A road trip with kids can be both an adventure and a challenge, but with the right planning, they don’t have to be stressful. Over the years, we’ve picked up a few strategies to keep our family vacations organized, fun, and healthy. Whether you’re heading to the beach, the mountains, or visiting family, thoughtful packing and pre-trip organization will make your journey smooth and enjoyable for everyone.
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Packing for Success & Sanity
Let’s be real—packing can be overwhelming, especially when you’ve got kids in tow. But with a good system in place, it doesn’t have to be. One thing we’ve learned is to create a packing list for each family member. This is our game-changer! Each child has their own checklist, and we turn it into a fun family activity. They love checking off their items as they go, and it teaches them responsibility, making the whole experience smoother for us.
We also use packing cubes to keep everything organized. Trust us, if you haven’t used these yet, they’re a lifesaver. Each person’s clothes, accessories, and essentials go into their own cube. It’s so easy to grab what we need without tearing apart the entire suitcase. And since we’re always traveling with kids, keeping things tidy is crucial. For longer trips, we pack versatile layers—because you never know when you’ll need a jacket or an extra pair of shorts!
The bags in the car are day bags with enough supplies that if we arrive late we can make it through the night without unloading all the suitcases off the top of the car rack packer. Suitcases stores on the top of the car roof are the main bags for each member of the family and we can them loaded by youngest to oldest because it’s usually the babies that need extra changes of clothes and supplies sooner than anyone else.
It’s better to be over-prepared than stuck with a cranky, hungry kid!
Kid-Friendly Road Trip Packing Tips
Now, let’s dive into packing for the kids. First up—snacks. If you’re like us, you know that kids are always hungry, especially when you’re on the go. We pack a variety of healthy options like homemade trail mix, fresh fruit, veggie sticks, and whole grain crackers. This way, we’re not tempted to make last-minute, unhealthy pit stops.
Another must-have for us is reusable water bottles. Staying hydrated is key, especially during a road trip with kids, and refilling water bottles at stops is a great eco-friendly habit. We also pack a few of their favorite toys or books. For longer drives, travel-sized games, coloring books, and small craft kits keep the kids entertained.
Our secret weapon for long trips? Emergency fun bags. We fill small bags with surprise toys or activities to break out when the kids get restless. The novelty of a new toy can do wonders for their mood (and ours!). Plus, “traveling can be tough for kids, so making sure they have a few comforts from home is key to keeping them happy,” as Sabrina often says.
When it comes to packing kids’ clothing, I always pack according to outfits. Everyone knows what they are going to wear on what days so there’s never any confusion. I’ll have a certain amount of casual clothes, which are repeated, and then the dress clothes for a specific occasion or gathering, which are usually worn only once. We do laundry every day so the clothes are folded out of the dryer and returned to the suitcases in ready-to-wear outfits for ease of packing on the road. This also saves a ton of time when it’s time to go because packing up at the end of your trip is already almost done.
Pre Road Trip with Kids Organization
Having a well-organized pre-trip plan makes a world of difference. Before we hit the road, we always map out our stops—whether for meals, bathroom breaks, or just to let the kids stretch their legs. Planning rest stops is essential, as “kids need to move,” Dr. Z reminds us. Even a quick stop at a park can make a huge difference in everyone’s mood.
We make sure all our travel documents, first aid kits, and emergency supplies are easily accessible. We keep everything in one place, from passports and boarding passes to Band-Aids and wipes. That way, if we need something quickly, we’re not scrambling to find it. Trust us, having everything organized gives us peace of mind on the road.
Speaking of planning ahead of time, I will make a grocery store order ahead of time so when we arrive the groceries are all ready to pick up or have been delivered (when staying with friends or family) so it’s one thing off our to-do list already.
Fun and Functional Travel Bags
Giving the kids their own travel bags helps keep them organized and entertained. Each of them gets a small backpack with essentials like snacks, a book, a toy, and maybe a small blanket. This not only gives them a sense of responsibility, but it also frees up space in our larger bags.
For road trips, we also use portable organizers in the car. These organizers hold everything from snacks to chargers to first aid supplies, so we’re not constantly searching for things mid-drive. And for longer trips, we pack a family entertainment bag with items like card games, a portable DVD player, and puzzles. Keeping the kids engaged makes the trip go by faster—and we all know that happy kids mean happy parents!
Healthy Eating Out on the Road
Eating while traveling can still be healthy. Whenever we plan to eat out, we try to call ahead to make sure the restaurant has gluten-free, dairy-free, or clean eating options. This way, we can be confident that our dietary needs will be met. Just confidently let them know what you need, and most places are happy to accommodate.
We also tend to visit Middle Eastern or Mediterranean restaurants, where we can find clean, nutrient-dense meals like kabobs, hummus, and salads. Persian food is a favorite when we’re on the road. Another great option is stopping by a grocery store like Whole Foods, where we can grab healthy meals and snacks on the go.
One trick we always use is bringing along our own salad dressings or healthy snacks to restaurants—just in case they don’t have what we need. That way, we can still enjoy a healthy meal without sacrificing our nutrition goals. Buffets and salad bars are also great options because they give us the flexibility to choose clean, fresh foods.
We have a cooler in the car and I make as many foods ahead of time as I can. But don’t just throw things in there without rhyme or reason or you’ll never keep track of what you have and don’t have. I make a list of foods in the ice chest and track what we’ve eaten so there’s nothing left out of our plan.
Family Games and Roadside Attractions
A road trip with kids isn’t complete without some fun along the way. We love playing classic games like “I Spy,” the alphabet game, and license plate bingo. These games keep everyone engaged and are a great way to pass the time. We also bring along audiobooks and podcasts for the kids, turning the drive into a learning experience.
When we plan our route, we always look for family-friendly roadside attractions or parks to stop at. Taking breaks to explore something new is part of the adventure! Whether it’s a quirky small-town diner or a scenic viewpoint, we love adding a little excitement to our drives.
So there you have it—our tried and true tips for packing, organizing, and planning a stress-free family road trip. With a little prep, healthy snacks, and a few fun surprises along the way, road trips can be enjoyable for everyone. We hope these tips help you on your next family adventure! And remember, we’re always here to share more ideas and hear from you—join our Natural Living Family community and share your favorite road trip with kids success stories with us!