How to Plan a Roadtrip With Kids

Bring a variety of activities that can be done in the vehicle. Take the kids shopping to purchase new toys, DVD's or games they have not played before. Keep these items in the wrapper until the road trip so that the kids will be excited to play with them. There are also car games, organized by age group, that can be printed for fun activities on the road. (See Resource 1)

Take time for stops at rest areas to allow the kids to run off their pent-up energy. Bring along a jump rope, chalk for drawing on the sidewalk or parking lot, or play a game of hide-and-seek. This also helps cut down on emergency stops when there is no place to pull into.

Pack a cooler full of the kids' favorite foods and have an outdoor picnic at a park. Fill it with food, beverages, paper towels, wet wipes and a blanket to sit on. After the meal the kids can run around and play.

Have a picnic in the vehicle. If the weather is too bad for an outdoor picnic, stop at a local grocery store and allow each child to choose a food item. Put the blanket on the seat and have an inside picnic.

Preserve memories by making a trip scrapbook. Purchase a disposable camera, journal or scrapbook, colored pencils, crayons or markers, scissors (if age- appropriate) and tape or a glue stick for each child. Let the kids collect brochures, newspapers and maps from rest stops or towns the road trip takes you through. They can assemble the items and write about their experiences as you drive.

Assign a special job for each child while on the road. Ideas include handing out treats, keeping track of time so games can be alternated between kids, or choosing what movie to watch. When all jobs are complete, assign each job to a different child so they all get a turn being in charge.

Provide times when the kids have their own personal space. This can be accomplished by bringing an iPod or switching seats so each child has a chance to sit in the front seat, away from their siblings.

Prepare for motion sickness while in the car. Talk to your pediatrician about which motion sickness medication is best for your child. Bring a plastic bag and have it within reach. Keep the interior of the vehicle cool and keep air circulating throughout.