Planning a family road trip can be a daunting challenge, not to mention an exercise in patience. But, if you prepare ahead of time, the trip can be one of the most memorable experiences of your family’s life.
Road trips are also educational. They’re extended field trips that your kids will love! Kids can learn so much more from seeing historical sites, famous landmarks, and beautiful scenery in person than they can in books or online.
Now, here are some quick and easy tips for making your next family road trip a fun and safe one.
First, decide on the destination. I suggest you choose a place that you’ve learned about during your homeschool year. It can be a famous historical place like the Liberty Bell, a place from a book like Walnut Grove from the Little House books, or a biome or landmark that you’ve studied like the desert or mountains.
Second, as you check out the planned route you may want to check online to find gas stations along the way that offer the cheapest gas as well as hotels where you can stay. Also if there are any points of interest along the route mark them on the map and plan to stop at these sites.
Third, prepare a checklist of things you will need. Some items might include:
- a first aid kit
- snacks
- drinks
- a cooler
- electronics and their charging cords
- pillows
- clothing
- toiletries
- maps (your kids can follow along as you travel)
- toys
- coloring books or printables (here’s a list of websites with coloring pages)
- pencils and crayons
- books
- journals
- travel games
Make sure that you pick healthy snacks. Too many sugar snacks will make your kids bounce off the walls and car seats. Remember, family vacations are supposed to be relaxing and enjoyable. You want to try to avoid bouncy, bored kids who repeatedly ask, “Are we there yet?” Right? 😉
Check online for printable games and activities for your road trip that you and the kids can play along the way. Edventures has a bunch of them here.
In addition, if you have very young children you will need to take the diaper bag and wipes for the occasional spills. You might also want favorite blankets, pillows, and stuffed animals for them to cuddle.
Fourth, while on the road ensure that you make pit stops regularly. This will allow the kids to run around and let off some steam, while allowing the adults to stretch and reenergize. Bring along a ball for playing catch or a frisbee so that the entire family can have some fun while exercising.
Fifth, if you enjoy scrapbooking, this road trip may be a perfect opportunity to add some new treasures to the book. As you make stops at some scenic sites, ask the kids to find an item they would like to include in the scrapbook. Or if the kids point out something along the way that they find fascinating, take a picture of it to include in the scrapbook as well.
Sixth, family road trips are a good opportunity for journaling too. Kids can record their adventures in a small notebook, then go back and look at them later. They might even provide an inspiration for a writing project during the upcoming homeschool year.
Finally, it is very important that safety concerns are met. This includes having the car checked at your local mechanic or gas station. Be sure that the oil and filter are changed; the tires are good (don’t forget the spare tire, too); the windshield wipers are replaced if they are worn; and the car is in overall good condition before you head out.
In addition, you may want to place the following items in your trunk: a lawn chair, extra blanket, emergency road kit, umbrellas, water, flashlight and batteries, and a battery-powered radio. In the glove compartment include a first aid kit and cell phone charger. Keep all medications in a plastic bag in the glove compartment as well.
Another good idea is to take a list of telephone numbers including the hotel or motel where you are staying as well as those of family and friends you may need to contact If your cell phone dies, you still want to be able to call those numbers on a landline.
When it comes to planning and preparing, engage the kids in the decision making as is appropriate according to their ages. Let them have some input in deciding what to bring. Have them pack their clothes (check the suitcases afterwards) so they feel part of the overall experience. Planning ahead of time for a family road trip will save you time, stress, and money. Plus the kids will enjoy and learn from this part of the adventure, too!
Where are you planning on taking a family road trip this year?