” – @jandjhall
“ALWAYS STOP OVER NIGHT! Snacks. Snacks. Screens!” – @shoprenalina
“Special snacks only for roadtrips and a reserve treat for the last stretch when they get restless!” – @carolinebwilson
“Pack different bags with the SAME types of things to do. Same = no fights!” – @sweethomeswett
“Keep a child’s potty in the car! Line it with plastic bag and throw away!” – @ashleynoelle_13
“Disposable waterproof potty seat covers for the kids to use at bathroom stops!” – @kendallmdenham
“iPads, mom sitting in back, lots of snacks, lollipops, stickers and gum for the older kids!” – @carolinehuband
“Lower your expectations then lower them again. Everything will go smother than you think!” – @marilyndclark
“Bring a kids potty for the car!” – @magpeachpie
“Anytime my kids are fussing in the car… Baby Tambourines save the day!” – @juliaashleyeast
“Check for parks/playgrounds along the route in Google maps. Stop there for picnic and play!” – @inprather
“We checkout Vox books at the public library and use our headphones!” – @gmdsears
“”All snacks prepackaged or pre bagged for easy grab and go! Label gallon bags and sort snacks so each child has their own choice-no one is mad!” – @erinkmason
“The grabber to hand things back! Rotating who picks the next song. Snacks and activities!” – @elise.lake
“Wrap small trinkets in wrapping paper for kids to unwrap and play with. Stickers & notebook!” – @ashley_gernon
When it comes to roadtripping we’ve got some hours logged! With three girls in tow these days, preperation is the name of the game! A few things we’ve been loving….
- Rest stops. Florida has some really nice rest stops (and some really weird ones… trust your gut here!) and we’ve started taking advantage of their picnic areas, quiet restroom stops and breaks to stretch and get our wiggles out! I much prefer packing snacks or lunch and stopping here over visiting a crowded gas station! Also love that there’s security which makes me feel a bit better when traveling alone.
- DVD players and our library cards have been our saving grace! We’ve had a lot of fun checking out DVD’s during our weekly library trips and enjoying them in the car! Bonus points for the educational ones! Homeschooling on the go! 😉
- Mad libs for the best laughs! I’ve never heard my kids laugh as hard! On the hunt for other fun family games we can take along with us!
- Keep kids car blankets and essentials like games, bottled water, backup clothes, diapers, etc in a tote in your trunk! You’ll always be prepared for a roadtrip emergency.
- We aren’t an ipad family so we spend a bit more $$$ on activities! Fresh coloring books, magnetic activities, doodle boards and tiny trinkets (even if they’re from the target dollar spot!) are so much fun. The girls love anything new so I’m always on the hunt for on-the-go activities on sale. I stock up throughout the year and always have something fun to pull out.
- Two of everything. Roadtripping is stressful enough so the less we have to share, the better! 😉
- Grab a case of water before you hit the road! You’ll save approximately one million dollars on gas station water bottles!
