5 Tips for Road Trips with Your Kids

The summer holidays are finally here! Before hitting the road with your kids, here are a few tips for a safe and fun car ride.

Everyone has memories of summer vacations with family. Camping trips, days at the beach, late evening campfires… these are always unforgettable memories for you and your kids. Of course, to reach your destination, you need to drive there first! Whether it’s a one-hour car ride or a multi-hour road trip, the presence of young children can make for an eventful drive.

1. Preparation

• Preparation is truly the key to a successful car ride! We recommend planning your itinerary down to the last detail:
  Arrange for enough stops to take bathroom breaks, eat and stretch your legs.
• Try to schedule a meal break midway through your trip. Take advantage of the break to enjoy a picnic in a park or unwind at a restaurant. A change of scene is always a good idea.
• Prepare snacks for the road. Break out your best creative ideas, like using an ice cube tray for snacks. Kids love these kinds of surprises!

                                           
                                                                        (Photo credit: Pinterest)

2. Games, games and more games

On your marks, get set, go! Kids need entertainment, no matter their age.

For younger children: bring a variety of small toys. Most young children have a short attention span. Having an assortment of small games and toys lets them rotate between them and creates the illusion of never playing with the same thing twice.

For older children: travel trays for car seats are available so your kids can draw or even play with Lego!

For kids of all ages, we recommend creating a mystery grab bag with plenty of toys — even ones you already have at home. Kids love surprises! They’ll be able to entertain themselves for a good part of the trip. The possibilities are endless!

3. Imagination

With a bit of imagination, anything is possible. For plenty of games, all you need is your brain power:

• Brain teasers
• “Don’t say yes or no” game
• Spot the yellow car or convertible (or both!)
• Tell me a story — your kids are guaranteed to come up with the wildest ideas

Hours of fun guaranteed!

4. Safety first

On a long car ride, entertainment is key, but it’s also important to keep safety in mind.

• Before hitting the road, check that your car is in good shape and that any car seats are installed correctly .
• Make sure that everyone keeps their seat belts on at all times.
• Keep your eyes on the road, despite the many distractions in the back seat.
• If you have a long journey ahead, consider doing part of the drive at night so your kids can sleep in the car. However, make sure that you’re still fit to drive. Pay particular attention to signs of fatigue. If you notice yourself getting sleepy, you can switch places with your fellow driver to prevent accidents.

5. More preparation (yes, really!)

It’s better to be overprepared than underprepared. When you’re on your way to your vacation destination, everyone is always eager to get there. The drive can seem endless. Remember: taking your time and being patient will save you a lot of stress, whether you’re dealing with your kids or with other drivers.

Take advantage of the drive to create memories that will be cherished just as fondly as the vacation itself. You’re better off bringing too much than not enough: food, bottles of water, games, etc. No one is immune to unpleasant surprises or traffic jams. Make sure you’re ready for any scenario. That way, you’ll never be caught unawares.

The entire Lareau team wishes you a wonderful summer vacation!