Everything You Need for a Smooth, Safe & Fun Ride with Kids
Planning a family road trip? Whether you’re heading to the mountains, beach, or Grandma’s house, packing smart can make or break your trip—especially with little ones in the backseat. We’ve created the ultimate road trip packing list to help you stay organized, prepared, and stress-free.
Essentials for Everyone
Driver’s license & registration
Car insurance and roadside assistance info
Printed itinerary or map (in case GPS fails)
Phone + charger (and backup battery)
Wallet, ID, credit/debit cards, cash
Kids & Baby Must-Haves
Diapers, wipes, changing pad
Extra clothes (accidents happen!)
Blankets and favorite stuffed animals
Snacks & spill-proof cups
Pacifiers or comfort items
Bibs, burp cloths, bottles
Portable potty/travel toilet seat
Snacks & Food
Pre-portioned snacks (crackers, fruit, pouches)
Cooler with drinks and sandwiches
Trash bags and wet wipes
Reusable water bottles for everyone
Paper towels, napkins, and utensils
Entertainment
Books and audiobooks
Coloring books and crayons
Tablets (with pre-downloaded shows/games)
Road trip games (I Spy, license plate game)
Music playlist or kid-friendly podcast
Travel toys (quiet ones, preferably!)
Hygiene & Safety
Hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes
Face masks (if needed)
Tissues
First-aid kit
Medications (pain reliever, allergy meds, motion sickness tabs)
Bug spray and sunscreen
Flashlight and extra batteries
Comfort Items
Neck pillows
Sunglasses and window shades
Travel blanket
Slippers or comfy shoes
Seat organizers for storage
Car Prep & Tools
Spare tire and jack
Jumper cables
Tire pressure gauge
Emergency kit (flares, blanket, flashlight)
Travel-size cleaning supplies
Paper copies of hotel/campground reservations
Bonus Tip: Keep It All Together!
Use labeled packing cubes, plastic bins, or seat-back organizers to keep items easy to find. Give each child a small backpack or tote with their favorite items to reduce backseat chaos.
#HAPPYTRAVELS