Packing for Kids

by | Jun 12, 2018 | Mom Tips

Last Updated Apr 18, 2024
Pack + Adventure

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!

Packing for a Road Trip with Kids

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.

Packing List

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.

Create a List of Packing Essentials

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

Packing for Kids Trip Essentials

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.

Hitting 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!

Find this content useful? Take a moment to share it with other moms on social media today!

Packing for Kids

Meet the Author

Life & Homeschool Author

Hey guys! I’m Mary, homeschool mom of 3 amazing kiddos.

I’m so excited that you decided to check out my little corner of the world!

If you have been following our journey for any length of time, you already know that I’m obsessed with coffee, organization, and all things simple.

I’m also a huge dog lover and introvert 💗

My homeschool style is very eclectic.

I enjoy a solid mixture of structure and free range. I set goals for myself and my children each week, but I put no pressure on perfection.

We use a wide variety of curriculum in our home.

Some of our current favorites are The Good and the Beautiful, Life of Fred, Beautiful Feet Books, and Lifepac.

While my kids do spend a good amount of time learning at desks, they also spend countless hours exploring their creativity and practicing a little independence.

I love mountains, rainy days, and sitting by the campfire. 

Our family recently relocated to the PNW and we have been enjoying finding new nature spots to explore together 🙌🏼

I can’t wait to connect and share all the things I’ve learned on our new journey! 

Just a Note…

Thanks for checking out the mom tips portion of the blog! 

Typically summer is the most productive time for my blog. However, our family is currently living in temporary housing and we do not see an end in sight (thank you housing marking 😪) — meaning my workspace & supplies to produce quality content it extremely limited.

I am still working, but it’s nothing like normal.

As always, we appreciate your patience! 

If you enjoyed this article or simply want to see more of our journey, feel free to follow us on social media for more frequent updates.

You can find all of our social accounts below!

FacebookInstagramPinterest

Don’t forget to check out our Facebook group too!

This group is open to all homeschool moms.

Whether you are already knee-deep in your homeschool journey or just dipping your toes in — all homeschool moms are welcome!

Looking forward to connecting! Simply Be Wild & Free Life + Homeschool Blog

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Meet the Author

Life & Homeschool Author

Hey guys! I’m Mary, homeschool mom of 3 amazing kiddos.

I’m so excited that you decided to check out my little corner of the world!

If you have been following our journey for any length of time, you already know that I’m obsessed with coffee, organization, and all things simple.

I’m also a huge dog lover and introvert 💗

My homeschool style is very eclectic.

I enjoy a solid mixture of structure and free range. I set goals for myself and my children each week, but I put no pressure on perfection.

We use a wide variety of curriculum in our home.

Some of our current favorites are The Good and the Beautiful, Life of Fred, Beautiful Feet Books, and Lifepac.

While my kids do spend a good amount of time learning at desks, they also spend countless hours exploring their creativity and practicing a little independence.

I love mountains, rainy days, and sitting by the campfire. 

Our family recently relocated to the PNW and we have been enjoying finding new nature spots to explore together 🙌🏼

I can’t wait to connect and share all the things I’ve learned on our new journey! 

Just a Note…

Thanks for checking out the mom tips portion of the blog! 

Typically summer is the most productive time for my blog. However, our family is currently living in temporary housing and we do not see an end in sight (thank you housing marking 😪) — meaning my workspace & supplies to produce quality content it extremely limited.

I am still working, but it’s nothing like normal.

As always, we appreciate your patience! 

If you enjoyed this article or simply want to see more of our journey, feel free to follow us on social media for more frequent updates.

You can find all of our social accounts below!

FacebookInstagramPinterest

Don’t forget to check out our Facebook group too!

This group is open to all homeschool moms.

Whether you are already knee-deep in your homeschool journey or just dipping your toes in — all homeschool moms are welcome!

Looking forward to connecting! Simply Be Wild & Free Life + Homeschool Blog

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