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Traveling with kids? You’re not alone – and you’re definitely not the first to wonder how on earth you’ll get through the car ride/airport/hotel stay with everyone still smiling.
This guide pulls together the most helpful, realistic travel tips we’ve learned along the way – plus tried-and-true activity ideas, packing checklists, and sanity-saving resources from families who’ve been there.
Road Trip Tips & Car Activities for Kids
Long car rides can be magical or miserable — and sometimes both in the same hour. Here’s what helps:
- Plan stops every 2–3 hours (rest stops, parks, roadside attractions)
- Pack a cooler with favorite snacks and drinks
- Have a few new surprises on hand (snack mix, sticker books, mess-free crafts)
Audiobooks can be your best friend on long drives:
➡️ Best Audiobooks for Families on a Long Car Ride
Need activities for the back seat?
➡️ Best Car Activities for Kids & Toddlers
➡️ Fun Car Games Your Kids Will Love
Flying With Kids: Keep It Simple
Airports and airplanes are challenging for adults — throw a toddler into the mix and it’s a whole new game. But with a little prep, you can set yourself up for a smoother ride.
Pack a small bag with:
- A favorite comfort item (blanket, stuffed animal)
- Headphones + tablet (preloaded shows & games)
- Snacks, snacks, and more snacks
- Lightweight activities and books
Grab-and-go ideas:
➡️ Airplane Activities for Toddlers
➡️ Best Travel Activities for Toddlers
Start with a Packing Plan
Traveling with kids means packing a lot. But it doesn’t have to mean overpacking. Start with a checklist and adjust based on your destination and kids’ ages.
- Bring an extra change of clothes in your carry-on
- Use packing cubes to stay organized
- Don’t forget chargers, snacks, meds, and comfort items
- Pack a “just in case” kit (band-aids, wipes, hand sanitizer, etc.)
🎒 Tip: Let older kids pack their own small bags (with a little guidance). It gives them a sense of control and lightens your load.
➡️ Get our beach packing checklist for families
General Travel Tips for Families
Whether you’re road tripping, flying, or staying closer to home, these small tweaks can make a big difference:
- Expect delays. Build in extra time for everything — from airport security to bathroom breaks.
- Snacks solve most problems. Seriously.
- Don’t overschedule. Leave room for flexibility, downtime, and unexpected fun.
- Stick to bedtime routines when you can. Bring a white noise machine or sound app to help recreate the bedtime vibe.
- Say yes to screen time (within reason). It’s okay to relax the rules when you’re in survival mode.
What’s Next?
Once you feel ready to travel with your kids, you might be wondering where to go. We’ve got ideas for that, too.
➡️ Check out our favorite family-friendly travel destinations
➡️ Planning a Chicago adventure? Put these tips to work with our detailed Chicago family vacation planner.
Related Posts:
- Family Trips With Direct Flights From Milwaukee Airport
- Free Family Activities in St. Louis
- Kauai with Kids
- Is Pueblo Bonito Los Cabos Kid-Friendly?
- Planning a Chicago adventure? Put these tips to work with our detailed Chicago family vacation planner.
Final Thoughts
Traveling with kids isn’t always easy, but with the right tools, a little planning, and a lot of snacks, it can be totally worth it. Whether you’re hitting the road or flying across the country, these tips are here to help you feel more prepared, and maybe even enjoy the journey.
Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.
Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.
Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.
Discover more about Calie’s journey and editorial approach on her About Page and Editorial Policy Page.
