Road Trip Survival: Tips for Traveling with Your Toddler

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Top 8 Tips for Road Tripping with a Toddler

1. Pack All the Snacks. No, Seriously. You’re probably thinking, “I got this. I packed a few goldfish crackers and an apple.” Well, let me tell you—no amount of snacks is too many snacks when it comes to a road trip with a toddler. Double whatever you think you’ll need, and then add a few extra emergency granola bars. Toddlers can go from sweet to hangry faster than a bear chasing a picnic basket. Also, try to mix it up—some healthy stuff, some bribery-level treats (you know the ones), and don’t forget the wet wipes for the inevitable sticky situation. Our favorite snack include fruit, “That’s It” fruit bars, individual hummus and avocado packs, all things Simple Mills, and cheese slices.
2. Frequent Stops Are Your Best Friend: Plan to stop every 2-3 hours. Yes, that means you’ll be stopping a lot. But trust me, it’s better than driving for hours on end while listening to the symphony of “Are we there yet?” and “I need to go potty!” We try to find a park or outdoor food spot that let’s us all eat and play for about 30-45 min. Take a break to stretch those legs, grab some snacks, and let your little one run off some energy. Bonus points if you can find a random roadside attraction—nothing says family bonding like a photo with a giant rubber duck!
3. Timing is Everything: Choose your travel times wisely. Early mornings or nap times are the best times to hit the road, as toddlers might doze off and give you a few precious hours of peace. Personally, for a really long road trip, I am a big fan of waking up at 3-4 AM and trying to knock out a longer stretch while my toddler sleeps.
4. Engage Their Imagination: Prepare some activities to keep your little one entertained. Audiobooks or music can work wonders, especially if you have their favorite songs ready to go. For older kids, you can also play classic car games like “I Spy” or “20 Questions”—just be prepared for them to pick the most random object they see outside, like a mailbox or a squirrel. It can get hilariously ridiculous, but it’ll help pass the time!
5. Flexibility is Key You planned the perfect route with well-timed stops, right? Haha, that’s cute. With a toddler, your schedule is a little more “whatever they decide”. Whether it’s a sudden need for a potty break, an unexpected nap (never when you want it), or the overwhelming urge to stop for a rock on the side of the road (which is our girl’s favorite), you’ll need to go with the flow. When you inevitably get to your destination a few hours later than planned, just remember—it’s not about getting there quickly; it’s about making it there with your sanity intact.
6. Keep a Surprise Toy Arsenal: There will come a time (and it doesn’t take long) when your toddler becomes bored of every toy they brought and starts kicking the back of your seat like it’s their personal drum set. This is when the “secret stash” of toys comes in handy. Pull out something new and exciting, and bam—instant distraction. For about 10 minutes, anyway. A few small, quiet toys that they haven’t seen before can work wonders. Rotate them out like a magician pulling a rabbit from a hat, and you might buy yourself enough peace to enjoy the next stretch of the drive.
7. Expect the Unexpected (and Then Expect More): That blowout diaper at a gas station in the middle of nowhere? Yup, that’s going to happen. The “I threw my sippy cup under the seat, and now I’m sobbing” scenario? Been there. When you’re road tripping with a toddler, chaos is part of the journey. Just laugh it off, because one day, these will be the stories you laugh about over dinner when your toddler is older (and hopefully less prone to snack-related tantrums).
8. It Will Be Worth It: The best part about all of this? You’re heading to a new place with the whole family! And trust me, once you get there, all the car chaos will melt away (or at least fade a bit). Seeing a new destination through the eyes of your toddler is an adventure in itself. They’ll love spotting wildlife, throwing rocks in the lake, and toddling around the fields like they own the place.

Top 6 Toys for the Car

1. Busy Board: A busy board is like the Swiss Army knife of toddler toys. It’s packed with plugs, buttons, and switches that will keep tiny hands busy for hours. The PT in me loves that it challenges their fine motor skills, and it also provides a great distraction from the “Are we there yet?” chorus. Bonus points if you find one that DOESN’T make noise—nothing like the sweet sound of a toddler learning to operate a tiny doorbell while you’re navigating a roundabout!
2. LCD Drawing Tablet: Say goodbye to crayons and hello to a mess-free drawing experience! A magnetic drawing tablet allows your little artist to doodle away without the risk of permanent marker on your upholstery. Plus, you can easily erase their masterpiece with a single swipe—ideal for when your toddler’s “abstract art” becomes too avant-garde. Just try to explain that “the road” is not a suitable canvas for finger painting!
3. Car Window-Friendly Sticker Book: Enter the ultimate distraction: a car window-friendly sticker book! These special stickers are designed to stick to car windows without leaving a mess behind. Your toddler can create scenes with animals, vehicles, and their favorite characters while enjoying the view outside. These are our particular favorite, and our girl tends to use the stickers in the book it comes with. It’s super easy to bring into the hotel! Find the sticker book here.
4. Miniature Car Set: If your toddler is a fan of cars, a miniature car set can provide endless entertainment. These tiny vehicles can zoom, crash, and even go off-roading on imaginary tracks (a.k.a. your car’s seats). Just make sure to set some ground rules—like keeping them off the driver’s side and NO throwing! Check out a popular miniature car set here.
5. Window Fidget Spinner: Enter the ultimate distraction: the window fidget spinner! These spinners stick to the car window and spin in delight as you cruise along the highway. They’re mesmerizing to watch and provide a perfect sensory experience for your toddler.
6. Soft Toy Sidekick: No road trip is complete without a trusty soft toy sidekick. Whether your’s is a cuddly bear or a quirky dinosaur, a plush friend can provide comfort and companionship during long stretches of boredom. For us, it’s our favorite Slumberkin – Biggie. They can serve as a great distraction when your toddler insists on having a full-on meltdown over a spilled snack. Just be careful every time you open the door – Biggie has had his fair share of tumbles into large gas stations puddles.

If you need more ideas, check out my flying with a toddler post for other toys you can bring along!