Road trips with toddlers can feel a little intimidating, and long stretches in the car aren’t exactly designed for little ones with short attention spans and endless energy. But with a bit of planning and the right mix of activities, it’s possible to make your drive smoother. Let’s talk about keeping toddlers entertained on road trips so everyone arrives a little happier.
Prep Before You Leave
The first step for a successful road trip with toddlers happens before you even pull out of the driveway, and that is to prepare your toddler. If your child is old enough to understand, talk to them about the trip ahead. Share where you’re going, how long you’ll be driving, and what fun things you’ll see or do along the way.
It also helps to pack smart. Keep a variety of activities, comfort items, and snacks within easy reach. A small bin or seat organizer can be a game-changer for keeping everything together. These simple preparations can make a big difference during your trip.
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Activity Ideas to Keep Toddlers Engaged
Keeping toddlers entertained on road trips usually means offering a mix of options and being ready to switch things up when boredom strikes. Here are some tried-and-true ideas:
Interactive Toys
Simple, mess-free toys are your best friend. Think sticker books, drawing boards, water reveal coloring pads, or favorite stuffed animals. And definitely try to avoid anything that requires a million tiny pieces. Sometimes all it takes is one thing to fall out of the car or down an impossible-to-reach crevice for the whole toy (and your next 30 minutes) to be ruined.
Audio Fun
Load up a playlist with toddler-friendly songs or find a few short audiobooks or kid podcasts. Even very young kids enjoy listening to familiar voices or silly stories. If you’re lucky, they might even drift off to sleep while listening.
Our current rotation includes the Frozen and Moana soundtracks, the Circle Round podcast, and we’ve just started reading/listening to the first Harry Potter book!
Games on the Go
Classic car games can be easily adapted for toddlers. Try a simple game of “I Spy” (“I see a red car!”) or a color hunt where they look for things outside the window that match a color you name. These little games break up the monotony and encourage them to stay engaged with their surroundings.
If you need some inspiration, we’ve got a free Toddler Road Trip Scavenger Hunt available for download!
Surprise Bags
This is one we know some parents love for keeping toddlers entertained on road trips. They create “surprise bags” with new toys, books, or activities that kids can open at different points in the trip. It can definitely add a little excitement to a long drive.
In our family, we don’t buy new toys just for travel, especially since we usually buy new things for our kids during the trip. If you are like us and don’t want to buy new travel toys, but you still want to use this strategy, find some forgotten favorites that your kids can rediscover on the trip. This keeps expectations realistic and lets the excitement come from the experience, not just the stuff.
Whether you pack brand-new items or rediscover old treasures, having a few surprises tucked away can work wonders.
Screen Time (Without Guilt)
If you’re comfortable with it, a little screen time can be a lifesaver on longer drives. Download favorite shows, movies, or apps ahead of time so you’re not reliant on spotty data, and just remember to set time limits. We like to think of screen time as one tool in the toolbox. Not for the whole ride, but definitely part of it.
Snack Breaks Are Activities, Too
Never underestimate the power of a well-timed snack. Offering a small snack every so often can help break up the drive and give toddlers something to look forward to. We like to pack a mix of healthy options and special treats, divided into small containers or bags.
Bonus: Letting your toddler pick their snack from a “snack box” gives them a sense of control and makes it more fun!
Make Time for Movement Breaks
Whenever possible, plan to stop and let toddlers move around. Safe in the Seat, a child passenger safety resource, recommends taking breaks every couple of hours to allow children to stretch and move around. Parks, rest areas with grassy spaces, and even restaurant playgrounds can be great for a quick break. Just a few minutes of running, jumping, or stretching can help reset a toddler’s mood (and give parents a chance to regroup, too).
Final Tips for Keeping Toddlers Entertained on Road Trips
Even with the best preparation, it’s totally normal for things to get a little chaotic on a long drive. Toddlers are toddlers, after all! Staying flexible and keeping a sense of humor can go a long way. Some of our best road trip times have come from the unexpected moments between destinations, and a few tantrums along the way didn’t ruin them. Remember, you’re building memories—even if the ride gets bumpy!
You’ve got this. Safe travels!
Bonus Activity
Want an easy, free activity to help your toddler stay engaged? Sign up for our email list to download our free Toddler Road Trip Scavenger Hunt and make your next drive even more fun!
Want a checklist to help you pack for your road trip with young kids? Find more info here!