Hi, parents! Summer is travel time for lots of families. Traveling with toddlers means more planning. My family is gearing up for a special little road trip to meet my dad about a six-hour drive from where we live.
My fiancé and I have taken a couple of trips in the three years since our son was born. However, those trips were either airplane rides that weren’t more than three hours each or a road trip that wasn’t more than a couple hours. So this trip will be our first time attempting to keep him happy and entertained while winding down the interstate.
Here’s how I’m preparing for traveling with a toddler!
First, Snacks
First things first, snacks! In an economy like this, we cannot just be purchasing snacks and meals as we go. My plan is to prep it out. That means healthy snacks like grapes, strawberries, clementines, and bananas.
Grapes will be washed, dried, and secured inside a big ziplock bag. For the strawberries, I will opt for a plastic container so they don’t get too squished. We can premake PB&J sandwiches and grab some fruit snacks and chips.
Easy peasy and no excessive spending on anything except gas… and maybe a candy bar. I’ll make sure to bring reusable water bottles, too!
Doing Nothing
Next stop, activities. The first idea on the list of suggestions is to give your little one nothing. Allow them to sit and take in all that is going on around them whether they are in a car or on a plane. There is so much happening that little ones would be interested in or even amazed by.
The moments that our little ones aren’t constantly entertained are few and far between. I’m guilty of this as well! But allowing our children to be “bored” can actually be a gift.
As they grow and develop, being used to not having anything to do can be a great advantage. Allow them to let their minds wander, think of new ideas or games, be creative!
But, Toys
These toyn suggestions are great for cars and airplanes. I do my best to only allow my son a screen as the ultimate last resort.Screens work a lot better for a meltdown if the kiddo hasn’t already had hours of access to them.
So, before you pull out the trusty ol’ iPad, try a busy board!
We have a busy board that is made of foam and fabric. It has a little zipper, velcro tab, belt buckle, and more! This specific busy board is great because of how light and easy it is to fold up.
Another great toy for cars or airplanes is window clings! These are great for getting creative. If your kiddo’s car seat keeps them from being able to reach the window, you can pick up a whiteboard for them to use instead! They can place the little clings/ stickers on the window or whiteboard to create their own little worlds. My son has the transportation pack with the garbage trucks, bulldozers and cars.
The whiteboard is a great thing to bring for older kiddos, too. You can play games using them. For example, tic-tac-toe or Pictionary.
If you do want to let your child use a tablet, it can be good to try to use one tablet and climb back there with it! You can keep them engaged and using their little brain muscles to answer questions about the show or movie you are watching. You can also download some fun educational games before heading out for your trip.
That arrangement helps keep your child entertained during the drive without feeling totally cut off from their parents while stuck in the back seat.
Energy Breaks
My last plan of action, if all else fails and my sweet little gremlin can’t handle another minute in the car…. Is to bite the bullet. Take a break! Stop at a park, get the snacks out, and let your little one run around. Maybe all they need is to release all that pent-up energy.
OK, parents! This is the best I’ve got for now. If you have any suggestions, let me know! I’ll let you know how the trip goes!
Sophie Hamel is a freelance writer and works as a crisis responder. Her son is three years old.
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