8 kid-friendly activities for your next family road trip

March 15, 2024 • 5 min read

The trunk is packed, the kids are buckled in, and the car is buzzing with excitement. It’s time for a family road trip, but now what? You’re going to need some kid-friendly activities and entertainment to keep the car a conflict-free zone. Luckily, we’ve got you covered.

Points of interest

Plan stops at national and state parks — they’re great places to stretch your legs
Download podcasts, shows, and tunes ahead of time
Lean in to the kitsch of roadside attractions — giant ball of twine, anyone?!

A young boy makes friends with a donkey.

1. Cue up some kid-friendly entertainment

Plan your audio menu before you leave the house, including family-friendly versions of audiobooks, podcasts, and playlists. Great podcast options that the whole family will enjoy include Wow in the World, Brains on!, Story Pirates, and Who, When, Wow! Download them onto your phone if you can in case you lose reception in transit.

2. Stop at a national or state park

Grown ups need a chance to stretch their legs — and kids need a chance to run around. Once you know your destination, try mapping out some kid-friendly activity stops where they can work out the wiggles. National and state parks are always a big hit and can make a travel day feel more like vacation, but local playgrounds are also a perfect, quick stop.

3. Books are still best

Reading and car rides don’t always go together — any parent knows the danger of even a slightly twisty road and sensitive little tummies. But, if you are driving on a long straight road and your kids have proven themselves able to handle screens or books while in motion, then definitely bring a stack of books. Coloring and activity books are great for little ones while for older kids this is the perfect opportunity to dive into a new fantasy or mystery series.

A large red barn sitting in a valley filled with early morning mist.

Farm stay in Angels Camp, California

4. Give the kids some leeway on screen time

Even if you would prefer to limit screen time, sometimes it becomes a necessity when you’re facing long hours on the road. If you decide to give the kids some extra tablet time, it’s good to set a time limit. Maybe for the hour before lunch, or until the next rest stop. Fun, educational content like Ms. Rachel, Blippi, or Science Max (for elementary-aged kids), is always good to have at the ready. Remember that you will likely need to download shows or movies ahead of time since hotspots and cellular reception can be unreliable when you are driving through rural or unpopulated areas.

5. Go old school

When in doubt, reach for those kid-friendly activities you loved on the road as a kid, from “I Spy” to scavenger hunts and travel bingo. Before you leave the house, round up a list of favorite games, print them out, and let the kids choose which one to play first.

6. Get snacky

Snacks are essential for road trips and can make for a much-needed diversion. While the high sugar convenience store snacks may be tempting (and we all know road trips can be a chance to indulge in some of our favorite fast food spots), be sure to pack some healthy, high protein/fiber snacks such as nut mixes and fresh fruit.

A young boy clings to his father’s chest as they meet some new donkey friends.

7. Show the kids something they won’t forget

From the giant ball of twine in Cawker City, Kansas to the infamous Wall Drug in Wall, South Dakota, the US is peppered with roadside attractions that will give the kids a view into the kitschy side of America. If you can work one of these weird and wonderful attractions into your trip it will make it one for the memory books. Here are some additional favorite kid-friendly road trip attractions:

Blue Whale of Catoosa. When you’re on Route 66, say hello to the enormous blue whale in Catoosa, Oklahoma that was originally built by a zoologist for his family. It’s the perfect place to stop for a quick snack in the fresh air, stretch your legs, and snap a few photos.

The Mystery Spot. Nothing makes memories quite like a gravitational anomaly. Amaze your senses at this captivating illusion in Santa Cruz, California that will defy everything you know about gravity, perspective, and standing straight.

Mount Rushmore National Monument. Drive into U.S. history by paying a visit to this famous cliff-side monument in Keystone, South Dakota. The impressive faces of Washington, Lincoln, Roosevelt, and Jefferson are surrounded by ponderosa pine trees, and you can check them out from all different angles by taking a short hike through the park.

Wall Drug. This kitsch paradise in Wall, South Dakota was founded in 1931 as an oasis for road-weary travelers, offering free ice-water and a much needed respite from the heat and dust of the open plains. You can still get free ice-water on your visit (and 5 cent coffee!), but now there is so much more including a restaurant, arcade, and can’t-miss souvenir shops. An added bonus is Badlands National Park, just 30 miles away if you’re in the mood for an other-worldy scenic drive or short hike.

8. Make your accommodation a destination

On any road trip you’re going to be spending a lot of time together. Book vacation rentals along the way so you can have the space to decompress and relax before another day on the road. Explore Airbnb Categories to find unique stays along the way to add an extra element of surprise and delight to the trip.

Wherever you end up on your family road trip adventure, be sure to take lots of photos and videos. Kids grow up and places change — this is your chance to capture a slice of time for the family album.