Living in South Florida is super convenient for embarking on fun one-day car trips with our kids. We often will hop in the car and drive North to Disney World, and we recently drove a bit South to the Florida Keys.
Taking car trips with toddlers can seem like an intimidating thing to do if you haven’t done it before. However, with some planning and prep work taking car trips with toddlers can actually go quite smoothly!
Tips for Car Trips with Toddlers
1. When we are packing for our car trips there is always a separate bag packed just for the kid’s stuff. I am a huge fan of using our Ju-Ju-Be Be Right Back Backpack because of all of it’s organized compartments and pockets. I fill the backpack with all sorts of things (like snacks, small games and toys, individual containers of play dough) to keep the kids entertained. I don’t give the boys everything all at once, in an effort to maximize the time that they stay entertained!
2. I love the dry erase Write & Wipe board books for car trips, but we don’t use the dry erase markers in the car. Crayons are a great alternative to giving your kids markers since they also wipe right off the book. Triangle crayons are pretty amazing for car trips so that they don’t roll away from the kids.
3. In the back seat each of the kids gets their own lap desk so they can comfortably enjoy their toys and books.
4. You can also make your kids an easy and cute mini travel activity book using a one inch mini 3-ring binder and sheet protectors. I filled our little travel activity book with stickers and paper for the kids to use. Also, I punched holes into the edge of a plastic snack bag, attached it to the 3-ring binder, and filled it with the crayons so everything was conveniently located in the activity book.
5. If the kids have become bored with the coloring, and asking “Are we there yet?!” a million times, it may not be a bad idea to break out your tablet and let them watch a video. We have these very reasonably priced Orbo Jr. tablets and they have held up against two little boys pretty well so far! We use a hanging organizer on the back of the seat in front of the kids to make it easy for them to see.
6. SNACKS!! Snacks are a saving grace for me. My purse and diaper bag are usually stocked with a variety of snacks that I can hand over to a cranky kiddo at a moment’s notice.
Recently we tried the new OREO 2-pack which are the perfect size to also fit pretty much anywhere. You can throw them in your bag for a quick snack on the go. The OREO 2-pack is the perfect serving size to satisfy your sweet tooth!
OREO 2-packs are sold in packages of 18, and can conveniently be purchased at your local grocery store. They are also available in Nutter Butter.
What other tips for taking toddlers on car trips do you have to share? Please leave a comment and let me know!
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
Great ideas! I love the binder. They do make dry erase crayons and pencils now! They are a great alternative to the markers because they are less messy.
Hi Tricia, That’s a great tip, thank you! I need to check those out 🙂
Cool tips Melissa! I love the binder. Awesome share.
Thanks,
Dawn
These are all great tips! My children are older now but keeping them busy and having a lot of snacks available is still vital for road trip success.
I love the idea of a binder! My so is into puzzles, word search and scramblers so that would be perfect for him. I like the idea of the lap desk for long trips! Never thought of that.
That lapdesk is genius. I have never thought of that… I love it. Oh and every road trip must have some yummy snacks.
We are heading to the beach in July – 10 hours in the car. I will be sure to pack lots of activities for the kids and I especially liked your suggestion of triangle crayons. Brilliant.
I hated car rides when I was younger!! This would e a great way to keep a kid entertained on long car rides.
My tip for toddlers (besides those delicious looking OREOS) is to bring some “new to the Child” toys. They don’t have to be new, you can get them at a garage sale, borrow them, whatever, just new to them is really fun (and save some for each day)!
You’re so brave! I still plan road trips for the middle of the night while the kids are sleeping. I am too nervous to try it during the day!
Great article. Bookmarked it. Thanks for the post.