Hi, guys! Today I want to share a few fun tips for traveling with kids and a fun new road trip game, Travel Bingo!!
So many parents are intimidated by the thought of long road trips or traveling great distances with little ones. I’m not gonna lie, it’s not easy, but it doesn’t have to be awful! Believe it or not, it can actually be fun! WIth the right mindset and little extra planning you and your family can have an amazing time traveling to some really cool places!
If you are here only for the Travel Bingo printable, go ahead an scroll to the bottom. However, if you are here for a few extra traveling tips – keep on reading!!
Road Trip Tips
At this point in our family life, we have tackled quite a few road trips. Our first road trip as a family was when my son was 6 months old. We drove 12 hours to visit family in Florida. All I can say about that road trip is…wow! That trip was a doozy! However, with each and every road trip things get a little bit easier (plus your kids are always a bit older, which makes things easier too).
One thing I’ve learned through the years is to really be thoughtful about the things you bring. At first, I would try to think of every possible scenario and pack accordingly. However, that usually resulted in me packing way too much stuff. The thing with packing too many things is that it’s difficult to stay organized, which results in an extra messy car. Also, the kids can be overwhelmed if they have too many options to choose from. So, be strategic about what you bring.
I posted a while back about my tips for traveling with kids (which you can check out in full here), but the gist of it goes like this:
- When the kids are babies/toddlers, have an adult sit in the back seat with them.
- Never stop when the kids are sleeping.
- Alternate driving responsibilities.
- Pit stop snacks are a great reward.
- Take time to stretch your legs.
- Adjust your expectations and slow down.
- All the electronics!
Road Trip Fun
- Games: Travel Bingo (obviously), “I’m Going On A Picnic…”, the Alphabet Game,
- Podcasts: Most adults listen to podcasts these days, but did you know there are also podcasts geared towards kids and families? Click here and here for a few suggestions!
- Screentime: A long road trip is not the time or place to limit screen time!! Tablets, video games, movies, etc – I welcome them all in our vehicle!!
- Books – iSpy books are fun for a long road trip! Also, the time stuck together might be a good time for tackling a read-aloud chapter book!
- Random Toys: The littlest things are fun on road trips. Here are a few ideas to get you started here and here!! Also, this post by Thrifty Frugal Mom has a great list of little things you should definitely check out. Post-It notes is my favorite suggestion!
- Snacks – You can never have too many snacks!! Bring all the snacks. The only advice I have is to think about the ease of eating and the mess involved.
Travel Bingo Printable
One fun and easy road trip activities that your kids are sure to love is Travel Bingo! To make things even easier for you I’ve created a FREE Travel Bingo Printable for you! Add your name and email to the form below and the printable will be delivered shortly after to your inbox. Easy peasy, lemon squeezy!
If you don’t have a printer available, fear not! Scroll through the list below, randomly pick something for everyone in the car to search for. The first person to find it gets a point! Then move on to the next thing on the list. Great way to pass time!
- Stop Sign
- Speed Limit Sign
- Police Car
- Ambulance
- Fire Engine
- Orange Cones
- No U-Turn Sign
- Farm Animal
- Row Crops (Corn, Beans, etc).
- Red Barn
- Purple Car
- Green Car
- Red Car
- Orange Car
- Yellow Car
- Rest Stop
- Cattle Trailer
- Tractor
- Eagle
- Road Kill
- American Flag
- Camper
- Water Tower
- Motorcycle
- Do Not Enter Sign
- Roadside Tire Pieces
- Semi
- Flower Patch
- Hwy Exit Sign
- Airplane
- Helicopter
