If the idea of traveling with kids makes you nervous, you’re not alone. Planning, packing, and then getting from point A to B with little ones in tow can feel overwhelming. But, traveling with kids can also be a lot of fun and is a great opportunity to create lasting family memories together.
A little planning (and a lot of snacks!) can make traveling with kids go much more smoothly. With a few simple strategies, you can make the most of your time together and have an amazing adventure. Let’s dive into some tips to make family travel easier and way more fun!
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Planning Your Trip
Planning ahead can help any trip go smoother. But, when traveling with kids, it can make all the difference. Here’s a few ways to help set your family up for a more enjoyable adventure.
Choose a Family Friendly Destination
Not all destinations will be equally kid-friendly. Look for locations that have attractions and amenities the whole family can enjoy, like parks, nature centers, playgrounds, and children’s museums.
One important factor to consider when choosing a destination for your family trip is travel time. Shorter flights and road trips are definitely more manageable with little ones. This isn’t to say you can’t head somewhere further from home, but you might appreciate spending less time en route with young kids.
Get Insider Tips from Moms Like You
No one understands traveling with kids better than other parents! The Tales of a Mountain Mama travel guides are a great resource for family-tested recommendations that will help you find the best places to stay, eat, and explore with kids. Check out these curated guides for our team’s favorite places to visit with kids, including:
- Vilcabamba, Ecuador
- Moab, Utah
- Grand Canyon
- Glenwood Springs, CO
- Minnesota’s North Shore
- Whistler, B.C.
- Sunapee, NH
Create a Flexible Itinerary
Over planning can turn your trip into a checklist, and make you feel like a drill sergeant trying to keep everyone on schedule. Instead, it’s better to have a rough plan, but leave some space for downtime and spontaneous adventures.
Here’s a few tips for finding a balance, so you can do the things you’re excited about without feeling too overwhelmed:
- Prioritize the activities you’re really looking forward to and plan to do them earlier in the day when kids have the most energy.
- Leave space in your schedule for plenty of breaks so there’s time to rest, eat a snack, or just enjoy the moment.
- Have a backup plan for unexpected situations, like bad weather or sudden meltdowns.
- Let go of checking everything off the list, some of the best memories come from unplanned moments.
What to Pack: Travel Essentials for Outdoor Families
Packing is one of the best ways to prepare yourself for a trip with kids. Here’s a few essentials to bring along for everyone in the family.
Must-Have Travel Gear for Parents
- A few comfortable, versatile outfits
- Personal care items, medications, and first-aid essentials
- A jacket and/or warm layers, depending on the weather will be like at your destination
Essentials for Babies and Toddlers
- Diapers, wipes, and plenty of extra clothes
- Baby carrier and/or a stroller
- Snacks, bottles, and comfort items like teethers, toys, or pacifiers
- Warm layers and a weather-appropriate jacket
What to Pack for Kids & Teens
- Comfortable clothing and shoes
- A jacket or warm layers, depending on the weather
- Books, games, and activities for downtime, car rides, or layovers
- Personal care items and toiletries
Things to Pack for the Whole Family
- Sun protection— hats, sunscreen, sunglasses, sun protective clothing
- Lightweight daypacks for daily adventures
- Reusable water bottles and plenty of snacks
- Outdoor gear for planned activities —camping equipment, bikes, bathing suits, hiking boots, etc.
Getting There: Traveling to Your Destination
Whether you’re heading out for a weekend road trip or flying out for a longer adventure, getting to and from your destination with kids is a journey in and of itself. But, with the right mindset (and a bit of forethought), even the travel days can be a part of the fun. Here are some ways you can make the actual traveling part of the trip more enjoyable.
Tips for Road Tripping with Kids
Long drives with little ones don’t have to be a nightmare. In fact, they can be one of the most memorable parts of your trip. Here are a few ways to make road tripping with kids go smoother.
Schedule Extra Time for the Drive
Plan for plenty of snack stops, bathroom breaks, and opportunities for everyone to get out and stretch their legs. It’s better to take a little longer getting there and have a good time rather than trying to power through and ending up with everyone cranky and at each other’s throats. The drive to and from your destination can be a part of the adventure if you let it be.
Take the Scenic Route
If you can, plan a few fun stops along your route. Stopping at scenic overlooks, waterfalls, quirky roadside attractions, or short nature trails helps to break up the drive and makes the trip a lot more fun.
For more tips for having a smooth and enjoyable road trip with kids, check out these posts:
Tips for Flying with Kids
Flying with little ones can feel intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. Here’s some tips to help make flying with kids easier.
Opt for Longer Layovers When Possible
Now, this might sound like a bad idea (who wants to spend more time sitting around an airport with kids?). But, frantically sprinting across a huge airport with suitcases and small children in tow to make a tight connection is super stressful. A little extra time between flights gives you plenty of space to find your gate, use the bathroom, grab some food, and stretch your legs before it’s time to hop on another airplane.
Give Yourself Plenty of Time for Customs
If you’re traveling internationally, plan for customs to take a while. Depending on how many flights arrive around the same time, the lines can get long and they often move slowly. Getting through customs is one of those things that always takes longer than you think it will, especially with kids in tow, so give yourself plenty of buffer time
If you plan to travel internationally frequently, and are a US Citizen, check in to Global Entry for a smooth and quick re-entry to the US (also includes TSA Pre-Check and kids under 18 are free if parent have it or have applied!)
Check TSA Guidelines Ahead of Time
It’s worth taking a quick peek at TSA guidelines before you pack just so you know what to expect. You don’t want to be stuck tossing anything useful, and knowing what to expect helps everything go smoother.
How to Keep Kids Entertained While Traveling
Whether you’re road tripping or flying, traveling involves a lot of downtime. And if you don’t bring some activities to keep your little ones entertained (and even if you do) you’re sure to hear moans, groans, and “are we there yet?” Here are a few ideas for keeping boredom at bay.
Fun and Educational Screen Time Ideas
If you love the ease of screen time, but want it to be a bit more educational, there are plenty of great options to keep your little ones entertained and engaged. Here are some screen-friendly ideas that mix learning with fun.
- Read: Kindle or Libby app for books on the go
- Learn: Duolingo for languages, Khan Academy for school topics
- Play: Educational games like ABCmouse, PBS Kids, or BrainPOP
Screen Free Travel Activities for Kids
If you’re looking to cut down on or ditch screen time, but still need ways to keep kids entertained, these creative and fun activities are perfect for travel.
- Water pen activity pads – reusable and mess-free fun
- Crazy Aaron’s Thinking Putty – non-toxic putty with cool effects like magnetism, UV reactivity, and scents
- Drawing pad or coloring book – with colored pencils or crayons
- Travel journal – to record adventures from the trip
- Paint by Sticker book – calming and creative without the mess
- Books or magazines – bring a variety to suit their interests
- Card games – Uno, Go Fish, or Spot It are great for travel
- Farkle or Tenzi– fun dice games for all ages
Travel Sleep Tips
One of the most challenging things about traveling with kids is making sure everyone gets enough quality sleep. Here’s a few ways to help everyone get plenty of rest.
Sleep Tips for Long Journeys
Long travel days can throw everyone off, especially little ones. Try these tips to avoid skipping nap time and ending up with overtired, grouchy kids.
Plan Rest Stops
Scheduling regular travel breaks allows your kids to stretch, get some fresh air, and burn off a bit of energy. This can help keep them from feeling overly restless when it’s time to wind down and get to sleep.
Choose Sleep-Friendly Bedtime Snacks
Opt for calming, easy-to-digest snacks before bed. Avoid sugary or greasy treats, which can lead to upset stomach and restlessness. Even small amounts of caffeine, found in chocolate or tea, can interfere with sleep. Carbohydrate and protein rich foods, like nuts, cheese or a hard-boiled egg, can help the body relax and are thought to promote better sleep.
Block Out the Chaos
In bright, noisy environments like airports or planes, blocking out distractions can make a big difference in helping your little one rest. Sleep masks, earplugs, or a portable sound machine can create a more peaceful space and make it easier for them to drift off.
Bring a Baby Carrier or Stroller for Babies & Toddlers
For babies and toddlers, a carrier or stroller can be a cozy, familiar spot for naps on the go. It’s an easy way to help them get some rest on travel days.
Adapting Bedtime Routines While Traveling
Keep Some Things Familiar
If you usually read a book or sing a lullaby before bed, continue to do so while traveling. A sense of familiarity can help kids feel comfortable enough to go to sleep, even in new environments.
Encourage Calming Activities Before Bed
Encourage quieter, more relaxing activities before bedtime, like reading, listening to soft music, or doing some light stretches. These calming rituals can help signal to little bodies that it’s time to rest.
Be Flexible
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, kids just don’t sleep well, whether it’s the excitement of travel, a change in time zones, or the stress of sleeping in an unfamiliar place. In those moments, try to stay flexible and adjust your expectations. Maybe bedtime happens later than usual or takes a little longer, and that’s okay.
Embracing the Unexpected
No matter how well you plan, travel with kids almost always includes a few bumps in the road. Being out of their element, running on less sleep, or just feeling overstimulated from new experiences can lead to big feelings and sometimes, full-on meltdowns.
Maybe your flight gets delayed and you miss a connection. Maybe the whole family gets food poisoning at the restaurant everyone was excited about. Things happen and plans will probably shift along the way.
The more you can stay flexible and go with the flow, the smoother it feels for everyone. Deep breaths and a good sense of humor can make all the difference. Try to remember, it’s all part of the adventure.
Traveling with Kids Makes Every Trip An Opportunity for Adventure
Traveling with kids can definitely be a challenge, but it’s almost always worth it. The chance to bond, create memories, and experience something out of the ordinary together as a family is priceless.
Going somewhere new exposes kids to fresh experiences, different cultures, and places they might not otherwise see, helping them grow more curious, adaptable, and open-minded. Whether it’s trying a new food, hearing a different language, or noticing plants they don’t see back home, travel gives kids a chance to learn through doing, not just reading.
And the best thing about traveling with kids? They remind you to slow down, ask questions, and notice the little things. Exploring the world with them can help bring back your own child-like sense of wonder. And that just might be the greatest adventure of all.
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