Christine We’ve done a lot of family road trips over the years, and we’ve learned (sometimes the hard way 😅) what helps make those long drives a little smoother. Every age and stage brings new challenges — what worked when our kids were toddlers doesn’t always fly now that they’re older — but here’s what’s helped us survive (and even enjoy!) road trips as a big family.
Snacks & Meals on the Go 🍎🥪
Always pack more than you think you’ll need — somehow the second the car starts moving, the kids are starving.
We usually pack lunches for the car — sandwiches, fruit, Goldfish, and other easy-to-eat snacks. I really don’t love fast food, and honestly, it’s usually wasted. Packing ahead saves time, money, and everyone’s sanity.
If we know there’s a Chick-fil-A on our route (and it’s not a Sunday 😅), we might stop for a quick break. Every now and then we’ll plan a sit-down meal if it’s a local favorite — like grabbing BBQ in Memphis or a regional diner that’s worth the stop. Sometimes those meals become some of the most memorable parts of the trip.
When to Hit the Road ⏰
We’ve tried it all when it comes to departure times:
- Leaving at midnight worked great when the kids were little — they’d sleep most of the way.
- As they’ve gotten older, though, they don’t sleep as easily in the car.
- We’ve also left as early as 3–4 AM or as late as 4–5 PM, depending on where we’re headed, if we’re stopping overnight, and what time we want to arrive.
There’s no perfect time — it just depends on the trip and the kids’ moods that day!
Entertainment for All Ages 🎧📚🎮
Keeping everyone happy in the car is the real challenge — what entertains a 4-year-old rarely works for a 10- or 12-year-old. There’s no magic formula, but here’s a mix that’s worked for us:
- 📚 Reading (for those who don’t get car sick)
- 🎧 Audiobooks — great for all ages and keeps the car a little quieter
- 🎮 Tablets and shows for longer stretches
- 🧩 Workbooks + Wiki Stix for hands-on fun
- 🎶 Sing-alongs or “Guess the Song” for family laughs
- 🚘 Classic car games like I Spy and License Plate Bingo
Final Thoughts 💛
Every trip is different — sometimes the kids nap peacefully, sometimes we question all our life choices by hour four 😅 — but with snacks, packed lunches, flexible timing, and a solid entertainment plan, we always make it through. And those little moments (a funny car game, a good audiobook, or a surprise stop for BBQ) are often what we remember most.
