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Tips for surviving car trips with kids

By Pamela Kennedy April 1, 2015
So as part of this road trip I'm taking with Amelia I am always looking for tips to keep her busy and me sane. She's not one of those kids that goes to sleep in the car--never has and I suspect never will. Sitting still makes her insane and in turn makes me insane and a long road trip is not the place for that.

I've decided to offer some of my tips here as well as ask for your tips for taking a road trip with your kids. Amelia would say if we had another kid that would solve the problem but since that isn't going to happen then I suppose other things may be in order. Here are a few of my ideas, please add yours in the comments section because I certainly can use them!


1.  Know that anything over 1-2 hours will not be a straight trip.  Teaching my husband this is quite an ordeal but the fact is that with kids your going to need to stop whether it be for potty breaks or just to stretch their legs. Kids can't stay seated for that long--at least mine can't.


2. Bring activities.  Some of my favorite are the iPad (with a good wifi service) and Amelia's road trip kit.  That includes paper, scissors, colors and easy arts and crafts.  If you have a portable DVD it's great but put it in the kids reach so your not trying to change things up while driving down the road.  Want some new DVD's to keep them busy?  Hit the local library and check some out for FREE.


3.  Snacks.  As a kid I loved that my parents would pack a cooler of drinks and some snacks for the ride.  It saves on money at those stops and if they have food in their mouth it may be a little quieter.  I love crackers, chips and even fruit in the cooler.  Bonus--you can save extra for the hotel room snacks.


4.  Pipe cleaners--have them make necklaces, animals and whatever can keep their little hands busy.


5.  Blankie and a couple of favorite stuffed animals.  I do this in hopes that a nap may happen but if not they are comforting when she gets bored.



Tell me what your road trip tips are!  I could sure use some new ideas to make this trip easier and help get our fun kicked off early.