5 Tips for Planning Road School Journeys / Roadtrips with Kids

Packing: Teach Kids to Pack for Themselves Using a DIY Packing Planner

After our first trip, I quickly realized packing and organizing clothing for three kids wasn’t sustainable. I created a DIY packing planner so the girls can check the weather and pack accordingly. It takes practice, but it’s a great step toward independence (and less work for me in the long run!). You can copy our template here—the second tab shows an example.

Food Prep: Planning & Preparing Healthy Meals & Snacks

Having a flexible meal plan saves us time, money, and stress on the road. We prep and freeze healthy meals in advance, which keeps us from scrambling on busy days. Plans change, but having backup meals makes travel smoother. You can copy our meal template here—examples are on the third and fourth tabs.

Are We There Yet?: Empower the Kids to Keep Track of the Journey
Before we leave, the kids map the route and calculate distance and time between stops. They paste their notes into travel journals, then check progress along the way (our EV charging breaks make for natural checkpoints). Giving them this responsibility keeps them engaged and builds real-world math skills.

Road School Routine: Keep it Simple
At first I over-planned, but we’ve found that simple routines work best. Each day starts with a travel journal entry. A few times a week, we use select entries to strengthen spelling and writing. Reading journals and museum questions add variety, while formal projects wait until we’re home. This balance lets learning happen naturally as we explore.

Hacks to Keep Kids Entertained
We’ve road-tripped since the kids were babies, so screens aren’t part of our routine. Instead, we lean on boredom (yes, we encourage daydreaming!) and a rotating set of activities:

• Seat divider bins for organization for activity books, fidget toys, snacks

• Yoto players & audiobooks

• Art pouches, Lego kits, Wikki Stix, magnet people

• Yarn, bracelet kits, puzzle cubes

• Podcasts (current favorite: Greeking Out)

• SOS bag with special treats

• Frequent stops (charging breaks = snack/stretch/activity swaps)

Every family is different, so do what works for you. The key is to get out there, stay flexible, and enjoy the journey.

What about you—what road trip hacks keep your family happy on the road?