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Traveling with kids can be an adventure in itself, but with the right activities and mindset, your road trip can be a blast for everyone. As parents of four (ages 14, 10, 5, and 3), we’ve learned a thing or two about keeping our crew entertained on long drives. Here are some tips and fun activities that have worked wonders for us, tailored to both the older two and the younger two kids.

For the Whole Family

1. Create a Family Playlist Everyone gets to pick a few favorite songs (yes, even the 3-year-old!). You’ll have a mix of tunes that range from Disney soundtracks to pop hits, and it’s a fun way to keep everyone engaged. Bonus: Sing-alongs make time fly!
2. Road Trip Bingo Print out or draw some bingo cards with things like “red car,” “cow,” or “bridge.” This game is great for all ages, and the winner gets to pick the next rest stop snack or song. The younger two can play with help from the older ones, making it a team activity.
3. Snack Passports Pack a variety of snacks from different “countries” (e.g., French croissants, Italian cookies). Give each kid a “passport” they can stamp once they’ve tried a snack from a new country. It’s a fun way to keep snack time educational and exciting!
4. Story Starters Each person gets a chance to start a story, and then the next person continues. It’s hilarious to see where the 3-year-old’s imagination goes compared to the 14-year-old’s twisty plotlines.

For the Older Two (14 and 10)

1. Audiobook Adventures Choose a series they’re into (fantasy, mystery, or sci-fi) and listen together. The older kids can zone into the story while the younger ones nap or play quietly.
2. Trivia Tournaments Let the older kids challenge each other with trivia questions (you can even download trivia apps). You can have categories like “Movies,” “Animals,” or even “Family Fun Facts.” Keep track of points, and the winner gets a prize!
3. Creative Journaling Encourage them to bring journals to jot down trip highlights, doodle, or even start their own short story inspired by the journey. They could make a “Travel Log” of all the places you stop and what they liked best about each one.
4. Photography Challenge Hand them the camera (or a phone) and give them a photography challenge—take pictures of the coolest buildings, animals, or unique road signs. They’ll stay engaged and have something creative to work on during the drive.

For the Younger Two (5 and 3)

1. Coloring Kits I always pack small coloring books and markers. You can even buy themed ones based on what they’re into—dinosaurs, princesses, or superheroes. A portable tray helps keep everything in one place.
2. Sticker Stories Bring along sticker books where they can create their own little scenes. My 5-year-old loves making stories with farm animals or space aliens, while the 3-year-old just enjoys sticking them everywhere!
3. I Spy This is a classic for younger kids. Keep it simple with “I spy something blue” or “I spy something round.” It’s great for those longer stretches where they need a quick distraction.
4. Interactive Apps Download a few fun and educational apps for those moments when you need a bit of quiet. Think matching games, puzzles, or age-appropriate interactive books.

Bonus Tips for Mom and Dad

• Divide and Conquer: Sometimes, it helps to have one parent focus on keeping the older two entertained while the other tackles the younger two. Swap every few hours so everyone stays sane!
• Plan Frequent Stops: Let’s face it, kids of all ages get restless. Plan some stops at parks, quirky roadside attractions, or rest areas where everyone can stretch their legs.
  • As a bonus tip, we often stop at Costco and Sam’s Club to stretch our legs and eat during our trips. The bathrooms are always clean, usually there’s discounted gas, and the food is something that everyone can pick from!

• Expect the Unexpected: No matter how much you plan, something will go off-script. Pack extra clothes for spills, have backup activities for when the kids get bored, and most importantly, keep a sense of humor! The best stories often come from the unplanned moments.

With a little creativity and preparation, your road trip can be a memorable adventure that everyone—no matter their age—will enjoy. What are your go-to road trip activities for keeping kids entertained? Drop your tips below!