Going on a road trip can be a fun adventure but a road trip with little kids can be more challenging. Planning a successful trip (by successful I mean with the least amount of crying, complaining, and fighting) takes a bit more time than just throwing things into the car and leaving.
- Timing is Everything:
Knowing how long your trip is and when your kids take a nap is an essential. Sleeping through a portion of the trip will make it seem shorter to them and reduce the boredom of being confined to a small space for hours.
For example, tomorrow we are leaving on the 5 hour drive to visit relatives in Minnesota. The plan is to leave around 9 because Penelope usually takes a morning nap at 10ish. We will stop for lunch around noon and Fiona naps just after lunch. In theory the girls will nap on the drive and will be well rested and in good moods by the time we get there.
2. Pack an In-Car Bag:
This is my list of essentials for in the car:
- Books
- Coloring Supplies
- Small Toys
- Snacks
- Water Bottles
3. SING!
When the crying starts get ready to sing a few songs to distract the kids from their troubles. Remember a few:
- The Ants Go Marching 1 By 1
- This is the Song That Never Ends
- ABC’s
- John Jacob Jingle Himer Schmidt
- Jeremiah was a Bullfrog
- And any other song you can think of!
4. Take a Break
If the weather is nice stop for a bit and walk around. Being cramped in a car for a long time is really hard on little kids so getting out and taking a short walk will help.
5. Extra Snacks
The simple truth with children is that snacks make everything better so be sure to pack enough.
Our trip starts in the morning and while I’m not looking forward to the drive I am looking forward to having a nice visit with family.
Farm Kids 