Last summer, we buckled our 4-year-old and 7-year-old into the backseat for a 10-hour drive to visit grandparents.
Every parent we talked to beforehand gave us the exact same advice: "Buy two new iPads, strap them to the back of the headrests, and download 20 movies. It's the only way you'll survive."
We almost did it. But then we remembered our own childhood road trips—watching the landscapes change, playing silly license plate games, and listening to audiobooks as the sun dipped behind the hills.
We decided to attempt the drive completely screen-free.
Did we have moments of whining? Of course. But overall, it was one of the sweetest, most connected family adventures we've ever had. Here is our battle-tested zero-screen road trip survival kit.
1. The Hourly Surprise Bag Hack
Wrap 6 to 8 cheap dollar-store items in newspaper or brown lunch sacks:
- A new tub of non-sticky modeling clay
- A pack of wikki stix (wax craft sticks that bend without mess)
- A magnetic drawing board
- A search-and-find sticker book
The Rule: A new surprise bag is handed back only at the top of each hour—and only if there has been no screaming or arguing during the previous 60 minutes. The anticipation keeps kids motivated and cheerful for the entire trip!
2. Window Markers: Turn Glass into an Art Studio
Buy a pack of washable liquid window markers. Let your kids draw directly onto their side backseat car windows!
- They can draw silly hats and glasses that align with passing semi-truck drivers.
- They can play Tic-Tac-Toe on the glass.
- It wipes completely clean with a baby wipe in three seconds.
3. High-Quality Audiobooks (The Secret Weapon)
A great audiobook captivates the entire car, parents included:
- Ages 4 to 7: The Magic Treehouse series by Mary Pope Osborne, Winnie the Pooh (narrated by Jim Broadbent), or Mercy Watson by Kate DiCamillo.
- Ages 7 to 11: The Chronicles of Narnia, Harry Potter (narrated by Jim Dale), or Percy Jackson.
When an exciting audiobook is playing, kids naturally gaze out the window and let their imaginations paint the scenes.
4. Road Trip Bingo with Dry-Erase Boards
Print out simple visual Road Trip Bingo sheets and slide them into plastic sheet protectors:
- Spot a red barn
- Spot a yellow car
- Spot a cow grazing
- Spot a police car
- Spot a bridge over water
Kids use dry-erase markers to cross off squares as the highway miles roll by.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should you stop on a long road trip with young kids?
Stop every 2 to 2.5 hours at a rest stop or city park with grass. Let the kids do 15 minutes of sprint races, jumping jacks, or playground climbing. A physically tired child is a peaceful car passenger.
How do you handle carsickness without screens?
Staring down at a screen or book actually worsens motion sickness! Looking out the front windshield at the horizon, chewing ginger candy, and listening to audiobooks is the best pediatrician-recommended cure for car nausea.
