The Ultimate Road Trip Packing List for Kids (Without the Screens!)
There’s something magical about hitting the open road with your family—the wind in your hair, the snacks within arm’s reach, and the endless possibilities of adventure ahead. But let’s be real—road-tripping with kids can feel like an extreme sport. Without preparation, your dream of a peaceful, nostalgia-filled journey can quickly turn into a chorus of "Are we there yet?" on repeat.
The secret? Packing smart. And guess what? You don’t need screens to keep your kids entertained for hours. That’s right—we’re ditching the iPads and endless YouTube loops in favor of engaging, hands-on fun. So, buckle up, parents! Here’s the ultimate road trip packing list that will keep your little travelers entertained, engaged, and dare we say even excited for the journey ahead.
1. Road Trip Coloring Books (Because Creativity > Screens)
Let’s start with a road trip MVP: RoadTrip Coloring Books! These books are designed specifically for kids on the go, featuring bold, simple designs based on the landmarks, wildlife, and culture of different states. Whether you’re heading to Texas, Maine, or California, there’s a themed coloring book to make the drive feel like part of the adventure.
Bonus tip: Pack some triangular crayons or twistable colored pencils so you’re not fishing for rogue crayons between car seats.
2. DIY Travel Journal
Encourage your kids to become little travel writers by packing a travel journal. Have them document what they see, doodle their favorite roadside attractions, or even collect cool stickers along the way.
If your kiddo needs some inspiration, try prompts like:
What’s the weirdest thing you saw today?
What did you eat at that roadside diner?
Draw a picture of your favorite stop so far!
3. Books (Audiobooks Included!)
A road trip is a perfect excuse to squeeze in some extra reading time. Pack a mix of: ✔ Picture books for younger kids ✔ Chapter books for older ones ✔ Audiobooks for the whole family to enjoy (Harry Potter road trip marathon, anyone?)
Some great road trip-friendly audiobooks:
Charlotte’s Web (E.B. White)
The Chronicles of Narnia series (C.S. Lewis)
The Ramona Quimby Collection (Beverly Cleary)
Percy Jackson & The Olympians (Rick Riordan)
4. Road Trip Games (Old-School But Gold)
Let’s bring back the classic road trip games! No batteries required, just good old-fashioned fun:
I Spy – “I spy with my little eye… a cow on top of a billboard!”
License Plate Game – Who can spot the most states first?
20 Questions – Is it an animal? Is it bigger than a breadbox?
Would You Rather? – "Would you rather have spaghetti for hair or marshmallows for toes?"
Mad Libs – Because there’s nothing funnier than a story about a giraffe named Banana Pants who sings opera.
5. Snack Box (A.K.A. The Peacekeeper)
Let’s be honest, snacks are the real road trip MVPs. Avoid the gas station snack trap and pack a well-stocked snack box.
Healthy & mess-free ideas: ✔ Fruit leather or dried fruit ✔ Trail mix (minus the meltdown-causing M&Ms if you’re traveling through hot areas) ✔ String cheese or cheese cubes ✔ Granola bars ✔ Pre-cut apple slices with peanut butter (use a travel container!) ✔ Popcorn in individual bags ✔ Mini sandwiches or wraps
Pro tip: Bring a small cooler for fresh snacks and a trash bag for easy cleanup.
6. Comfort Items (Because Cozy = Calm)
A comfortable kid is a happy kid. Pack these cozy must-haves: ✔ Neck pillows – Say goodbye to the dreaded car seat head-bob. ✔ Blankets – Because AC wars are real. ✔ Stuffed animals – Road-tripping with their plush BFF makes everything better. ✔ Sunglasses – Squinting is no fun. ✔ Headphones – If they want to listen to an audiobook and you need some peace, win-win.
7. Roadside Exploration Kit
Turn every rest stop into an adventure! Pack: ✔ Binoculars – Spot birds, mountains, and road signs from miles away. ✔ Magnifying glass – Get up close with cool rocks or bugs. ✔ Disposable cameras – Let kids snap their own road trip memories. ✔ Scavenger hunt list – Create a checklist of things to find along the way (e.g., “Red barn,” “Cactus,” “Water tower”).
8. Activity Packs & Stickers
Activity packs are a lifesaver when you need a distraction. Stock up on: ✔ Sticker books ✔ Reusable sticker scenes (Melissa & Doug make great ones!) ✔ Mess-free coloring books (like Color Wonder) ✔ Reusable water-reveal books ✔ Puzzles or maze books
9. Kid-Friendly Travel Essentials
You don’t want to be caught without these road trip lifesavers: ✔ Baby wipes – Not just for babies! Perfect for sticky hands, spills, and mystery messes. ✔ Hand sanitizer – Gas stations can be… questionable. ✔ Motion sickness bands or ginger chews – Because car sickness is not a vibe. ✔ Change of clothes – Accidents will happen. ✔ Trash bags – Keep things tidy or store wet/dirty clothes. ✔ Car organizer – A backseat caddy keeps everything within reach.
10. Music & Podcasts for Kids
Set the mood with an epic road trip playlist and some kid-friendly podcasts.
🎵 Family-friendly road trip jams:
“Can’t Stop the Feeling” (Justin Timberlake)
“Hakuna Matata” (The Lion King)
“Happy” (Pharrell Williams)
The Beatles, Queen, and Disney hits—classic crowd-pleasers!
🎧 Kid-friendly podcasts:
Wow in the World (science adventures!)
Brains On! (fun and educational)
Story Pirates (kid-written stories turned into hilarious audio tales)
Ready, Set, Road Trip!
With the right mix of engaging activities, comfort items, and tasty snacks, your road trip can be an unforgettable adventure—without the need for screens! By including fun and interactive options like RoadTrip Coloring Books, classic games, and hands-on exploration, you’ll make the journey just as exciting as the destination.
So, start packing, cue up your favorite road trip playlist, and hit the road with confidence. Adventure awaits! 🚗✨
