Traveling with kids during the holidays can sound like an adventure—and it is! But sometimes it starts more like this: “Mom! Mom! Mom! Are we there yet?” “MOM!” “MOM!” “MOOOOOMMMMM!”
If you’re just twenty minutes into your holiday road trip and your stress levels are already sky-high, you’re not alone. As a mom of one amazing daughter (with the energy of four kids), I know firsthand that traveling with kids can feel like a journey wrapped in equal parts joy and chaos.
Between the snacks, the “Are we there yet?” chants, and the car-seat wiggles, it’s easy to get overwhelmed fast. After a few trips to visit family and friends scattered across states, I realized I needed a way to make holiday travel fun for her and far less stressful for me.
Here are my tried-and-true traveling with kids tips that make every journey smoother and even enjoyable.
Step 1: Plan Ahead — The Secret to Stress-Free Family Travel
Preparation is everything when it comes to family road trips. Start with a travel bag full of essentials:
- Snacks (and double what you think you’ll need — trust me!)
- Drinks
- Wipes
- Blankets
- Travel pillow
- A change of clothes
There’s something about being in the car that makes kids snack nonstop. I also love planning stops at rest areas or local parks. Letting kids stretch their legs and burn off some energy makes the next stretch of the trip easier.
Pro Tip: Always pack spare clothes. One time, my daughter got carsick, and without extras, it made for a very smelly ride. Never again.
Step 2: Entertainment Ideas for Every Age
Keeping kids entertained on a long drive can be tough, but with a little creativity, you can make it fun for everyone.
Toddlers (Ages 1–3):
- Quiet sensory toys (nothing too noisy!)
- A DIY “I Spy” sensory bottle
- Mess-free coloring books
Preschoolers (Ages 4–6):
This is my current stage — and it’s all about variety. Pack a mini “art studio” with coloring books, markers, and a sketch pad. Bring a small LEGO or MagnaTile set and a cookie sheet for building on the go. I also recommend using Spotify Kids or audiobooks to keep their imagination busy while they color or build.
For Older Kids (7+):
Let them create their own playlist for the drive — giving them a sense of control helps a lot.Try these fun road trip games as well:
- The Alphabet Game
- License Plate Game
- “I Spy” challenges
You can also use free apps such as Libby or Hoopla (with a library card) for audiobooks they’ll love.
Step 3: Screen Time — It’s Okay to Use It!
Let’s be real — sometimes, tablets save our sanity. And that’s okay. To make screen time more meaningful:
- Use educational apps like Lingokids, Khan Academy Kids, or PBS Kids.
- Download everything ahead of time in case of no signal.
- Don’t forget chargers, headphones, and backup batteries.
If you have multiple children, choose interactive games they can play together, like Tic-Tac-Toe or drawing games.
Embrace the Chaos and Enjoy the Ride
Traveling with kids isn’t always easy — I’ve learned plenty of lessons the hard way. But now that I’ve found a rhythm, our road trips have become something we actually look forward to. There will still be tough moments, but that’s okay. Take a deep breath, find a fun game, or stop at a park for a quick reset. The giggles, silly games, and spontaneous conversations along the way are the memories that truly last.
So buckle up, breathe deep, and remember — it’s not about perfection, it’s about connection.
