Travel Articles and Tips
10 Tips for Navigating a road trip with your kids!
Traveling by car with your kids can always be a challenge but there are some key things that can make it a little easier. From my own personal and extensive experience with road trips with my two kids, these are a few things that have truly helped me and them along the way!
- Start Them Young – It is important right from the beginning to get all children accustomed to riding in the car and even more so with children with special needs.
- Let them burn off some steam prior to getting them into the car – Be sure to give them at least 30 minutes to be in the yard or bring them to an area where they can release some energy prior to getting into the car.
- Dress them lightly – If it is fall, winter or spring, be sure to take their coats off unless they have temperature regulating issues.
- Hold off from giving them electronics, dvd's or toys for as long as you can. Try to get them used to looking out the window and try to interact with them through games like Barnyard Cribbage(one of my favorites as a child).
- DVD Players/Electronics – Once they have reached their point of needing to be entertained be sure you have their favorite electronics on hand and CHARGED for the ride. Another great tip is to buy a new video and save it for the ride.
- Pack Toys – It is also fun to have a new toy to be able to give them for the ride. Nothing expensive just something new for them to interact with.
- Plan out bathroom breaks every 1 – 1 ½ hours. This allows them to get out of the car and stretch their legs and experience a change of scenery.
- Pack Snacks !!!
- If you are on a long ride 4+ hours, I always try to look online for a school or public playground to stop at around the half way point and let the kids get out and play for 30 minutes. They love this because it's a new playground for them to explore and they generally get to interact with other people.
- Once you have arrived at your destination, give them time to unwind again out in a yard or some other outdoor location
These tips may extend your trip time but taking the time to give your kids breaks will allow a much calmer and settled driving experience for your whole family.
Have fun and get out and explore
Have fun and get out and explore