While summer is in full swing for many of you, it’s actually beginning to wind down for us, with only two weeks left before our kids head back to school. I know, it’s hard to believe, but here, their first day of school is in early August! Before summer ends and school starts, we’re planning a small road trip to South Florida to visit family and see a bit of the area. Road trips can be fun, but with young kids, they also require a bit of preparation. Let me share a few tips I’ve collected over the years after many road trips with my two little travelers; they’ve handled many road trips from Tampa to Orlando and even a lengthy trip from Tampa to Virginia!
5 Tips for a Stress-Free & Fun Family Road Trip!
1. Pack snacks
Young kids are always asking for snacks, so instead of having to stop multiple times for food, we make sure to pack snacks for the road. We normally stop for lunch and dinner, but pack plenty of fresh fruit, crackers, and other similar snacks that the kids enjoy.
2. Invest in a small cooler
Drinks are another thing kids tend to ask for a lot, so investing in a small, portable cooler that easily fits inside the car is a good idea. We have an insulated cooler that holds several water bottles and juice packs, which works great for our family. Not only do we take it with us on road trips, but also to the park and other outings!
3. Look up car-friendly games
There are plenty of fun games you and the kids can play in the car! Outside of traditional car games like “I Spy,” you can find lots of other options online or even make up your own!
4. Encourage kids to bring books
While we are certainly not against watching TV or playing hand-held video games during road trips, we do encourage our kids to bring books, coloring activities, and other non-electronic fun. Remember, you can find a lot of great, inexpensive books and coloring supplies at your local dollar store!
5. Have fun with car-aoke
Passing the time during a road trip can be lots of fun with a good playlist. We like putting together a variety of music that everyone enjoys, especially songs we can sing along to, and that keeps our energy levels high!
Road trips can be a lot of fun, even with young kids. With a little planning and creativity, you can take the stress away and have a great family road trip this summer!
What are some of your favorite tricks for a fun family road trip?
All photos © Melanie Edwards/modernmami™
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