top of page

The Ultimate Family Road Trip Guide: 75 Battle-Tested Tips from a Mom of Four

Writer's picture: Kristina LightKristina Light

Daniel Boone Trail in Tennessee
Daniel Boone Trail in Tennessee

Listen up, fellow road warriors! After logging thousands of miles with four kids (my oldest is currently 19, and has been traveling since infancy) in tow, we've learned every trick in the book thanks to much trial and error. Traveling anywhere from 90 minutes away to multiple day/cross-country trips.


The Best Road Trip Tips for Traveling with Kids


Here's everything I wish someone had told me before our first epic family road trip. These aren't just tips – they're sanity savers.



Travel planning map


Road Trip Planning & Preparation


1. Plan drive times around nap schedules for little ones or meal times. On many trips, we've opted to leave super early in the morning knowing our kids will sleep the first few hours (pack as much as you can the night before). We strategize based on the ages of our children. Pack pillows and make it cozy. On the other hand, we opt to stop and sleep at night for drivers rather than going straight through as neither my husband nor I can sleep in a car. It is important to have a rested driver.


2. Don't trust Google Maps Drive Time estimate. Keep in mind that these estimates are based on driving straight through without stops for gasoline, food, and rest. Add 25-50% to your drive time for breaks.



Dignity of Earth and Sky Statue: Interstate 90 Rest Area Above The Missouri River, Chamberlain, South Dakota
Dignity of Earth and Sky Statue: Interstate 90 Rest Area Above The Missouri River, Chamberlain, South Dakota


3. Research rest stops in advance. My husband drives and I research and navigate. In some cases, you can go 10-15 miles further for a nicer rest stop. Thanks to Google Maps you can read cleanliness and safety reviews. Some stops are epic roadside stops. On I-90 in South Dakota, we always stop at the Dignity of Earth and Sky Statue for photo ops and the cleanest restrooms in the state. We often picnic on the road, and sometimes it's nice to eat at a table (I keep a picnic tablecloth in our bag) instead of the car. Some stops have family rooms, playgrounds, or picnic areas. If you are traveling in a rural area, research in advance. Tip: Dignity is on I-90 between exits 263 and 265 at the Chamberlain Welcome Center (mile marker 264.4) in South Dakota.


4. Book hotels with indoor pools for overnight stops. After a long car ride, my girls love burning off energy in hotel pools. Bonus Tip: With young children, they are often happy to eat a sandwich and swim rather than go to an expensive restaurant. Serve the kid's picnic food and pick up a nicer to-go meal for parents at a steakhouse or Chinese restaurant near your hotel. Young children don't mind. Or, split a pizza at the hotel. After long drives, sitting and waiting in restaurants can be hard on kids.


5. Keep a detailed packing list on your computer. Update it after each trip with things you wish you'd brought (or didn't need). We have two annual trips we take as a family and lots of camping trips. I keep all packing lists on my computer and use last year's list as a starting point for each new trip.




Car Organization


6. Give each kid their own "fun bag" for the car. It's their command center for the trip. Have each child pack their favorite books and activities.


7. Check out our list of resources for Car Organization to keep your car clean. Our roundup of favorite car organizers is a real game changer.


8. Buy simple brown lunch sacks at the Dollar Tree and keep them in your car. We use these sacks to split up portions of snacks, keep collections or souvenirs, or trash bags that we can discard at the next gas station.


9. Do a quick clean-up at every stop. Toss garbage in gas station trash cans. Don't let it accumulate.


10. Keep quick cleaning supplies within arm's reach of the driver's seat. Pack a roll of paper towels, a box of tissues, and cleaning wipes


Smart Packing on Family Road Trips


11. Pack clothes in reusable packing cubes by outfit, including underwear and socks. Label with the child's name and day.


12. Bring a separate bag for swimsuits, flip-flops and towels. Or, apply this to play clothes or pajamas. If you may be stopping before the hotel or cabin, have these items ready.


13. Pack an "immediate needs" bag for overnight stops so you don't unload everything. We pack a small duffel for our one-night stops before our weeklong cabin stays. Hygiene items, a quick change of clothes, etc are ready to go so we don't have to unpack the entire vehicle before our final destination.


14. Pack light. During extended trips, we bring half the clothes needed and use washers and dryers at our accommodations, doing laundry mid-week and before returning home. It's nice to come back with clean clothes. Laundry sheets are a great go-to for lightweight packing to wash clothes on-site. Tip: Follow our 21 Tips for Packing Light for road trips and air travel.


15. Bring twice as many wipes as you think you'll need. They clean everything from hands to car seats.



Snackle Box
Snackle Box

Snacks & Drinks for Kids on Road Trips


16. Pack shareable healthy snacks. We choose a variety of savory and sweet snacks, from homemade granola bars to crackers and beef jerky. For items in larger bulk packaging (less expensive than individual portions, we use brown paper lunch sacks to share.


17. For fun, let the kids pack their own Snackle Box. This is a favorite treat for the kids, they enjoy choosing treats they don't often get at home. Learn more about the Snackle Box here.


18. Pack water bottles. Bring refillable water bottles for hydration. Also, freeze recyclable water bottles to keep in the cooler, they become ice packs, keep the cooler cold, and provide emergency refills. Consider an igloo water cooler for refills.


19. Choose a fun rest stop and try a new thing. On our trips to southern states, the kids love stopping at Buc-ee's where they indulge in Buc-ee Nuggets, every jerky imaginable, fabulous BBQ sandwiches, and other fun foods. Wall Drug in South Dakota is an emphasis must-stop on I-90. At these fun pit stops it's fun to find something new to try. Set it a budget in advance.


20. Choose Non-Perishable Options – For longer trips, bring snacks that don’t require refrigeration, like trail mix, jerky, or crackers.



Family road trip

Entertainment on Road Trips


21. Download audiobooks in advance. Chronicles of Narnia, Adventures in Odyssey, and other great stories have gotten us through multiple cross-country trips. This is our Age-by-age Guide to our favorite Audiobooks.


22. Create personalized road trip playlists. Each kid gets to be a DJ for an hour.


23. Buy dollar store surprises to reveal every 100 miles. The anticipation is half the fun. Amazon also sells affordable options. Mini Doodle Boards, Road Trip BINGO, On-the-Go Water Wow Activity Pads, magnetic games, coloring books, Mad Libs, sticker books, and puzzle books have been favorites on trips.


24. Download offline movies and games. Rural areas have spotty service. If you own a DVD player for the car, local libraries lend videos for free that can be fun to watch.


25. Bring noise-canceling headphones so everyone can have time to listen to music and books they enjoy. Read our Guide to Noise-Canceling Headphones to choose the best set by age.



Doodle Boards
Doodle Boards

Road Trip Games


26. Use Doodle Boards for car games. These mess-free boards are perfect for car games of Hang Man, Pictionary, Tic-Tac-Toe, and more.


27. Trivia Games. Play trivia games. You can find games focused on your destination, favorite topics, or generational themes.


28. Award points for spotting out-of-state license plates. Bonus points for Alaska and Hawaii!


29. Play "I Spy". "I Spy" is a simple guessing game where one player chooses an object within sight and says, "I spy with my little eye something [color or characteristic]," giving a clue about the object. The other players take turns guessing what the object is based on the clue, asking yes-or-no questions if needed. The game continues until someone correctly identifies the object, and then a new round begins with a different spy.


30. Play 20 Questions. In "20 Questions," one player thinks of a person, place, or thing, and the other players take turns asking yes-or-no questions to figure out what it is. The players can ask up to 20 questions, narrowing down the possibilities based on the answers given. If someone correctly guesses the object within 20 questions, they win; otherwise, the thinker reveals the answer.


Buc-ees is our favorite stop
Buc-ees is our favorite stop.

Managing Bathroom Breaks


31. Use Google Maps to plan breaks. Read reviews on cleanliness and accessibility. Buc-ees is our favorite stop when available. Their restrooms are famously clean and spacious, with hundreds of gas pumps, and more snacks and goodies than you can imagine.


32. Schedule stops every 2-3 hours, even if no one needs to go. Stretching legs and rehydrating are important.


33. Prepare for upset tummies. If a passenger is prone to car sickness, have a bucket available (we purchased a giant tub of pretzels that came in a canister with a lid, that canister is useful on trips). Discourage reading or other activities that add to motion sickness. Bring saltine crackers and Tums - whatever works for you.


34. Have cleaning supplies and changes of clothes accessible for potty-training children. Be prepared for emergencies. We permitted pull-ups on long road trips when we were unsure of the next stop. It is typically unsafe to stop on the shoulder of the road and we avoid it if possible.


35. Pack extra wipes and toilet paper. Sometimes in rural areas, rest stops are not stocked. Have extra supplies ready in case.




Keeping the Peace on Family Road Trips


36. Follow the Golden Rule. Don't allow name-calling, rudeness, etc. The Golden Rule sets the tone.


37. Establish clear car rules before departure. On some trips, we rotate seats to refresh seat buddies. Sisters like to play games or share books. We found that rotating pairs allowed for variety.


38. Keep everyone fed and well-rested as much as possible. Most (not all) but most grumpiness can be avoided if everyone is well-fed and well-rested. Snack wisely (don't binge on candy), take rest breaks and get a good night's sleep. Vacation is to be fun, not stressful. Having a plan in place for food and rest makes a big difference. Keep a consistent bedtime routine, even on the road.


39. Take turns choosing entertainment and establish time for activities. For example, engage in a group activity for a certain period, then provide some solo time for the same duration. This ensures a balance for both introverts and extroverts.


40. Have a signal (like a special word) when the driver needs absolute quiet for navigation. More than once the girls have been in the middle of a sing-along, game, or loud conversation and we needed quiet to focus on navigating through a difficult section of downtown highway interchanges (looking at you Dallas and Chicago), having a quick "keep quiet so we can focus" signal is very helpful.


car trip

Car Comfort


41. Bring small pillows and blankets for each child. You may need to establish rules for this to limit space (our giant teddy bears don't go on trips).


42. Pack sleep masks for early morning drives. That early morning sun can be intense.


43. Keep extra hair ties, headbands, combs, and clips handy. I have four daughters and they often choose to ride with their hair down and fix it en route or before stops. Have supplies handy in one kit or glove box.


44. Bring affordable sunglasses for everyone. The sun moves, and kids can't always adjust their seats.


45. Consider removable window shades for naptime. These are very useful and can also help avert road sickness. We've found that driving through forested mountains in the Ozarks and Smokies when the leaves have fallen and the sun is low (fall and winter), the flashing light can increase motion sickness. These shades help.



Car Cooler

Food & Meals


46. Pack a lunch cooler and a snack cooler, or a meal cooler and drink cooler. Keeps organization simple.


47. Bring enough food to get started, then order groceries en route. We pack two coolers with many of our meal items (i.e. made-ahead breakfast burritos, chili, etc) to start our trips. We typically stay in cabins or campsites for long trips and order carryout groceries to pick up right before our final destination. This keeps the car from being crowded along the way and we don't have to worry about refrigeration on 15-24 hour road trips. I keep a menu on my computer and a shopping list and often order while we are in the car.


48. Use Apps to Save Money. If you do choose to stop at a fast food or pizza restaurant, many times you can save money with rewards and discounts on the app.


49. Pack "hotel room meals" for nights you're too tired to go out. Keep standards like bread and peanut butter, tuna, and crackers, or your family's go-to accessible. Book hotels with free breakfast when possible.


50. Bring plastic tablecloths for picnic stops. Gas station tables aren't always clean.



Car GPS

Tech Tips


51. Download offline Google Maps of your route. In rural areas, we've experienced limited signal (i.e. Wyoming on the way to Yellowstone, Arizona on the way to the Grand Canyon), and it is nice to have paper maps and offline maps for backup.


52. Keep a car charger for every device you're bringing. You may also choose to label these with masking tape or color coding.


53. Bring a portable battery pack for emergency charges. Tip: use our Guide to Travel Gadgets.


54. Download educational games that tie into places you're visiting. There are many apps and games for the National Parks, NASA, and various fields of history and science.


55. Schedule screen time so you don't overuse it. Remember to take breaks from screens to simply look out the window, play tactile games, talk, or rest.



airing up tires

Car Maintenance


56. Get your car serviced before long trips. Check tires, oil, and AC.


57. Keep basic tools and emergency supplies accessible (not buried in luggage). Purchase a portable tire pump and battery jump starter (especially a good idea in rural areas) and keep it in the car.


58. Know how to change a tire with kids in tow. Practice at home.


59. Keep insurance and registration info easily accessible. Take photos and store them on your phone as well as physical copies.


60. Have a roadside assistance plan that covers the whole family. We use AAA.




Health & Safety


61. Pack a First Aid Kit. Add items you may need for your location, the season, or your family (for instance pain relievers, allergy meds, etc). Keep it accessible.


62. Write emergency contact info on index cards for each child. We placed emergency information in each child's bag and inside their shoes where they could find it. It was not visible to strangers, but they could find it if needed.


63. Take photos of children each morning in their daily outfits. This is helpful if separated in crowds. On our Disney vacation, we plan themed outfits for each park.


Map

Navigation & Timing


64. Plan interesting stops every 4 hours. Apps like RoadTripps, TripIt, and TripAdvisor are great resources.


65. Keep a paper map as backup. Many tourist centers offer free maps and magazines.


66. Research historical markers along your route. Learn about your destination and route.



Passport

Emergency Preparedness


67. Keep cash hidden in various spots in the car.


68. Have physical copies of important documents.


69. Know hospital locations along your route.


70. Keep a list of medications and allergies for each family member.


71. Have a plan for separation at rest stops or attractions.



Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park

Making Memories


72. Take photos at state borders or milestone markers.


73. Keep a family trip journal with everyone's daily highlights. Read our Guide to the Best Travel Journals.


74. Collect small souvenirs from each major stop.


75. Remember: The mishaps often become the best stories – embrace the chaos!


Final Thoughts


Keep in mind that there is no such thing as a perfect trip – it's about creating memories together. Some days may be more challenging than others, but with these strategies at your disposal, you're ready for nearly anything. Enjoy your travels!



This post includes Amazon affiliate links, and if you choose to make a purchase, I might earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!


Pin for Later:

75 Best Road Trip Tips from a Mom
75 Sanity-Saving Road Trip Tips with Kids from a Mom
75 Sanity-Saving Road Trip Tips with Kids



2 Comments


Candy
2 days ago

Loving this listing especially the planning, entertainment and the food. This will definitely make it an amazing trip!

Like

Ginger
3 days ago

I love this list of tips that should be read by anyone with kids planning a road trip. The idea of buying surprises at a dollar store to reveal every 100 miles is so smart for keeping the sometimes boring road trip under control. Thanks for sharing!

Like

Join the Club: Sign up for the FREE Newsletter from Surprising Getaways

Join our email list for travel inspiration and tips.

Thanks for submitting!

Do you want to travel affordably and easily?
Here are some of our favorite travel resources:

Flights: For the best flight deals I highly recommend CheapOair. Their website is our go-to for discovering fantastic flight offers!

 

Accommodations: When it comes to finding great hotel deals, Booking.com is my top choice. VRBO is my top pick for longer term rentals with the family or groups.

​

Car Rental: RentalCars.com is available in over 60,000 locations worldwide.

​

Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is crucial for many reasons. EKTA offers simple and flexible coverage protecting against unexpected events.

 

Camera: The Canon EOS Rebel T7 DSLR Camera features a 24.1-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor for capturing stunning images with impressive detail and low noise. With built-in Wi-Fi and NFC, you can easily stay connected and share your photos instantly.

​

Tours: I LOVE taking tours to experience destinations like a local—my preferred site for booking them in advance is GetYourGuide.

 

Tickets: We enjoy shows, concerts, and live performances on our trips. TicketMaster is reliable for verified tickets to the shows we want to see.

  • Pinterest
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • YouTube
© 2024-2025 Kristina Light | All Rights Reserved.

Message from Our Team: Surprising Getaways is supported by our readers. If you make a purchase through the links on our website, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. We appreciate your support!

bottom of page