Planning a road trip with kids can seem like a real challenge. It’s natural to worry that the kids won't be able to handle long hours in one spot, and need something engaging to keep them entertained. With some thought and creativity, a family car trip can be both joyful and liberating.

Here are 7 tips to help create a more stress-free journey for your entire family.

1) Fun Travel Kit

Create a smart travel kit for long road trips. To keep kids occupied, include educational tools, coloring books with crayons, and card games to help engage their minds. Always bring something new to keep them intrigued throughout the trip. Sometimes, it is a good idea to preplan and have a new envelope with games, color sheets, and puzzles (word search, etc.) for each state or country you cross into. This is a great way to share the uniqueness of each destination. 

2) Adopt Technology

Don’t forget the creative and educational benefits of technology! Laptops filled with educational games and animation videos can keep your kids entertained throughout your journey. Before departure, download content to avoid network problems on the way or while you’re out. 

One child might love to write observations of their journey, or stories set in locations where you are exploring. Another kid might be interested in building minecraft worlds with features similar to where you’ve been. Yet another might be an incredible photographer, bringing new perspectives to how you see a place.

3) Interactive Road Games

The license plate game and I Spy are great games to keep children happy whilst encouraging them to look around. Include other games like road trip bingo and “20 questions” to keep everyone engaged and help them develop important observational skills. These fun activities not only entertain, but create fun memories filled with competition and laughter.

4) Stories, Reading, and Audiobooks

Storytelling is a timeless activity and a brilliant way to keep children entertained. Set a story round where each person takes a turn to say something; start the story and let each person add to it. 

Make sure you have plenty to read! Carefully consider the types of books that will keep your child engaged and entertained. If you love audiobooks, you already know that hearing a story read by someone skilled can take you into another world where hours and miles pass rapidly. As well, consider reading books set in the locations that you’ll visit on your journeys.

5) Pack Snacks and Treats

An adequately stocked snack bag is a necessary must-have for a happy road trip. Think about a mix of healthier snacks and a few tasty treats when you're looking for snacks on the go. 

Do not overlook water; ensure everyone is replenished and does not suffer from dehydration. Consider keeping morale high on the road by packing or picking up a gorgeous picnic lunch that everyone can enjoy while moving around and being outside of the car. 

When you stop in a town, find a local grocery store and stock up on to-go meals, snacks, treats, and fun beverages. This is not only educational (what do people like to eat here What flavors are new to us?), but extremely delicious. Task each member of the family with finding something and unique to try. 

6) Take Scheduled Breaks

Taking regular breaks is essential so that your kids do not get tired. In these breaks, allot plenty of time, so that they can run, play, and explore. Ideally, you want to look for rest stops that offer playgrounds as a fun option for the kids. 

Bringing a ball or frisbee, or go on a short walk to breathe in clean air, move, and look at flora and fauna up close. Of course, if you’re bringing along the family dog, you know all about the importance of this!

7) Games and Entertainment

There are times when thinking inside the box is the best remedy. Minesweeper is a surprising hit with children and can be used as a makeshift game. For better entertainment, make use of this classic game designed to nurture your child's mind to be dynamic and flexible more than any screen can provide. A set of cards or cards with sleeves of various dimensions are excellent ideas that could occupy cycles of improvisation among your family. Make a game from guessing songs on the radio, or singing snippets and see who recognizes the song first.

A joyful family adventure is possible if you plan properly and are creative. Keep your family entertained and happy for the entire trip by engaging them in learning through play and other interactive games, as well as music as you go. Storytelling, audiobooks, and an abundance of snacks keep it fun, while breaks refresh kids and adults alike. A road trip can be full of magical, bonding moments that are unforgettable for the whole family.