13 Tips to Make Your Family Road Trip With Kids Fun and Hassle-Free
- rachnamone
- Jul 24, 2023
- 5 min read
Updated: Dec 2
Why road trip with kids?
Road trips are one of the best ways to travel with kids because they give you the freedom to explore at your own pace. You can stop for spontaneous photo moments, discover hidden gems along the way, and turn even the journey itself into an adventure. It’s quality family time without the rush — just open roads, little conversations, and big memories.
And i get it, road trips with kids might seem daunting — especially when you know the “Are we there yet?!” chorus is coming. But with the right planning, even long drives can become some of your family’s most fun, memorable adventures. If you’re looking for practical, parent-tested road trip with kids tips, you’re in the right place.
🚗 In case you want to check out some of our fun recent road trips with kids…
Country | Read Our Road Trip Experience | Highlights |
Norway | Glaciers, Fjords,snow covered mountains, mid night sun, world's longest tunnel | |
Tasmania | unique animal experiences, southern lights, dolphin watching, berry farm, hikes, beaches | |
New Zealand | animal experiences, lakes, hikes, great food, adventure activities |
Here are some invaluable tips to transform your next family road trip into an easy, enjoyable, and unforgettable journey for everyone on board:
Road Trip With Kids Tips: 13 Ways to Make Travel Stress-Free
Plan the Route and Drive Time Ahead:
Start early, wrap up early!
Embrace flexibility.
Pack their favourite snacks.
Pack some entertainment .
Strategize play breaks.
Quality family bonding.
Essential supplies.
Involve kids in planning .
End the day with a Surprise!
Choose family-friendly accommodation.
Avoid night-time driving.
Select your rental car wisely.
1. Plan the Route and Drive Time Ahead:
Set realistic drive goals for the day that cater to your kids' comfort. Most children will not enjoy 5 hours of continuous driving, no matter what awaits at the destination! Keep in mind that longer journeys with young ones are slower, so plan for breaks every couple of hours. Norway has breathtaking sights at every turn of the road, so don't fret if you need more stops than anticipated.
2. Start Early, Wrap Up Early:
Kick off your day with an early start – a hearty breakfast followed by hitting the road. Utilize the morning hours when kids tend to nap, making the drive smoother. That way, when you reach the destination, they are full of energy and ready to explore.
Second big advantage of starting early is reaching the destination before the crowds and tour buses.
3. Embrace Flexibility:
Travel often comes with the unexpected, and that's okay! Sometimes, somethings, somedays will not go as planned! And its alright! Travel should teach you to adapt :)
So throw out the plan and have fun. Go with the flow.
After all, flexibility is a hallmark of enriching journeys.
4. Pack Their Favorite Snacks:
Allow a bit of indulgence by packing your kids' favorite snacks. Chips, chocolates, and biscuits can create excitement and anticipation during the trip. Let them choose snacks at grocery stores, adding a sense of fun to the process.
5. Pack some entertainment :
This is probably the most important thing to consider when planning a long road trip. Within a few days your child's excitement to be in the car for hours everyday will surely wear off ! Combat waning enthusiasm with an arsenal of entertainment – books, games, music, and cartoons. These will be your saviors as the initial thrill of being on the road may wear off .
6. Strategize Play Breaks:
Plan regular breaks for kids to stretch their legs, play, and breathe in the scenery. Picnics by lakes or snacking while gazing at mountains can turn rest stops into memorable family moments.
Fueling and charging stations also have small stores that sell yummy snacks !
There are plenty of rest stops for unplanned breaks too.
7. Quality Family Bonding:
Engage in family games while driving – the classic "I spy" or counting tunnels can make the journey enjoyable and interactive( and there are so many Tunnels in Norway!).
8. Essential Supplies:
Prepare a handy kit with wipes, diapers, spare clothes, band-aids, mosquito repellent, and sunscreen. Quick access to these essentials will save you from rummaging through your luggage during emergencies.
9. Involve Kids in Planning:
Empower kids by involving them in planning excursions. Show them options along the route – waterfalls, attractions – and let them make choices, building anticipation.
10. End the Day with a Surprise:
Cap off the day with a surprise visit to a playground, petting zoo, or an ice cream parlor. This delightful twist will erase any travel weariness and replace it with joy.
11. Choose Family-Friendly Accommodation:
Opt for accommodations with amenities like baby chairs, child-friendly cutlery, toys, TV, and playgrounds. These thoughtful features will keep the little explorers happy and the parents relaxed. Airbnb accomodations can be the right choice to achieve the comforts of home while on holiday!
12. Avoid night time driving -
Resist the temptation to drive through night when the kids are asleep (especially during Norwegian summers when the sun does not set! ). Remember they will be awake, whole of the next day and full of energy, that is when you will be tired. So, we recommend skipping night time driving.
Also, it can be particularly unsafe to drive on unfamiliar mountain roads at night. Safety before everything else.
13. Select Your Rental Car Wisely:
Prioritize space and comfort when selecting a rental car. Opt for a spacious vehicle with ample boot space to accommodate both your family and luggage. Always go for a spacious, dependable car.
By following these tips, you're all set to make your family road trip a joyful and unforgettable adventure. As you explore Norway's stunning landscapes, expect a smooth journey filled with laughter, discovery, and memorable moments together.
Have a wonderful time on your travels!
FAQs: Road Trip With Kids
1. How do I keep my kids entertained on a long road trip?
Pack activity kits, audiobooks, colouring sheets, snacks, and plan break stops every 2–3 hours to keep the journey fun and manageable.
2. What should I pack for a road trip with kids?
Essentials include snacks, water bottles, extra clothes, first-aid kit, wipes, blankets, and a few favourite toys. A well-packed car makes a family road trip easier.
3. How often should we stop while traveling with kids?
Plan short breaks every 2–3 hours for restroom stops, stretching, and snack time. This helps kids stay comfortable and reduces crankiness.
4. How do I handle kids asking “Are we there yet?”
Use a visual timeline, countdown milestones, or give them a simple map so they can track progress. Engagement reduces impatience.
5. Is it better to drive early morning or late at night with kids?
Early mornings are ideal as kids are well-rested, moods are better, and traffic is lighter — making the road trip with kids smoother.
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