How to Have a Screen-Free Road Trip with Kids

Written By Megan Metzger

Road trips with kids can be full of memories… or full of “Are we there yet?” before you’ve even left the driveway.

While screens can feel like the easiest solution, many families are looking for ways to travel that feel more connected, calm, and engaging, especially on longer drives. The good news? A screen-free road trip doesn’t have to be stressful or complicated.

With a little planning and the right expectations, road trips can become meaningful family time instead of survival mode.

Here are practical, screen-free road trip ideas that really work for children of all ages.

Start with the Right Mindset

A screen-free road trip doesn’t mean:

  • Constant entertainment

  • Perfect behavior

  • Zero boredom

A little boredom is actually healthy,  it sparks creativity, imagination, and conversation. The goal isn’t to eliminate every complaint; it’s to create gentle structure and engaging options that help kids stay regulated and connected.

Pack a “Busy Bag” for Each Child

Instead of one big bag, give each child their own travel activity kit. This creates independence and keeps things organized.

Ideas to include:

  • Crayons or colored pencils

  • A small notebook or coloring book

  • Sticker books (reusable are great!)

  • Card games or matching games

  • Small figurines or cars

Tip: Rotate items every hour or so, novelty makes a big difference.

Play Road Trip Games Everyone Can Join

Classic car games never go out of style, and they help time pass quickly.

Family favorites:

  • I Spy

  • License Plate Game

  • Color Hunt (find five green things, three red things, etc.)

  • Animal Spotting (especially fun on rural drives)

These games encourage observation, language skills, and shared laughter, without needing anything extra.

Create a Travel Bingo or Scavenger Hunt

Before you leave, print or draw a simple road trip bingo card.

Include items like:

  • A bridge

  • A truck

  • A cow

  • A stop sign

  • A water tower

Kids can mark items as they spot them along the way. This works especially well for preschool and elementary-aged children.

Lean into Audiobooks & Music

Screen-free doesn’t mean silent.

Audiobooks, podcasts for kids, and family playlists are excellent ways to stay entertained while still keeping eyes up and minds engaged.

Try:

  • Classic children’s stories

  • Short chapter books

  • Family sing-along playlists

Listening together often sparks conversations and makes the drive feel shared rather than isolating.

Build in Movement & Snack Breaks

Long stretches without movement can lead to meltdowns, for kids and adults.

Plan stops every 1.5–2 hours when possible:

  • Walk around

  • Stretch

  • Do jumping jacks or silly dances

  • Eat a snack outside the car

A few minutes of movement can reset everyone’s mood.

Keep Expectations Age-Appropriate

Not every child can sit happily for hours and that’s okay.

For younger children:

  • Shorter activities

  • More frequent breaks

  • Simple, repetitive games

For older kids:

  • Journaling or drawing

  • Listening to audiobooks

  • Word games and storytelling

Meeting kids where they are helps everyone stay calmer.

How Childcare Support Can Help with Travel Days

For families juggling travel, work schedules, or multiple children, extra support can make all the difference.

A trusted nanny or babysitter can:

  • Help prepare travel activity kits

  • Assist on travel days

  • Support children during long drives or destination transitions

  • Keep routines steady before and after trips

At Preferred ChildCare, we often support families during travel seasons, whether that means help packing, staying with children at home, or assisting during busy travel weeks.

Megan Metzger
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