Road trippin’ with kids

Tips for travelling with kids

  • Author: Trish O’Gorman
  • Date Posted: 15 November 2021

Does the thought of a road trip with kids fill you with about as much excitement as a flat tyre on a highway during rush hour?! Does it conjure up images of bickering, whinging and a relentless chorus of “are we there yet?!”

The good news is, it doesn’t have to be that way. Road trips with kids can be filled with adventure, fun, and a great way of making memories. Here are a few tips to help make your next road trip with kids a success.

Be Prepared

Travelling anywhere with kids takes organisation. With just a little preparation, you can save yourself from back seat bickering, endless snack requests, and maybe even enjoy some peace and quiet.

Pack each child a day bag with a lunch box, water bottle, and games or toys they’ll need to access during the trip. If this saves one pit stop to search for pink fluffy bunny in the boot, you’re already winning! Arming your kids with lap trays can transform your car’s back seat into a first class cabin. They can use the trays for car-friendly activities and games, and as tables for snacks when they need them. Best not to get precious about crumbs on car seats during trips like these!

Think outside the screen

A tablet can certainly be a godsend on long car trips, but it doesn’t have to be the only option. Try packing some car friendly activities, and kids can be entertained for hours. Surprise them with new colouring books. White boards and markers, and write and wipe activities are great for using again and again, as are magnetic tiles or travel games. Old school games like road trip bingo, I Spy and 20 questions are also great to pass the time, and kids’ audio books or podcasts can be downloaded in advance so you don’t have to worry about phone coverage.

When the grown-ups really need some peace and quiet, you can get your iPad out and transform your backseat into a mobile cinema! Netflix, Disney +, and other streaming apps allow you to download your favourite shows or movies to watch offline, perfect for when you’re really out bush.

Plan your pit stops!

Long days on the road can sometimes feel never-ending. Make sure you plan your route in advance, so that little – and big – legs can be stretched. Check online to find out what there is to see along the way. 

Who doesn’t love a good family photo op at a big prawn, sheep or potato? Local bakeries make great morning tea, lunch or afternoon pit stops. Small town museums can be a great way to spend an hour, or even just head to a local playground. Ask the kids to give you their ideas for pit stops too so they know they have some breaks to look forward to. 

Get outdoors for a stroll, grab a freshly baked pie or lamington, and snap a selfie in front of the Big Bogan or Big Banana, before hitting the road for the next stint.

So next time someone suggests a road trip with kids, why not rise to the challenge? With a bit of preparation and an appetite for fun, your kids will be talking about their road trip adventures for years to come.

 

Top 5 Sherpa kids items for life on the road

 

1. Rainwear

Everyone who loves the great outdoors knows that there’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad outdoor clothing! Don’t leave home without your kids’ rain jackets or ponchos, so they can enjoy the rain as well as the sunshine.

2. Snack pots

Is there a kid out there who doesn’t love an array of snacks on tap? Pack these stackable containers with crackers, dried fruit, popcorn, or your snack of choice, and your kids will be able to help themselves when they need to.

3. Camp Chairs

Sometimes the best picnic spots don’t have the best seats. Make sure you can pit stop with ease by having your own chairs to hand when you need them.

4. Water bottle

A water bottle with a leak-proof lid is a must for any road trip, as we all know that little fingers tend to drop things. Pop one of these in your lap traps or back seat pockets to make sure your littlest ones don’t go thirsty on the road.

5. Sleeping bag

If your road trip involves camping, a lightweight sleeping bag just right for the climate you’re in will help your little one sleep in comfort after a long day on the road.

 

SHOP ALL KIDS' GEAR


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