We take a lot of road trips during the Summers and too much time in the car can be tough with two energetic little boys. To make all of our experiences more enjoyable, we’ve worked on a formula for our must-haves. If you’re looking for some ideas to spice up your trips, or you’re about to take your first long road trip with your little ones, take a look at our list and see if it inspires you!
Here are my Top 10 Road Trip Essentials for traveling with kids:
1. First Aid Kit
Having a first aid kit in the car no matter how long your drive is, is always incredibly important.
2. Water
Yes, this essential causes more frequent bathroom breaks, but hydration is all too necessary.
3. Snacks
I like to pack nuts, applesauce in pouches, and other healthy on-the-go snacks that don’t make too much of a mess.
4. Snack Cups
For all those unruly snacks, these snack cups have been a lifesaver.
5. Refrigerator Bag
This amazing bag fits right between the boys in the back seat. They can easily reach into it (without me having to stop the car to help them) and get fresh fruit and other chilled snacks.
6. Car Seat Trays
Trays like this one are perfect for holding snacks, coloring books, and anything else that might keep little ones busy during the ride.
7. Sunscreen
Whether we’re driving to the beach or to the grocery store, I always like to have sunscreen in the car for the boys. You never know when you might pass an epic park that you just have to play in along the way!
8. Toys
Of course we can’t leave home without handfuls of cars. Other activities like travel coloring books and magnet boxes are perfect for the car and keep them busy for at least five minutes. 😉
9. Books
Packing our favorite books is our go-to, but some of these road trip-inspired books look fun too!
10. Dual Screen TV
This last essential is not every parent’s favorite, but for us it’s a real game changer. When we’re stuck in traffic on the way home from visiting my parents and our trips turns into a 9 hour ordeal, popping in a movie for the boys is life changing. This Dual Screen TV from Panasonic attaches to the back of the headrests so the boys can both watch the same movie without having the fight over the angle of the singular portable DVD player. They’re also hands free, which means movie time sometimes turns into nap time.
I’d love to hear, what are your favorite road trip essentials?