Planning a road trip with toddlers? Buckle up! You’re in for an adventure filled with snack crumbs, and bathroom stops. Road trips with toddlers can be done, and yes, you might even have fun along the way (with enough caffeine and low expectations).
I’ve taken dozens of road trips with my toddler twins! I’ve done everything from a 14 hour with them by MYSELF to a 4 hour drive as a family.
Here’s how to plan a road trip with toddlers without losing your mind—or at least not all of it.
1. Snacks: Pack Like You’re Feeding a Small Army
If there’s one universal toddler truth, it’s this: snacks = peace. You’ll want all the snacks. Think easy-to-eat, low-mess options like:
- Fruit pouches
- Dry cereal
- Granola bars
- Crackers and cheese
- Pre-cut fruits and veggies
- Gummy bears
Divide snacks into individual zip-top bags or small containers so you can hand them out easily and avoid spills (or at least reduce them).
I try to keep the snacks on the “healthy” side since I know the kids are going to pretty much graze the entire way.
Here’s a list of healthy Costco snacks that I keep on rotation! Most of these are low-mess as well- road trip approved!
If you have enough space, pack a cooler with some ‘heavier’ food like sandwiches. That way if you find yourself in a place with little food options, you’ll be able to have a decent meal! Bonus for the money saving too.
2. Toys and Entertainment: Rotation is Key
Bring a toy rotation bag/box. Fill it with small, quiet toys and pull out one at a time every 30-60 minutes to keep things fresh. Some winning road trip toys that my twins love include:
- Sticker books
- Water coloring books
- LCD Drawing boards
- Reusable window clings
- Little figurines or animals
- Soft dolls or stuffed animals
- Busy books
The dollar section at Target usually has cheap yet fun toys. Don’t forget about the dollar store too! If I’m taking a planned road trip with the kids, I grab some new toys from the dollar sections.
Most of these toys are the same type that I use for airplane rides too! You can read more about how we conquer plane rides here.
3. Plan for Frequent Stops (and Then Plan for More)
Toddlers weren’t built to sit still. Plan to stop every 2 hours at the very least. Use these breaks for:
- Potty time or diaper changes
- Snack breaks
- Quick stretch sessions
- Letting your toddler burn off some of that uncontainable toddler energy
Don’t just stop at gas stations. Try to look for local parks, open fields, or rest stops with grassy areas. Even a 10-minute runaround can reset everyone’s moods.
If you have enough space in your car, I definitely recommend bringing a small mini-potty! This helps with the frequent stopping to sue the restroom. Instead of actually going inside a store or gas station, you can just let them use the mini-potty and use trash bags to dispose of the waste.
You can bring a small ball, bubbles, or a foldable picnic blanket for outdoor stops.
4. Timing is Everything
If you can swing it, travel during nap time or leave super early in the morning while your toddlers are still sleepy. I know some families who even prefer to drive at night (just be prepared with coffee and a podcast to keep you awake). I prefer to start driving in the morning, though.
Adjust your expectations—toddler travel time is not the same as adult travel time. What used to be a 6-hour drive may now take 9. And that’s okay. This is not the time to break speed records. It’s the time to enjoy the detours and soak in the tiny moments.
5. Be Prepared for Messes (All of Them)
You know your toddler. They’re going to spill something. Or get sticky. Or step in something mysterious during a pit stop. Pack a “clean-up kit” with:
- Wipes (all the wipes—baby, disinfectant, face wipes)
- Paper towels
- Extra clothes for everyone (yup, you too)
- Trash bags and gallon zip-top bags
- Hand sanitizer
6. Set Expectations—Mostly Yours
Your toddlers don’t care about ETA or how scenic that coastal highway is. They want snacks, songs, and snuggles. Keep the vibe low-key.
Talk to them along the way! Point out landmarks on the side of the road, play the “I spy” game, tell them where you’re going (if it’s not a surprise!).
And don’t forget to build in fun stops or special treats along the way—a milkshake at a roadside diner, a family photo by a giant weird statue, or a splash in a creek. These are the moments they’ll remember (or that you’ll remember, once you recover).
Final Thoughts
A successful road trip with toddlers isn’t about getting there fast. With a bit of prep, lots of snacks, and a a whole lot of patience (okay, and coffee), you’ll make some great memories in between the potty breaks and car seat meltdowns.
So go ahead, pack up the car, load the diaper bag, and embrace the chaos. You’ve got this!
