Tips For Entertaining A Toddler On Road Trips

Taking a toddler on a road trip can be exhausting, frustrating and stressful, but it really doesn’t have to be. Try some of these tips the next time you take your two or three-year-old on the open road and you will be surprised how they can turn a rocky ride into a smooth and even relaxing one!

Cut Out The Sugar

Try not to pack sugar intense snacks. A couple of treats to be earned along the way are fine but pack healthy and fun snacks instead. Also, leave the juice boxes at home or for pit stops where you stop at a park for a picnic. They are sticky and full of sugar. Here are a couple of ideas for healthy snacks pictured below.

Avoid Screens

Try to avoid the movies until it’s dark or you get desperate. Pack books or small toys instead. Make up stories together in the car, sing songs and have them point out the colors they see outside. Most toddlers love to play the ispy game.

Road Trip Surprise Packages

For times when you start to lose your toddler to fussiness or boredom pull out your surprise packages. Before the trip prepare as many surprise packages as you feel will be useful and store them within reach in the car. You can either set a certain milestone (every 30 or 60 miles, etc.) or just use them as needed.

They’re super simple to make, just stop by the dollar store and pick up some lunch bags and fun small toys that are age and car appropriate. Decorate the bags and label them for later. You will be surprised how fun it is for everyone and how well it works!

I created 8 bags before our last trip. Here they are in order in case you need some ideas.

Treat Tickets

Sometimes on longer drives, we’ll hand out tickets for good behavior that can be redeemed at rest stops for treats or a souvenir. These have been good motivators for our older kids too.

What are some things you do to help keep your toddler entertained on road trips?

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