Ah the road trip…whether its a trip upstate, out east, or all the way across the country, there’s always a bit of chaos ready to break out when getting the whole family together to engage in this (sometimes) beloved American tradition. But fret not, from fun car games, to stress-free snacks, we have everything you need to keep that pesky road rage in check!
Activities Galore
The back seat can get pretty boring—fast. Put off the inevitable “are we there yet?” questions (for at least the first few miles) by providing kids ages 8 and up with The Everything Kids’ Travel Activity Book. From puzzles and quizzes to games and songs, these fun activities can entertain children from one rest stop to the next. $3.80, amazon.com
Super Scavenger Hunt
Taking the little ones on their first road trip? Your best bet for an easy and pleasant ride is to find a multiplayer activity that the kids can all enjoy together, such as this scavenger hunt card game from University Games. Kiddos will keep busy for hours while searching for everyday objects that you just might pass en route to your ultimate destination—but be warned, some are rather tricky to find! $9.69, amazon.com
Sip in Style (With No Spills!)
If you’re taking a toddler along for the ride, a spill-proof sippy cup is a must-have. Search for a cool and colorful beverage cup that your child will definitely want to hold on to—and one that still won’t leak no matter how many times it falls over in the car. The Tommee Tippee Explora 9oz drink cup features fun designs and an active sensor valve, so liquid will flow on demand for your thirsty little traveler without making a mess to clean up later. $8.99, target.com
The Coolest Car Seat
Things can look pretty dull when in the midst of a long road trip. Add excitement to your car and keep the kids safe by investing in a practical yet eye-catching car seat! Clek’s backless Olli booster in Paul Frank’s “Julius Hearts Me” pattern is the perfect way to add a splash of color to the back seat. $119.99, clekinc.com
Like Magic to Your Ears
Can’t decide on a radio station that can please the whole family? Why not pop in an audio book? The Harry Potter series on digital audio book is sure to be a crowd pleaser—plus with seven books in total, you’re sure not to run out of material before reaching your destination. $242.94 (for the entire series), shop.pottermore.com
‘Appy Travels for the Driver
Plan your road trip by the mile with this informational—and free!—app. RoadNinja helps navigate each step of your adventure as you go, as it just so happens to be conveniently integrated with Google Maps. Not only does the app tell you what facilities are located at upcoming exits, but it even goes so far as to give you the price of gas per gallon at each rest stop. Make this download decision before you hit the road to check out special promotional offers, share your favorite stops with family and friends on social media, and discover cool new places to explore along your travels. Free, roadninja.com
…and for the Back-Seat Drivers
The 52 Things To Do In The Car app for the iPhone and iPad is a technological twist on the classic 52-card deck. With a variety of games, puzzles, and tongue-twisters designed to entertain and amuse, you’re sure to have back-seat full of content kids…just remember to bring a car charger for the phone! $0.99, itunes.apple.com
Navigational Nosh
What better car snack than a tasty educational treat? These cookies make for a fun learning game as they display the name and shape of each state, its postal abbreviation, and the name and location of its capital city. Even better, the vanilla-flavored treats from Dick & Jane are all-natural and nut-free. Kids can quiz each other and learn fun geographical facts about the states they’re traveling through all while satisfying those road trip cravings. Prices & retail locations vary, dickandjanebakingco.com
