Summer road trips can be an exciting adventure for kids. From visiting friends and family to trying out something new, a road trip can create memories that last a lifetime.
However… sitting in a car for hours on end can become a little boring for kids. (Honestly, adults too.) It doesn’t have to be though. A little planning goes a long way toward helping a road trip go smoothly. These are our TOP 10 IDEAS for making the time fly!
ROAD TRIP FUN FOR KIDS
- SNACK PACKS – Prepare for the inevitable snack attacks by packing a variety of snacks. Get your kids involved by letting them shop with you. For each sugary snack they choose, challenge them to find a healthy snack as well. Skittles and Nerds are perennial favorites, but including foods like granola bars, bananas, and string cheese will help you avoid the scene that sometimes follows a sugar rush.
- THE LICENSE PLATE GAME – How many different state plates can you spot? Before hitting the road, grab a box of crayons and this free PRINTABLE LICENSE PLATE GAME from Reno Dads. It’s a simple map of the United States that isn’t too busy for little ones. As you’re driving, have your child keep an eye out for license plates, coloring each state as it’s found. The goal is to spot all 50 states before you reach your destination!
- SHUTTERBUGS – Try this tech-driven twist on the classic activity by grabbing this FREE PHOTO SCAVENGER HUNT. With a camera and some focused attention, this is a fun way to pass time while being observant of the world around you. Say cheese!👇
- STORY TIME – Audiobooks are a great way to keep kids entertained on a long car ride. You can download audiobooks from Audible or borrow them from your local library. Along these same lines… browse Netflix, or your favorite streaming platform, for kid-friendly shows and movies. I’m going old school on this one, but I still love Ms. Frizzle and THE MAGIC SCHOOL BUS. Download your choices before you take off so you’ll have them ready in a pinch.
- REST STOP FUN – Summer road trips are never complete without a few (dozen) pit stops. Use rest areas as an opportunity to stretch your legs and burn off some energy. Bring a ball or Frisbee for playing catch, or pack a jump rope for some active play. It can be really helpful to get the wiggles out!
LET’S KEEP GOING!
- BELT IT OUT – Create a playlist of your child’s favorite songs or find a curated playlist wherever you get your music, such as Spotify or Apple Music. Singing along to familiar and favorite tunes can help pass the time and keep everyone in a good mood. We LOVE car concerts!
- COMEDY CORNER – Not into singing? No problem. Try jokes. I don’t know many kids who don’t believe their own hype, so arm them with a few kid-friendly joke books and the let the laughter begin! This book of SILLY SUMMER JOKES is a great place to start. If it’s a hit, you may want to pick up the whole JOKE BOOK BUNDLE.👇
- JOURNALING – Encourage your child to keep a journal during the trip. They can write about the places you visit, the people you meet, and the things they see along the way. This is a great way to document the trip and create a keepsake to look back on in the future. This free ROAD TRIP FUN PACK includes a “SCENE IT” journal where kids can sketch and color all the scenes they’ve seen!
- AUDIO TOURS – Many national parks and historical sites offer audio tours that you can listen to on your smartphone. These tours can be a fun and educational way to learn about the places you’re visiting.
- ROAD TRIP BINGO – Print out a bingo board with pictures of common things you might see on a road trip, such as a gas station, cows, or a 18-wheeler. As your child spots each item on the board, they can mark it off. The first person to get five in a row wins! Download and print these free ROAD TRIP BINGO CARDS from the Travel Channel.
MORE SUMMER RESOURCES FOR TEACHERS & PARENTS
If you’re going to be out for a while and you want to keep your child prepped for the upcoming school year, consider bringing along some fun summer worksheets. Many kids (my husband was one of them) actually like activities that challenge them or feel like school… even during summer road trips. Read more about SUMMER WORKSHEETS in this related blog post.👇
👉 KINDERGARTEN SUMMER WORKSHEETS – Transitioning from K to 1st Grade
👉 FIRST GRADE SUMMER WORKSHEETS – Transitioning from 1st to 2nd Grade
Happy travels!
