Before you leave
A calmer trip usually starts before you get in the car.
- Plan around naps and meals where you can. Young children often travel best when asleep.
- Let children help pack a small bag of their own things.
- Prepare a snack and drink bag within reach of an adult passenger.
- Download audio and entertainment in advance, in case you lose signal.
- Pack for mess: wipes, a spare change of clothes, a bag for rubbish and a bowl or bag in case of car sickness.
Car games that need nothing
Classic games are popular for a reason: no equipment, and everyone can join in.
- I Spy: a good first game for younger children.
- The alphabet game: find each letter in order from signs and number plates.
- I’m going on a picnic: each player repeats the growing list and adds an item.
- Fortunately, unfortunately: take turns continuing a story that swings between good and bad news.
- Counting games: count red cars, bridges or animals.
- 20 questions and “would you rather”: better for school-age children and teens.
- Sing-alongs: pick songs everyone knows.
Screen-free activities by age
- Toddlers: soft toys, board books and a few small, safe items to explore. Avoid small parts and anything that could be a choking hazard.
- Preschoolers: magnetic drawing boards, sticker books and simple audio stories.
- School age: activity or drawing binders, colouring books, travel games, a notebook for journaling or comics.
- Teens: music playlists, podcasts, books and giving them some say in the route or the stops. For older teens and grown children, see family vacations with young adults.
Avoid hard or heavy objects that could fly around in a sudden stop. Soft items are safer.
Audio: stories, music, podcasts
Audiobooks and children’s podcasts suit different ages and are good for shared listening. Take turns choosing what to play so everyone has a say. Songs, quizzes and story sessions can keep the car lively.
Snacks and drinks
- Choose easy, low-mess foods such as fruit pieces, cheese, crackers or sandwiches.
- Cut round or firm foods like grapes into appropriate sizes for toddlers.
- Avoid giving small children snacks they might choke on, particularly hard, round or sticky foods. Ideally, offer food during stops where you can watch your child eat rather than while the car is moving.
- Offer water regularly.
Breaks, motion sickness and comfort
Regular breaks help children (and drivers) reset. Many families plan a stop every couple of hours, depending on the children’s ages and needs. Let them stretch, run around and use the toilet.
For children who feel travel sick, looking out of the window rather than at books or screens can help, as can fresh air and avoiding heavy meals beforehand. Speak with a pharmacist or doctor if it is a persistent problem.
Car safety basics
- Use the right car seat or booster for your child’s age, size and local rules, and fit it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Never leave a child alone in a parked car.
- Keep the driver’s attention on the road; ask another adult to handle requests where possible, or pull over safely.
- Keep heavy items secure.
- Plan for heat, as cars can warm up quickly in sun.
Keeping kids busy on a long ride
Think in stages. Offer a new activity every so often rather than everything at once, and keep a few surprises in reserve. Mix quiet and active choices, take movement breaks, and include a sense of progress, such as a simple map or a list of landmarks to spot.
The 3-3-3 rule and other road trip guides
Some road-trippers use a “3-3-3 rule”, which is a rough guide such as limiting driving to about three hundred miles a day, arriving by mid-afternoon, and staying at least three nights. Versions vary, so treat it as a flexible suggestion. With children, shorter driving days and more stops are often easier. If grandparents are coming along, our guide to family vacations with grandparents covers pacing the days for every age.
Choosing a family car and budgeting
The best family road trip car depends on your family’s size, car seat needs, luggage and budget. Look at seat configuration, boot space, safety ratings and ease of installing car seats. As for whether a particular budget is enough for a trip, that depends on distance, number of people, accommodation, food and fuel, so it is worth writing a rough plan and checking local costs.
Looking for what to do when you arrive? Our weekend ideas for family have plenty of options.