While traveling for 20 plus hours with kiddos might not sound like your idea of the perfect way to begin your vacation, it can be a the perfect excuse to spend time together as a family. Â I mean really, when else are you all going to be stuck in a 4′ x 8′ room for any length of time with your entire family:) Â Ha! Â I think the key to any road trip with kids is Car Organization!
I have posted about a some of the things we do in the car before. Â I love engaging the kids. Â Sure we could pop in a few movies or let them play their game systems, but those things are reserved for “emergencies”. Â I love my little “captive” audience. Here are a few of our favorite things to keep kids busy in the car. Â Click on the red link to find all our Travel Activities for Kids.
- These simple DIY Dry Erase Tiles are the perfect surface to play all kinds of games like Tic-Tac-Toe, Hangman, or just for doodling
- My kids love Finger Knitting.  It is the perfect travel craft since all you need is a ball of yarn.  Have your kids see how long they can get it before you reach your destination:)
- Get creative with this simple Doodle Drawing Game.  It is easy to play and will have  your kids giggling in no time.
- These little Recycled Animal Houses give your kids stuffed animals a perfect home, plus your kids will be proud that they made them.
- These little Flower Sun-catchers are the perfect way to brighten your kids window. Encourage your kids to pick a few flowers while they are out stretching your legs add a little contact paper and you are all set.
- Why not sneak in a little math lesson with this simple Mirror Symmetry Game. Â Your kids won’t even know they are learning.
- We love playing Road Trip BINGO. Â It is the perfect game to pass the time. Â Follow the like to a PDF of 8 different road trip boards.
- Bring a roll of Tin Foil on your next road trip, you will be amazed at how long it will keep them busy sculpting and creating.  If you are traveling with younger kids, hand them a sheet to see what they create.  If your kids are up for a bit of a challenge, turn it into a simple sculpting game.  Ask them to create something specific (an animal, a piece of jewelry, a silly hat, a recreation of their favorite toy, the possibilities are endless).  You may want to bring along tape as well.
- This simple Road Trip Time Line creates a wonderful visual road map that is easy for kids to follow.  The best part is that they are the ones that create it!  Possibly the end to all the backseat “how much further” questions.
I have received a few questions about what our car looks like when we travel.  For us me, organization is key.  Our kids are 10, 8 and 6 and each time we travel it gets easier.  Each of the kiddos have a bin with their special toys, books, markers, and coloring/activity books.  The girls ride in the backseat and Kaleb sits in one of the middle seats.  We stow the other middle seat to make room for the cooler and snacks.
We eat most of the meals in the car, so a cooler is essential. Â That way while Chuck is filling the car with gas, I can make a quick lunch and we can be back on the road. Â A clean milk jug filled with water and frozen doubles as an ice block and drinking water as it thaws. Â Bringing along a cooler helps us eat healthier, stay with in the budget and lets face it what is a road trip without eating in the car:)
This little system is my key to a smooth trip.  It’s secured with bungees at the bottom and around the arm of the seat.  The drawers are filled with healthy snacks, games and art supplies.  Everything is within reach and organized, not flying all over the car for everyone to trip over.  It also doubled as a table for Kaleb.  With non-slip shelf liner added to the top, his tray stayed perfectly on top.  This is definitely one of my favorite travel tools!
 Kaleb loves his little toy and book organizer.  A couple cardboard boxes, duct tape and a couple of magazine file boxes makes the perfect spot for all his treasures.  The large box stores extra water bottles and caffeinated beverages for the trip.  We don’t use this sliding door when we are traveling, so there is no need to worry about the box and all the toys spilling out of the car.  Love it!
Long road trips go way smoother with a little planning, organization and preparation before be leave.  I would love to hear about the little tricks you use to make your trips go smoother.
Those are some wonderful ideas. I will be moving in a few months and it involves a long drive. I may be borrowing some ideas to make the trip easier for my four kids.
I would love to hear how the move goes. Hopefully your “captive family time” in the car is enjoyed by all all:)
We moved from NC to AK last summer and would’ve loved these tips! However, we’ll probably be repeating the move in reverse this summer. Pinning this for organization, sanity and maybe, just maybe, a little fun!
thank you for all of this were getting ready to go on a 40 hour plus round trip road visiting trip so many ideas to help the kids not to ask “are we there yet”. thank you again!
its nice if you only have one kids.. but i have 5 from 5 year old to 3 months. need to find some things to go though Canada..