10 Tips for Stress-Free Car Trips with Kids

Whether using your own car or are renting one for your trip, most parents find keeping children occupied during long rides challenging.  While these tips won’t guarantee your child won’t get cranky, following them should keep them happy longer.

1. Pack a variety of snacks.  Kids will already be fighting boredom, don’t let them be bored with their snacks, as well.
2. If you don’t already have them, or are renting, install sunshades on windows.  Glaring sun can not only, interfere with a child getting some rest, but can be quite annoying for them.
3. Bring some small toys and books.  I also suggest picking up something new beforehand and surprising them with it during the trip.  The novelty will buy you some time on their patience meter.
4. Road trip games are a great way to occupy kids.  Try and come up with some topics to cover before you leave.
5. Make rest stops more frequently than you feel you need.  Kids are more restless than adults and will need them more often than we do.
6. During rest stops, make an effort to occupy your kids for a few minutes in a fun activity.  Throw a ball around, let them try out the vending machines, investigate the tourist info. booth or any statues etc. present.  They will feel like it was a mini-destination.  It is easier for children to anticipate the next rest stop, than the final destination.
7. When possible one adult can sit in the back with the kids for portions of the trip.  It is easier to occupy someone you are face-to-face with.
8. Supply kids with their own map, to chart progress.  Print one off the web in black and white, so their colored markings will show up clearly.
9. If you are renting a vehicle, get something with ample room for everyone.  The money saved in getting a tiny econo-car, won’t seem like a bargain when cramped kids are having meltdowns.
10. Bring spare sports bottles/sippy cups.  Kids are bound to not finish a drink from a restaurant or fast food place, and you will want a secure spill proof container for travel.