Activities for Traveling with Kids

You’ve packed the snacks, double-checked the bags, wrangled the shoes (why is one always missing?), and finally buckled everyone in. You pull out of the driveway, already thinking through your mental checklist—and then, just seven minutes in, from the back seat, a little voice chimes in:

“Are we there yet?”

If you’ve traveled with kids, you’ve probably heard that line more times than you can count. And while we laugh about it, the truth is… traveling as a family isn’t always easy. Between the bathroom breaks, snack explosions, and backseat squabbles over who saw the cow first, it can feel like just one more thing on your already long to-do list.

But here’s the thing:

You don’t need a picture-perfect Pinterest itinerary to make it meaningful.

You don’t have to cram in crafts or load the car with gadgets.

Sometimes, it’s the smallest things—the in-between moments, the giggles during a silly game, the snack shared between stops—that end up becoming the stories your kids remember.

This isn’t about adding more to your plate. It’s about a few simple ideas you can prep ahead of time or toss in a bag that invite connection, bring a little calm, and help you enjoy the journey just as much as the destination.

1. Travel Binders & Busy Books

We’ve made these before using just a three-ring binder and a few sheet protectors. My kids love them, and I love how they keep little hands (and minds) engaged.

Inside, you can slide:

  • Wipe-clean pages for doodling, letter tracing, or mazes
  • Sticker scenes or coloring sheets
  • Travel bingo or scavenger hunts—things they can spot along the drive
  • A pocket for surprise stickers or a joke of the day
  • Honestly, it becomes their own little travel adventure kit. Plus, it helps me say “yes” to screen-free quiet time.

2. Snackle Boxes (Tackle Box Snacks)

You’ve probably packed snacks a hundred times but this little tweak can feel like magic on the road. Grab a clean tackle box or a divided container and fill it with a mix of bite-sized favorites:

  • Grapes, crackers, pretzels, fruit snacks, trail mix, cheese cubes, whatever your kids love.
  • Toss in a few fun surprises (like a gummy worm or a couple of mini marshmallows) to make it feel like a little adventure in every bite.

The compartments help kids pace themselves, and it keeps crumbs and wrappers under control. Plus, it feels a little more exciting than a crumpled baggie of goldfish.

3. Audiobooks & Podcasts

There’s something kind of magical about listening to a story together on the road.

It calms the chaos, sparks curiosity, and gives everyone something to enjoy, even if they’re all quietly staring out their own windows.

Here are a few of our favorites:

  • Audiobooks like Magic Tree House, Billy B. Brown, Polly & Buster, The Boxcar Children, or even The Tale of Jolly Robin (All engaging, age-friendly stories that invite imaginations to run wild.)
  • Silly or story-based podcasts made just for kids. These are great for keeping little minds entertained without screens.
  • Letting each child take turns choosing what to listen to

It gives them a sense of ownership and a little moment in the spotlight.

And honestly, some days they get so into it, they forget to ask how many hours are left.

Now that’s a road trip win.

4. Old-Fashioned Car Games (That Actually Work)

Sometimes the best entertainment is the kind that sparks imagination and laughter with zero prep and no supplies needed:

  • I Spy (mix it up by saying things like “I spy something that smells” or “something silly”)
  • Would You Rather? (our last debate was: would you rather ride a giraffe to school or a penguin?)
  • License Plate Game (see if you can spot plates from all 50 states. It’s a fun way to work together toward a common goal, and everyone gets excited as you check them off the list!)
  • The Alphabet Game (use road signs, store names, or billboards to find every letter of the alphabet in order)
  • Tell-a-Story Together (each person adds a sentence. These stories get wild really fast)

And honestly? These often lead to the best belly laughs and conversations you didn’t even know you needed.

5. Simple Travel Journals

A small notebook and a few crayons can go a long way. Kids love having a space that’s just for them to capture their trip:

  • “Today I saw…” or “My favorite part was…” prompts
  • Drawings, sticker pages, or glued-in treasures (like a leaf from a rest stop)
  • Space for older kids to write reflections, silly quotes, or questions they have

It helps them notice and remember more—and gives you something to keep when the trip is long over.

6. Conversation Starters for the Road

Sometimes the best part of a trip isn’t where you’re going, it’s what you talk about on the way. Keep a few simple questions ready to go:

  • “If you could invent a new holiday, what would it be?”
  • “What’s something you’d love to learn how to do?”
  • “What’s your favorite memory from a past trip?”

These don’t just pass the time; they deepen connection. They’re a reminder that even when the car is loud, messy, or full of chaos, it’s still a chance to be together.

A Final Thought

You don’t have to plan the perfect road trip. You don’t have to keep them entertained every minute. But a few thoughtful ideas, packed with love and a little intention, can turn the ordinary drive into something surprisingly meaningful.

Even the “Are we there yet?” moments have their place in the memory book.

Submitted by Sarah Clark