Planning a road trip with young kids is an exciting adventure, full of unforgettable moments and a few challenges along the way! If you’re wondering, “What should I pack for a road trip with kids?”—especially if those kids are under four—you’ve come to the right place. With two young explorers of our own, we’ve been through it all: the messy snacks, the car games, and those much-needed playground breaks. We’re sharing all our tips and insights on what to pack when traveling with kids, a baby, or a toddler to make your journey smoother, more comfortable, and, most importantly, fun!
Essentials for Young Kids on the Go
When you’re on the road with little ones, having the right essentials close by can make a world of difference. So here’s our tried-and-true list of must-haves that answer the question: What should I pack for a road trip with young kids?
- Nappies and Wipes: No matter where you’re headed, nappies and wipes are essentials when travelling with young kids. Keep them within easy reach, and pack a few extras for unexpected stops.
- Water Bottles: Hydration is key! Kids (and adults) need plenty of water during a long trip, so pack a dedicated water bottle for each child and encourage them to drink regularly.
- Kid-Friendly Snacks: Healthy snacks like fruit slices, crackers, and small sandwiches are perfect for the road. We like to prepare individual lunchboxes for each child, so they know exactly what they have, reducing arguments and snack raids. While it doesn’t completely stop them from eating everything in one go, it does give them a sense of independence.
- Potty: For little ones still potty training or for those “I need to go now!” moments when a bathroom isn’t nearby, a portable potty is a game-changer. Easy to set up and clean, it saves the day during long stretches of road with limited stops.
- Novelty Car Toys and Comfort Items: We always pack a few “car-only” toys—ones that they only get to play with in the car. This keeps them novel and interesting, and buying a few new ones can add a bit of excitement. Add a comfort toy or blanket for each child, too, for those sleepy or cranky moments.
- Simple Car Games: Car games are lifesavers! “I Spy” and “Spot the Different Colours” are big hits for us. For younger kids, we keep it simple with “Can you see…?” prompts, like finding animals or specific landmarks.
- Rubbish Bag: A small plastic bag in the car for rubbish is a great way to keep things tidy. When you make those much-needed stops, you can just grab it and toss it away.
- Playground-Ready Packing: If possible, plan for playground stops along the way. This gives the kids a chance to burn off energy, making the rest of the trip calmer for everyone. By packing everything in an easy-to-grab bag, you’re always ready to head straight to the playground or picnic area for a quick break.
- Spare Clothes and Hats: For any spills or playground messes, pack a change of clothes for each child. Having hats for everyone also makes outdoor stops safer and more enjoyable.
Essentials for Parents on the Go
It’s easy to focus on what the kids need and forget your own essentials, but trust us—happy parents make happy kids! Here’s what we recommend:
- Phone Charger (with USB Plug): Being able to charge your phone is crucial, especially for navigation, photos, and entertainment. Make sure you’ve got a car charger with a USB end that plugs into your car’s cigarette socket. Since we mentioned it, don’t forget a cigarette socket charger.
- Travel Pillow: Road trips can be long and tiring, and having a travel pillow makes it much easier to relax during the quieter moments.
- Sunglasses and Water Bottles: Sun glare can be tough on the eyes, so keep a pair of sunnies within reach. And don’t forget your own water bottle! Hydrated drivers are more alert and less cranky.
- Snacks for You: While the kids are munching on their snacks, you’ll appreciate having a few bites of your own—maybe something a little less likely to be stolen by tiny hands.
- Entertainment: If you’re not the driver, bring along a book, tablet, or even a Nintendo Switch for some grown-up fun. A bit of relaxation for you means you’re ready to jump back into the action when the kids need you.
Medical and First-Aid Kit Essentials
Even on short trips, it’s best to be prepared. Here’s what we have in our family-friendly first-aid kit for traveling with young kids:
- Bandages and Band-Aids: Kids are bound to pick up a few scrapes along the way, especially if you’re planning on some outdoor play.
- Vicks for Kids: For stuffy noses or travel colds, Vicks can be a quick, comforting remedy.
- Nail Clippers and Small Scissors: These come in handy for more than you’d think—snipping stray threads or broken nails, for example.
- Thermometer: Better safe than sorry! If your little one seems unwell, it’s reassuring to have a thermometer on hand.
- Age-Appropriate Pain Relief: Panadol for kids is a must-pack item for us, along with any prescriptions they might need.
Packing Bags and Organisers
Keeping things organised is key when you’re road-tripping with young children. We prefer using a large backpack that’s easy to carry, grab, and go whenever we make a pit stop.
- Separate Bags or Ziplock Bags: Organise items into separate bags or ziplock bags to avoid chaos in your main backpack. For example, we keep toys in one small bag, snacks in the kids’ lunchboxes, and clothes in individual ziplocks. This system lets us find exactly what we need without rummaging around.
Packing for Specific Destinations
Your destination matters when you’re deciding what to pack when travelling with kids. If you’re on a road trip across Australia, you’ll likely experience a range of climates. Here’s how we plan for various destinations:
- Climate-Appropriate Clothing: If you’re going from a warm area to somewhere cooler, pack jackets, long pants, and extra layers for the kids. Likewise, if you’re headed from chilly weather to a hot destination, remember hats, sunnies, and light clothing.
- Beach Essentials: If you’re planning beach stops, towels, bathers, thongs, and a change of clothes for everyone are must-haves.
- Hiking Gear: Planning a hike? Make sure everyone has the right shoes, and consider packing a small hiking pack with water, snacks, and bandages for any little scrapes.
A Road Trip Checklist for Families with Young Kids
Here’s a quick and handy checklist to make sure you’ve got everything you need for a smooth family road trip:
For The Kids:
- Nappies and wipes (and change mat)
- Water bottle for each child
- Kid-friendly snacks in individual lunchboxes
- New or special car toys (car-only)
- Comfort item (toy or blanket)
- Car games (I Spy, spot colours, etc.)
- Potty
- Rubbish bag
- Spare clothes for each child
- Hats for playground stops
For The Adults:
- Phone charger with USB port
- Cigarette socket charger
- Travel pillow
- Water bottles
- Sunglasses
- Snacks for parents
- Entertainment (book, tablet, etc.)
Medical and First Aid:
- Bandages and band-aids
- Vicks for kids
- Nail clippers and small scissors
- Thermometer
- Age-appropriate pain relief (Panadol)
- Prescription medications
Destination-Specific Items:
- Climate-appropriate clothing
- Beach gear (towels, bathers)
- Hiking essentials (shoes, mini first-aid kit)
Final Tips for Road-Tripping with Young Kids
Road-tripping with kids is a whole different ball game, but with a little preparation, it’s a rewarding experience that creates amazing family memories. Here’s a bonus tip: try to relax and go with the flow. The unexpected stops, the spontaneous playground breaks, and the silly car games are often the moments your kids will remember most.
Road trips give kids a chance to learn about new places, see the world in a different way, and spend quality time with family. Yes, it can get messy and a little loud, but those are just small pieces of the bigger adventure.
So if you’re planning a road trip with kids in Australia or anywhere else, pack smart, embrace the journey, and make the most of every kilometre! Safe travels!