Tips for a road trip with kids
24 July, 2019 | Update: 22/01/2025
“Are we there yet? How much longer?” A road trip with kids is a fun adventure, but it can sometimes be quite a challenge. Especially when you hit traffic or the journey takes longer than expected. How can you keep your kids entertained and the atmosphere cheerful in the car? Here are 9 handy tips!
Road trip with kids: 9 tips
- Highway scavenger hunt
- Host a music party
- Time for a snack break
- Audiobooks and podcasts
- Travel diary: a lovely holiday memory
- Screen-time fun
- Keep it cool
- Stretch your legs
- Avoid peak travel days
1. Highway scavenger hunt
Stuck in traffic? Use this time for a fun scavenger hunt. Assign your kids tasks like spotting a red car, counting how many lorries they see, or finding a licence plate from another country. The classic “I spy with my little eye” is always a winner too. Or try the simple animal name game, where someone says an animal, like monkey, and the next person comes up with another animal starting with the last letter (e.g., y, yak). Another fun option is “20 questions,” where one person thinks of a famous person, and the rest ask yes-or-no questions to guess who it is.
2. Host a music party
Singing in the car is always a hit. Create a playlist in advance with your kids’ favourite songs (and maybe some singalongs for yourself). From pop hits to Disney soundtracks: turn up the volume and sing your hearts out.
Stuck in traffic? Try a scavenger hunt or play a game
3. Time for a snack break
It’s no secret that snacks make everyone (kids and adults) happier. Always have a stash of healthy snacks on hand: fruit, rice cakes, or a homemade snack box filled with their favourites.
4. Audiobooks and podcasts
Some stories are so captivating that time flies by. Audiobooks or child-friendly podcasts are perfect for keeping kids quiet and focused. There are countless options, from thrilling adventures to funny tales.
5. Travel diary: a lovely holiday memory
A little creativity on the road can work wonders. Give your kids a fun travel diary where they can draw, write, or add stickers about their holiday. Or let them take their own pictures with a Polaroid camera. It keeps them busy and creates a great memory of your trip.
Let kids create their own travel diary – a wonderful keepsake from the holiday
6. Screen-time fun
In emergencies, there’s always the tablet or a portable DVD player. Download some movies or games beforehand for some peace and quiet in the car. Tip: don’t forget headphones so everyone can enjoy their own movie without arguments over sound.
7. Keep it cool
Nobody likes a hot car, especially kids in the back seat. Use sunshades to block the glaring sun and set the air conditioning to a comfortable temperature. Keep a cooler stocked with cold drinks and fruit pouches to keep everyone hydrated and refreshed. You can also store wet wipes or damp washcloths (in a sandwich bag) in the cooler. During breaks, park the car in the shade to prevent overheating. For extra cooling, consider small, portable fans to improve air circulation. Note: never leave your child alone in the car.
8. Stretch your legs
Stop regularly during your journey. Kids need to burn off energy and can’t sit still for too long. Plan breaks for toilet stops and leg stretches. Bring a ball, badminton set, or frisbee for extra activity. Regular breaks are good for both you and your kids. Fresh air works wonders for everyone’s mood – and you’ll be ready to hit the road again. To get the kids back in the car, you can always fall back on tip 4.
Take regular breaks so everyone can stretch their legs
9. Avoid peak travel days
Want to avoid the worst traffic jams? Try to steer clear of peak travel days. These are the busiest days of the year on European motorways, especially in France. Peak travel days typically fall in late July and early August. In 2025, peak travel days are expected to be 26 July, 2 August, and 9 August. If possible, plan your camping holiday in summer on a different date.
If you must travel on a peak day, leave late in the morning or early afternoon. This helps you avoid the worst traffic and start your holiday feeling more relaxed.
Don’t want to miss any updates from our blog? Sign up now for the Suncamp newsletter!
Latest comments