How to Keep Kids Entertained on a Family Road Trip

Going on a road trip is a great way to travel while bonding with your family.

But what if you have small kids who can’t stand sitting still for more than half an hour? When you’re stuck in a car, this might pose a huge problem.

Thankfully, snacks, entertainment options, activities, and frequent breaks can help prevent tantrums, even when you’re driving with several toddlers. Here’s a guide on how to keep your kids entertained on a long road trip!

Snacks

• Hungry children are ever worse than bored ones, so it’s always recommended to keep snacks on hand during a road trip.
• Avoid high-sugar snacks or drinks because they can give toddlers a sugar rush and stimulate them even more.
• Stick to healthy options like apples, berries, grapes, and trail mix to keep children full while controlling their excitement.
• Opt for other snacks they like, but choose something that’ll make less mess, such as chips, popcorn, and cookies.
• Every kid should get their own lunchbox full of food, so they can make their own decisions on what to eat and when without bothering the adults.
• Look for spill-free cups and plates to minimize the chaos in the backseat when they snack on the road.
• Keep in mind that snacks should not substitute meals; they are just a way to keep your kids entertained, take breaks from driving to eat something more filling together.

Entertainment

• If you’re the one driving and can’t read a book with your kids on the road, you can always turn on audiobooks that suit your children’s tastes.
• Watching movies and cartoons can be a great pastime, but keep your toddlers’ screen time in check and let their eyes rest.
• Depending on the age of your children, you can try turning on nature programs and ask them to point out animals they know, turning it into a game.
• When bored, turn on some music and do car karaoke — it’s engaging both for kids and adults.
• Don’t forget to bring chargers and power banks on the road trip because if your gadgets die, you’ll have a lot fewer entertainment options.
• Internet connection may be bad on the road, so it’s recommended to get an eSIM with reliable mobile data to download cartoons, books, and other media on the go. For example, if you're planning a family road trip across several European countries, an eSIM Europe plan can help you stay connected without switching physical SIM cards at every border.

Activities

• You won’t believe how much classic road trip games like “I Spy” and “20 Questions” work with kids; they can keep them engaged for hours, let them learn the environment, find out about new surroundings, and appreciate nature.
• When they’re bored of looking out the window, or you need to focus on something else, you can give them coloring books and markers to occupy them while developing their fine motor skills.
• If your kids like to paint or sculpt, they don’t have to hold back in the car, either, as there are many mess-free options available in toy stores.
• Children with attention to detail will enjoy magnetic puzzles, and they don’t take up much space either.
• Once you travel abroad with kids, you can print out an interactive sheet of local words and phrases to learn.

Breaks

• In-car activities and entertainment are great, but both adults and kids need frequent breaks when on the road.
• It’s recommended to park somewhere at least every 3-5 hours to eat, go to the bathroom, breathe some fresh air, run around, and stretch.
• These breaks will help your kids burn off the excess energy and potentially doze off in their seats afterward.
• Stop in a hotel for a night, even if your kids nap in the car — this is essential for everyone’s comfort.
• Breaks can also be a nice incentive for good behavior because you can stop at hotels with a pool, playgrounds, amusement parks, and so on.
• When you’re in a restaurant, coffee shop, or hotel, you can also enjoy some free Wi-Fi and turn off your mobile internet to save money.
• Turn on a VPN when connecting to a public Wi-Fi spot to avoid hackers infiltrating your network and stealing your personal details. Before your trip, you can also look for a NordVPN deal to see whether a discounted plan fits your family's needs.

Time to Take Off!

A family road trip with kids can feel intimidating, especially if it's your first time.

But with enough planning for snacks, entertainment, activities, and breaks, you can get through the entire trip with minimal tantrums.

We hope that the tips above help you organize the best trip ever, be it domestic or abroad!