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How to Plan a Road Trip with Kids and a Packing List for Families

By Lori, Last updated on July 31, 2024
The links in the post below may be affiliate links. Read the full disclosure.

Thinking about taking a road trip with kids soon? Some of my fondest memories are of the trips I took with my family growing up and those we took with our kids when they were younger.

Road Trip With Kids

To avoid the endless cries of “Are we there yet? I’m hungry, and I have to go potty!” we put together a list of our favorite websites and survival tips for Road Trips With Kids.

Consider this your family road trip survival guide! This has everything you need to know, including free packing lists.

We have affiliate links which means we may earn a small referral commission at no additional cost to you if you shop using our links.

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How to Plan a Road Trips With Kids

A photo of a family in summer outfits

If the thought of taking your kids on a road trip makes you cringe, then you need this guide. Taking a family road trip can be a ton of fun. All you need to do is prepare and you’ll be ready to handle anything that comes your way.

Roadtrips Games

Need some fun and fresh ideas for road trip games? Try one of these!

  • Momsminivan.com has more than 100 games and activities to keep the kids occupied along the way.
  • StoryNory.com  has hundreds of free audio stories you can download for kids grouped by age, gender, and interest.
  • Load up at the dollar store and dole out new items every few hours. This survival tip worked like magic when my daughter was young. A package of colored pipe cleaners can keep a youngster occupied for a long time!

Plan for Road Trip Bathroom Breaks

One of the worst kinds of surprises is a long stretch of highway and the dreaded “I have to go now!” please from the backseat.

There are a few ways you can actually plan for bathroom breaks! Just try one of these handy apps.

Find Public Restrooms with Google Maps on Mobile

On an iPhone, iPad, or Android phone, you can use the free Google Maps app to find public restrooms nearby. This app displays a list of public restrooms and also shows them pinpointed on a map.

How to Plan for Food On A Road Trip With Kids

kids on a road trip looking at a map

One of the most basic parts of a road trip is the food. Sure, you can just watch for restaurants and pick something from a road sign. But if you want to make it fun and eat before everyone is in hangry mode, try these ideas instead.

Eat Where the Locals Eat

Find authentic regional restaurants on a website called RoadFood.com. This is a way to support local and experience food that you’ll only find in this location. It’s a fun way to try something new!

Prepare Food at Your Hotel

Choose your hotels or motels with kitchenettes so you can buy and refrigerate food and snacks. A room with a free breakfast may seem a bit more when you book, but the convenience of not having to make another stop may outweigh the extra cost at the hotel.

How to Take Your Pet on A Family Road Trip

dog taking a potty break on a road trip

If you really want to bring the pet along too, follow these tips. It won’t be as simple as boarding him, but it will be a lot more fun!

Find Pet-Friendly Hotels and Parks

A boy carrying a white on his backpack - How to Plan a Road Trips With Kids

Go Pet Friendly can help you to find pet-friendly hotels, parks, and reader tips on minimizing the enjoyment of taking your pet with you on a road trip vacation.

How to Save Money on Your Next Road Trip

How to Plan a Road Trips With Kids

There are going to be lots of ways to spend money, but how do you save money on family road trips? Try one of these tips!

Buy Cheaper Gas

Gas stations right off the highway can be the most expensive option. Search or download GasBuddy to find the cheapest option in your location.

Rent a Home or Condo

It slashes vacation costs if you stay more than a day or two or need more than one room. Bonus: You can eat in. See sites like Airbnb and VRBO (Vacation Rental by Owner) for home rentals.

Free Packing Checklist For Families

Checklist - How to Plan a Road Trips With Kids

Now that you know how to save money and plan a road trip, let’s look at what to pack. You won’t want to forget any of these super important things.

I am not a good packer. True confession time. I travel several times a year and I always have travel-packing regrets. My first stop is usually to a CVS or similar drug store for toiletries and beauty products that I have not packed. Another familiar stop is to a Best Buy or similar because I have forgotten a charger cord.

On a recent  2-day trip, I packed 5 pairs of shoes. That is ridiculous. I wish I could be more like those chic French ladies who have classic wardrobe items that fit well and mix and match with everything. How about you?

Travel Checklist for Infants

If you have a baby, make sure and pack these things:

  • Bottles
  • Extra Bottle Nipples
  • Pacifier
  • Breast Pump and Corresponding Parts
  • Baby Food and Cereal (if eating foods yet)
  • Baby Spoons
  • Baby Lotion
  • Baby Wash and Shampoo
  • Portable Changing Pad
  • Portable Crib or playpen (if you’re staying at  hotels, you can call ahead to see if they have one to use)
  • Diapers
  • Wipes
  • Two to Three Sets of Clothes for Each Day
  • Hat (if you will be in the sun much)
  • Small Toys/Books
  • Teething Supplies (Orajel, Teething Tablets, Children’s Motrin, etc.)

Travel Checklist for Toddlers

  • Two Pairs of Clothing/Day
  • Finger Food Snacks (Rice Puffs, Yogurt Drops, Crackers, etc.)
  • Small Spoons/Forks
  • Sippy Cups
  • Diapers and/or Pull-Ups
  • Small Bag of Toys, Coloring Books and Stickers
  • Comfortable Shoes
  • Jacket/Coat or sweatshirt
  • Underwear
  • Socks
  • Bathing Suit
  • Small Night Light
  • Favorite Blanket/Toy
  • Bibs
  • Toothbrush and Toothpaste
  • Pajamas

Travel Checklist for Older Kids

  • Toothbrush and Toothpaste
  • Clothing (One pair for each day plus two extra pairs)
  • Jacket
  • “Play” Shoes
  • Sunscreen
  • Bathing Suit
  • Tablet/Video Game Console
  • Movies and Video Games
  • Body Wash
  • Shampoo and Conditioner
  • Makeup and Perfume (cologne for boys)
  • Cell Phones
  • DVDs and Video Games
  • Chargers for all electronics

woman and man packing suitcases in the car

Extra Items To Pack

And then you can’t forget to pack these things, they will come in handy!

  • Individual headphones for different tastes in music or podcasts
  • Drinks and Snacks for the Vehicle
  • wipes and sanitizing supplies
  • Insect Repellent
  • Tylenol/Motrin, Allergy Medicine and vitamins, and any prescriptions
  • Sunscreen (for kids and adults)
  • charger cords
  •  a rechargeable flashlight

More Travel Tips

woman sitting on a suitcase trying to close it

There you have it! Everything you could possibly need to know about taking a family road trip. As you plan, here are some more travel posts you shouldn’t miss.

  • Pre-Vacation Checklist – do these things before you leave!
  • Travel Tuesday Steals and Deals
  • Travel Clothes for Women Over 50
  • Pet Travel Tips – Best Sources for Traveling With Pets

PIN these tips for later

How to Plan a Road Trip With Kids graphic

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