Family road trips can be so much fun! However, packing for kids in tow can be extremely stressful if you aren’t prepared!
Family Road Tripping
As a full-time RV family, taking road trips together is one of our favored activities!
That said, if you aren’t used to long travel days, taking a road trip with the kiddos can be both stressful and overwhelming.
That’s why learning what to pack for your kiddos before hitting the road is essential.
Road Trip Packing for Kids
I’m a huge planner in all areas of my life and packing for kids is no different, you guys!
From advanced homeschool planning to road trip planning, I love it all.
That said, if you are ready to hit the road with your kiddos in tow these are all the things you need to know.
Advanced Packing Prep
If this is your first traveling rodeo, practicing advanced prep will be necessary for a smoother ride.
Start by creating a brain dump list 1-2 weeks prior to your road trip.
Then, as you go about your day, simply jot down everything important that comes to mind.
Take note of typical car ride items your kiddos might require, but also keep in mind the additional needs of your individual children.
For instance, if you are planning a 6-hour trip and you have a kiddo who needs constant entertainment, has a small attention span, or gets fussy easily you will need a whole bag of tricks for your upcoming road trip.
However, if you have kiddos who can easily entertain themselves or fall asleep effortlessly in the car their needs will differ.
Once your brain dump is complete, take the time to create an organized packing list.
Packing for Kids — The Essentials
Since every kiddo is unique and their individual needs may vary, there is no master list of road trip essentials that works for all families.
That said, packing for kids can easily be tackled if you make an extra effort during the weeks leading up to your trip by utilizing the brain dump method I mentioned above.
Then, once your brain dump is complete combine those essentials and extras to create a finalized packing list for ultimate success.
If having a successful family road trip is your ultimate goal, consider leaning on this simple list of road trip essentials for kids.
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Slip-on shoes
- Spare clothes
- Wet bag
- Activity bag
- Toys
- Books
- Bedtime comfort items
- Cash
- Wet wipes
- Snacks
- Reusable Waterbottle
- Sunscreen
- Bug spray
- Hand sanitizer
These are just a few of the important essentials you need when packing for kids.
Packing with Kids
While creating a unique and personalized packing list for your upcoming road trip is essential, packing with your kids is just as important.
Motivate your kiddos to help during the packing process by asking them if there is anything they want to add to their activity bag or if there is a special clothing item they would like to wear.
Not only does this help kiddos get excited about your upcoming travels, but they may also think of something they need that you didn’t.
Finally, encourage children to help with small (age-appropriate) tasks such as fetching items or filling water bottles.
Hitting the Road
Successfully packing for kids means you will be prepared for the messes and the unexpected that will come once you hit the road.
Proper preparation will ease unnecessary stress on your summer road trip and help everything run smoother.
Plus, taking the extra time to prep before your travels will allow you to have more stress-free moments to enjoy those precious little people of yours!
So, hit the road with confidence this time around.
Happy travels, momma!
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