10 Essential Summer Travel Tips for Road Tripping with Kids

Traveling with children is always challenging, and that's a fact. Our family spans a wide age range: River is nearly 5, Lennon is almost 11, and the boys, Finn and Noah, are 14 and 16, respectively. We frequently hear "are we there yet" from all of them, and that's something that will never change! We opt for road trips to beach destinations because of the luggage we carry and the number of souvenirs we bring back, requiring ample space for those treasures!

A family prepares for a fun day outdoors, packing snacks and essentials into the car as the parents help their children get ready.

We have compiled what we consider the 10 most essential tips you need!

1. Plan Kid- and Teen-Friendly Stops

Schedule breaks that cater to both younger kids and teens. Parks with play areas are great for younger ones, while teens might enjoy stops at quirky roadside attractions, local cafes, or scenic viewpoints.

A group of young people enjoy a retro gaming experience in an arcade, surrounded by vintage video game machines. The room is lit with vibrant neon lights, enhancing the nostalgic atmosphere.

2. Entertainment for All Ages

Bring a mix of entertainment options to keep everyone busy. For younger kids, include toys, books, and games, while teens might prefer downloading music playlists, podcasts, or movies. Consider portable chargers for their devices!

3. Snack Variety for Different Tastes

Pack a variety of snacks that will appeal to everyone—healthy options for the kids and something a little indulgent for teens (think trail mix, chips, granola bars, or even some fun candy). Keep snacks in easy-to-reach containers! Check out these awesome snack boxes that make packing multiple snacks a breeze!

4. Create a Road Trip Playlist for Everyone

Get everyone involved by letting each family member pick a song or two for a shared road trip playlist. Balance out the music by mixing kids' songs with teen-friendly hits so everyone can enjoy the drive.

5. Personalized Travel Bags

Give each kid and teen their own "road trip kit" with their favorite snacks, entertainment, and personal items like headphones, journals, or travel-sized toiletries. This will help avoid complaints about sharing or boredom. River gets car sick at times so this includes his own special bowl! Amazon has tons of options for this and you can even personalize them with names or even popular cartoon characters.

These bags are space saving for the car and hold a ton!

6. Strategize Travel Times

To maximize comfort, try driving early in the morning or late at night when kids and teens are more likely to sleep. This helps shorten the “are we there yet?” phase and avoids dealing with traffic.

7. Hydration Is Key

Keep water bottles on hand for everyone. Make sure both kids and teens stay hydrated, especially during summer road trips when it can get hot. A cooler with drinks and ice packs will help keep things cool. This has always been challenging but we push it on our kids because we know they will be running non stop once they get to the beach so we try to get ahead of dehydration!

8. Incorporate Teen Interests into Your Stops

Parents of teens you get this right away! Does everything just seem boring or not cool enough anymore? We always try to scout out different fun stops or shops ahead of our trips that we think our teens and tween may enjoy. Teens may get bored with typical tourist stops, so look for places that could pique their interest, like cool hiking spots, historical landmarks, or nearby beaches. You can even let them do a bit of research ahead of time to plan a stop they’ll enjoy.

9. Offer Restful Overnight Options

If your road trip spans more than one day, consider booking accommodations that appeal to both younger children and teens. Look for places with amenities like swimming pools, Wi-Fi, or game rooms, so there's something for everyone.

A family enjoys a sunny day by the pool in a modern hotel, surrounded by lush greenery and cozy balconies.

10. Embrace Flexibility

A road trip with both kids and teens means you should be ready for the unexpected. Kids may need extra bathroom breaks, while teens might get cranky from long stretches in the car. Plan for some downtime where everyone can relax or even take a few moments to recharge—whether it’s stopping at a cool roadside diner or letting teens have some “phone time” to unwind

A successful road trip with both kids and teens is all about balance. With some prep and a good attitude, your family can enjoy a memorable summer adventure on the road!

Give me some more tips! I could use all that you moms and dads can throw at me!

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