Best Life Hacks for Family Road Trips

Are you heading on a road trip this summer but are wondering how to survive a road trip with kids? Tired of hearing the road-trip staple “are we there yet?” Here are five life hacks for your next long road trip with your kids.

Bring a Backpack

Diamonds might be a girl’s best friend, but a backpack full of toys on a road trip is a parent’s best friend! Try to throw in toys that aren’t messy (save that puzzle for the hotel room), but that can keep the kids engaged, like coloring books, travel board games, and maybe a Rubik’s cube or two. Hang the backpack on the seat in front of the child, and allow them to play peacefully to their heart’s content.

Play Team Games

In case the kids get bored of the backpack, have group games on hand! Scavenger hunts work well for longer trips or play games that require nothing but your eyes and some teamwork, like “I spy” or “20 Questions.” The road trip will be over before you know it!

Plan Out Those Pit Stops

You’ll have to stop for gas at some point, so why not stop someplace the whole family can enjoy! Spending half an hour at a local park or pit stop is an excellent way for your kids to stretch their legs and hopefully tire themselves out before you must hit the road again. Bringing a frisbee, a football, or a baseball and a glove to add some fun to the stop, but, aren’t required!

Go on Adventures

There’s no doubt you’ve seen billboards advertising some wacky things, like the World’s Largest Jellybean or the Smallest Castle in the United States. If you’ve got time, at least drive by whatever it is with your kids in tow! Not only does this give you and your kids some cool bragging rights or a cocktail party conversation starter for you, but it also gives you something to think about besides how long you have before you get to your destination.

Timing and Maintenance

Plan to leave for your longer trips in the middle of the night so that the kids can stay asleep for most of the ride.
Before you go anywhere with your kids, awake or asleep, make sure your car is safe and running at its best with a trip to Greg’s Japanese Auto shop. We can get your car in tip-top shape and ready to hit the road with our many affordable services. Check us out online or call 1-800-79-GREGS to make an appointment.