The Ultimate Summer Road Trip Survival Guide for Families

As a solo, but somewhat adventurous parent, I have done several cross-country road trips with my son in our campervan. From Edmonton, we’ve driven to the East Coast (twice), up north to the Yukon and into Alaska, and we drive to Vancouver Island twice a year.

Were there meltdowns? Yes. Does he get bored? Of course. Did we create memories that will last a lifetime? Absolutely!

All those kilometres on the road with baby, turned toddler, turned school-aged kid have taught me what works and what doesn’t for summer family road trips.  

Set Yourself Up for Success

Taking kids on a trip can be a lot of work, but there are ways you can set yourself up for success so you can reap the rewards. Here’s how I do that:

1. Do laundry, buy snacks and pack a few days early. Have everything packed and ready to go by the door the night before departure.

2. Download everything you’ll need on the road: maps, playlists, podcasts, games, shows for the kids, etc., and make sure all devices are fully charged.

3. Plan your route, but add 1-2 hours to whatever timeframe Google Maps gives you. You’re going to need that time for breaks and delays.

Get in the Right Mindset

Part of setting yourself up for success is accepting that there will be hard moments. There might be complaining, perhaps a little crying and certainly boredom. That won’t happen the entire time, and it doesn’t mean the trip is failing! You have to lower the bar and be flexible.

In-Vehicle Survival

Reachable Kid Bin

The best hack I’ve discovered is having a bin full of kid stuff within my reach. In it, I’ll pack snacks, activities, toys, books, drinks and comfort items like their favourite stuffy or blanket. The trick is not to reveal the entire bin at once. Instead, introduce one item at a time as needed. This will keep them distracted from boredom longer.

Audiobooks to the Rescue

Audiobooks hold everyone’s attention surprisingly well, and you can find an audio version of pretty much any book. You can also download kid-friendly podcasts that tell stories, teach kids cool science facts, make them laugh or help them calm down. When kids are actively listening, they tend to look out the window and enjoy the scenery, too.

Be Flexible with Screen Time

We all want to keep our kids off the screens for as long as possible, but if you’re driving for an entire day, you might have to pull out the big guns. Think of periods of screen time as a tool, and cut yourself some slack for letting them zone out for a while.

Take Breaks for Movement

Taking a break and getting out of the car is a great way to end screen time without a fuss. I plan to take one longer stop per day, usually at a playground or natural area, where I can rest, and my son can run, climb and play. When you stop for gas or bathroom breaks, make everyone get out of the car and go for a little walk, buy a treat, or help wash the windshield. These breaks are a great reset.

Battling Motion Sickness

Nothing puts a damper on a family road trip like someone throwing up in the car. Motion sickness happens, but here’s how you can prevent and prepare for it. On winding roads, get everyone to look out the front windshield and crack the windows to let fresh air in. Take those bends slowly and try not to ease into accelerating or braking.

Pack sick bags. I have a stock of plastic, disposable sick bags in the van for when there is no stopping it. You can get them in the travel section at some department stores and pharmacies. In addition to the sick bags, I bring a “just in case” kit. Mine has wipes, paper towels, garbage bags and pet odour and stain remover to help clean up smelly accidents.

Are Road Trips with Kids Worth It?

Yes, taking kids on a road trip is a lot of work, and there are some unpleasant things to deal with. Still, yes, I believe it is worth it. Your efforts will give them cherished memories, brand-new experiences, show them the world, and create a shared sense of adventure. A road trip can be one of the most rewarding and memorable experiences you’ll share with your kids.  Just remember to keep a flexible mindset, a good sense of humour, and enjoy the ride.