Traveling with children on a long road trip can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it can also be challenging if you’re not properly prepared. Road trips offer a unique opportunity to bond as a family, explore new places, and create lasting memories. However, traveling with children requires a lot of planning and organization, especially when it comes to packing. With the right mindset and a well-planned packing list, you can minimize stress and maximize fun on your family road trip.
Road tripping with the family, whether it’s a cross country road trip or just a weekend in the Poconos, is a great way to make long last memories with your kids. It doesn’t have to be extravagant to be special.
In this guide, we’ll provide you with tips to create the ultimate road trip packing list to make sure the whole family has a successful road trip.
Essential Family Road Trip Packing List
The first step in creating a family road trip packing list is to focus on the essentials. These are the items that you absolutely need to have with you on your trip, such as:
Driver’s license and car registration: It’s important to make sure that you have a valid driver’s license and car registration with you when traveling. You never know when you might need to provide this information, such as if you’re pulled over by the police or if you get into an accident. Make sure that your license and registration are up-to-date and easily accessible during your trip.
Car insurance information: Just like your license and registration, your car insurance information is important to have on hand in case of an accident or other emergency. Make sure that you have a copy of your insurance card in the car or saved on your phone, and that you know what your coverage includes.
Cash and credit cards: While many places accept credit cards these days, it’s still a good idea to have some cash on hand for small purchases or emergencies. Make sure that you have enough cash and a few different credit cards with you to cover expenses on the road.
Cell phone and portable charger: Your cell phone is an essential tool for navigation, communication, and entertainment during a road trip. Make sure that you have a reliable phone and charger with you, and that you have a car charger so you can keep your phone charged while driving.
Maps and GPS device: While GPS devices and navigation apps on your phone are great tools for getting directions, it’s always a good idea to have a backup plan. Bring along a paper map or atlas just in case you lose cell service or your GPS device malfunctions. If you use Apple Maps or Google Maps, consider planning out your route ahead of time so that you’re more familiar with the names of highways before your trip.
First aid kit: Accidents happen, especially when traveling with children. Be prepared for minor injuries by bringing a basic first aid kit with you. This should include items like band-aids, gauze, antiseptic wipes, toilet paper, pain relievers, bug spray, and any medications that your family members need.
Wet wipes: From sticky fingers to messy spills, having a container of wet wipes in your car is a necessity for any road trip. Let’s face it, when are these little godsends not a necessity?
Hand Sanitizer: If you’ve ever been to a gas station bathroom or road side rest stop, you’ll know why it’s important to have plenty of hand sanitizer along on your next road trip!
Water bottles: Staying hydrated is important during a road trip, especially if you’re traveling during the summer months or in hot climates. Bring a refillable water bottle for each member of the family and make sure to refill them regularly. This will not only keep everyone hydrated, but it can also help reduce the amount of plastic waste generated on your trip.
Pack for the Weather
Before you start packing your suitcase, check the weather forecast for your destination and plan accordingly. Here are some items to consider based on the weather:
Sunscreen and hats for hot and sunny days: Protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays is important, especially if you’re spending a lot of time outdoors. Pack sunscreen with a high SPF and make sure to apply it regularly throughout the day. Hats can also help provide extra protection for your face and neck.
Umbrellas and raincoats for rainy days: Rainy weather can put a damper on your road trip plans, but you can be prepared by packing umbrellas and raincoats. Make sure that everyone in the family has a raincoat or poncho, and bring along a few extra umbrellas just in case.
Warm jackets and blankets for cold days: Depending on where and when you’re traveling, you may encounter chilly weather. Be prepared by bringing warm jackets or sweaters for each member of the family, and consider packing a few extra blankets to snuggle up with in the car or hotel.
Swimsuits and towels for beach or pool days: If you’re planning to hit the beach or pool during your road trip, make sure to pack swimsuits and towels for everyone in the family. Bring along a few extra towels in case they get wet or dirty, and consider packing a beach bag to carry your sunscreen, snacks, and other essentials.
Pack for entertainment
To keep everyone entertained on a long car ride during the trip, pack items that will keep the kids occupied and happy. Here are some ideas:
Books, magazines, and comics: Long stretches of driving can get boring, especially for kids. Bring along a variety of reading materials to keep everyone entertained. Choose books, magazines, or comics that appeal to each family member’s interests.
Tablets, laptops, or portable DVD players: If you have electronic devices like tablets or laptops, they can be a great source of entertainment during a road trip. Load up on movies or TV shows ahead of time, or bring along a portable DVD player for the car.
Make a road trip playlist: Music is a great way to pass the time during a road trip. Let each member of the family contribute to an ultimate road trip playlist. Music can make long drives seem much shorter with everyone singing along.
Listen to audiobooks: Long car rides are a great time to listen to audio books, especially if you’re traveling with older kids. For small children, you could consider packing the picture book to go along with an audiobook, too.
Board games or card games: Playing road trip games is a fun way to pass the time during a car ride and can help bring the family closer together. Pack a few small board games or card games that are easy to play in the car, or bring along travel-sized versions of your family’s favorites. Kids also love playing the license plate game and car BINGO, one of many classic road trip activities. It encourages kids to interact with each other and not just look at their devices for the whole trip.
Coloring books and crayons: Coloring books can be a great way to keep younger children entertained during long stretches of driving. Pack a few coloring books and a set of crayons, and encourage your kids to get creative.
Snacks and drinks: Pack a variety of snacks and drinks to keep hunger at bay and prevent frequent stops. Consider packing healthy snacks like fruit, nuts, and granola bars, as well as some treats like chips or candy. To make snacks and drinks an easy reach for kids, consider packing them in containers that kids can access with minimal help. Make sure to bring along plastic bags or trash bags for collecting any trash that accumulates on the open road.
Travel mug: Moms and Dads need snacks and drinks, too. If you’re starting your road trip in the morning, a travel mug filled with hot coffee will keep YOU fueled up for long distances on family trips. It’s a great idea to invest in a good travel mug that’s great for both hot drinks and cold beverages, too.
Car Seat Organizers
Car seat organizers are a great way to keep kids’ toys, books, snacks, and other essentials organized and within reach during a road trip. Here are some examples of car seat organizers that you can consider:
- Backseat organizers: These are designed to hang over the back of the front seat and usually have multiple pockets for storage. Some models may also have a fold-down tray for snacks or activities.
- Seatback protectors: These are similar to backseat organizers but are designed to protect the back of the front seat from scuffs, spills, and other damage. Many models also have storage pockets for toys and other items.
- Console organizers: These fit between the front seats and can help keep items like snacks, drinks, and electronics within reach for both front and back seat passengers.
- Trunk organizers: These are larger organizers that can be used to store and organize items for longer road trips. They usually have multiple compartments and may include features like collapsible sections for easy storage. These are much like packing cubes and are a favorite way to keep items organized in the car.
- Hanging organizers: These are designed to hang from the headrest of the front seat and can be used to store toys, books, and other items for easy access by kids in the back seat.
When choosing a car seat organizer, consider factors like the size of your vehicle, the age and needs of your children, and the type of items you’ll be storing. Look for organizers that are durable, easy to install, and have features that will work well for your family’s specific needs.
Best Road Trip Snacks
When it comes to picking the best road trip snacks for children, it’s important to choose items that are easy to eat, relatively mess-free, and won’t spoil quickly. Here are some ideas for kid-friendly snacks:
- Fresh fruit: Apples, bananas, and grapes are all easy to pack and eat on the go.
- Cut-up veggies: Baby carrots, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber slices are all healthy, crunchy options that can be enjoyed plain or with dip.
- Granola bars: Choose a variety that is lower in sugar and high in fiber, and consider ones that have added protein or nuts.
- Trail mix: Make your own or buy a pre-made mix that includes nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and maybe some chocolate chips.
- Cheese sticks: Portable, protein-packed, and delicious, cheese sticks are a great option for kids who need a quick snack.
- Popcorn: Air-popped popcorn is a low-calorie, high-fiber snack that can be flavored with spices or nutritional yeast for added taste.
- Beef jerky: High in protein and easy to eat, beef jerky is a satisfying snack that can help keep hunger at bay.
When it comes to packing and organizing road trip snacks, consider using small containers or bags to keep items separate and easy to access. Use a cooler or insulated bag to keep perishable items like fruit and cheese sticks fresh, and bring along plenty of napkins or wipes to clean up any spills or messes. It can also be helpful to pre-portion snacks into individual serving sizes so that kids can grab and go without making a mess or eating too much at once.
Roadside Emergency Kit
No matter how well you plan, emergencies can still happen on the road. Pack a roadside emergency kit with items like a flashlight, batteries, a first aid kit, and a spare tire. Make sure that you have a charged cell phone and that you know the number for roadside assistance in case you need it. No one wants to think about getting a flat tire, but it’s best to be prepared for the unexpected by packing these items:
- Spare tire and tire-changing tools like a tire pressure gauge for using the air compressor
- Jumper cables
- Flashlights and extra batteries
- Emergency contact information
- Blankets and extra clothing
- Non-perishable snacks and water
Packing Toiletries
Last but not least, remember to pack the toiletries you’ll need on the trip. Here are some items to include:
- Toothbrushes and toothpaste
- Soap and shampoo
- Towels and washcloths
- Toilet Paper
- Feminine hygiene products
- Medications and prescription drugs
- Contact lenses and glasses
By following this guide, you’ll be well-prepared for a successful family road trip. Happy travels!
