How to Make Family Road Trips with Young Children Enjoyable
Planning a family road trip with young kids? Based on personal experiences, tips from friends, and advice from podcasts, here are some ideas (from the Fitzroy Beach Holiday Park team) to help make your trip a breeze! Whether heading to a nearby destination or embarking on a longer adventure, these strategies will make road travel with kids smoother and more fun.
Take a Test Drive
If your family hasn’t experienced long drives yet, try a short day trip or weekend getaway. It helps the kids get used to being in the car for an extended time, and it’s also a great opportunity to introduce and practice any special "car rules."
Know Your Family’s Limits
If your kids can’t make it through a two-hour trip without a meltdown, you may want to postpone that cross-country road trip. Start small and build up their tolerance over time. Consider what time of day is best for your family to travel—early morning, overnight, or afternoon? By knowing how long you can drive before everyone gets cranky, you’ll ensure a more enjoyable trip.
Plan Your Route
Do some research beforehand to find good stopping points for bathroom breaks, stretching, and meals. Make sure you have a reliable maps app (and a backup paper map) handy for those urgent "I need to go NOW!" moments from the backseat.
Set Expectations
Prepare your kids for the trip by explaining the "rules" ahead of time. Let them know how long the drive will be, how often you'll stop, and what they can do to stay entertained. Practising the routine during shorter drives can be a helpful way to reinforce these expectations.
Pack Activity Bags
Let your kids pack their own activity bags. It gives them a sense of control over the trip, and it’s one less thing for you to worry about. For younger kids, you may want to limit the number of items they bring—leave out noisy toys or excessive amounts of stuffed animals to keep things manageable.
Be Prepared for Anything
It’s better to over-pack a few essentials than get stuck on the road without them. Think extra nappies, wipes, spill-proof cups, travel medications, and plenty of plastic bags for potential messes. Having spare clothes handy is always a good idea in case of accidents or car sickness.
Take Care of Yourself Too
Remember, you don’t need to entertain the kids 24/7. If you're a passenger, bring a book, magazine, or use the time to catch up on tasks like planning meals or finalising accommodations. Some time to recharge will make the journey more enjoyable for you as well.
Create a Family Playlist
Singing with the kids can be a great way to pass the time. If you're dreading endless rounds of "If You’re Happy and You Know It," create a kid-friendly playlist that everyone can enjoy, blending both their favourites and yours.
Keep Kids Occupied
Many parents swear by audiobooks, apps, and educational games. But don’t be afraid to think outside the box! Bring along simple craft supplies like pipe cleaners or aluminium foil to keep little hands busy. If you opt for tablets or video games, set screen time limits to avoid headaches or car sickness.
Play Road Games
Get the whole family involved with games like I Spy, Car Colour Bingo, or the alphabet game using road signs. Classics like Twenty Questions or Name That Tune are always winners. Hand your kids a map and let them test your knowledge as well!
Surprise Treats
Stock up on inexpensive surprises, like stickers or small toys, to pull out when the kids start getting restless. The key is to give the surprise before a full meltdown begins, so the reward doesn’t reinforce bad behaviour.
One-on-One Time
Make time during the trip for individual attention with each child. Sit next to them for a stretch and read a book or do a puzzle together. When kids receive positive attention, they’re less likely to act out with negative behaviour.
Let Them Make Choices
Giving your kids some control can go a long way towards keeping them happy. Let them pick snacks, choose a radio station, or help decide where to stop for lunch. Little decisions like these can help avoid power struggles.
Key Takeaways:
- Test the waters with shorter trips before big adventures.
- Know your limits and plan realistic driving times.
- Keep things fun with activities, surprises, and music.
- Focus on your kids and give them opportunities for involvement.
With these tips in mind, you can make your next family road trip an adventure everyone enjoys! So, we’ll see you and your family in New Plymouth then! Be sure to book your accommodation well in advance with Fitzroy Beach Holiday Park.