Activities for a Screen-Free Family Road Trip with Kids

Discover how to create a positive, screen-free road-tripping culture for your family. Learn about fun travel activities, including stretch breaks, snack stops, and engaging podcasts, to make long drives enjoyable and adventurous for everyone.

10/21/20254 min read

Creating a Family Road-Tripping Culture

When we first started taking long road trips, I wasn’t sure how it would go—three kids, no screens, and hours in the car. But over time, we’ve found our rhythm and created a family road-tripping culture that not only works—it’s something we all look forward to.

The Mindset: The Journey Is the Vacation

We’ve learned to treat our travel days as part of the adventure, not just the means to get somewhere. That simple shift makes a big difference. We plan ahead for stops we’re genuinely excited about—local playgrounds, roadside farm stands, scenic overlooks, or just a shady spot for a picnic. We stretch, snack, and explore together before getting back on the road. It slows the pace and helps everyone stay happy and refreshed.

Embracing an Old-School Mindset...or Not!

When I was a kid, road trips meant resting my head against the station-wagon window, listening to the Beatles or a “book on tape” with my family, and working out all of life’s big questions in my own head as the scenery blurred by. We still see value in that kind of boredom and reflection — in slowing down and giving kids the space to entertain themselves.

That’s part of the reason why our kids have never used screens in the car. We started road-tripping before they were “old enough” for screens, and we made a deliberate choice not to introduce them. Because it was never an option, they simply never asked.

Instead of relying on tablets or movies, we’ve built other rituals that keep the drive engaging and peaceful. That said, I’m a big believer that every family is different — you do you! Whatever keeps everyone happy and sane on the road is the right choice. But if you’re looking to freshen up your family’s road-trip entertainment, read on for a few ideas that have worked for us.

Road Trip Activity MVPs

Our younger two each have their own mini Yoto player, giving them the freedom to choose which audiobook or story they want to listen to. It’s one of our favorite travel investments — and a total peacekeeper in the backseat. The cards aren’t cheap (I sometimes wish we could check them out from a library!), but for us, they’ve been worth every penny.

The Roald Dahl Collection has gotten an astonishing amount of play from our seven-year-old, and the Brain Bots: Our Planet cards are a big hit, too. For older listeners, Yoto offers full audiobook sets like Wings of Fire, Harry Potter, and Chronicles of Narnia — with new titles added all the time. Our youngest loves the Mercy Watson and Disney sets.

At home, we keep the Yotos packed away and reserve them just for road trips. It keeps the magic fresh and gives the kids something to look forward to when we hit the road. Before each trip, we introduce a new card or two to add to our growing Yoto library. And if anyone ever discovers a Yoto card exchange, please let me know — I’d be first in line!

We mix in family-favorite podcasts for shared listening, laughter, and learning. Our current rotation includes Greeking Out!, Who, When, Wow!, Circle Round, and a few history-themed favorites that tie into our “road school” adventures.

Frequent Stops & Structured Snacks

We don’t do snacks in the car—only during stops. This simple rule encourages everyone to look forward to the next stretch break and keeps messes (and motion sickness) to a minimum. When we stop, we grab a snack, move our bodies, and take a few minutes to check out our surroundings. Those short breaks reset everyone’s mood and help the miles feel manageable.

The Right Kind of “Busy Bags”

Each child has a seat-side activity bin—organized, portable, and easy to load up and clean up. Inside are activity books, small fidgets, and creative kits. The younger two like to use small cookie sheets for magnet games and as a writing surface for craft activities. We rotate materials so the options feel new each trip.

For starters, some of the "greatest hits" in travel activities currently are:

We also pack favorite books and new/novel magazines, along with an SOS bag—a stash of surprise treats or new activities to pull out when energy or morale dips. It’s amazing what a little novelty can do to turn things around.

Connection Over Convenience

Creating a calm, connected car culture didn’t happen overnight. It took practice—and patience. But over time, our kids learned how to enjoy the quiet moments, engage with each other, and find comfort in the rhythm of the road. Now, the drive feels less like something to endure and more like something we get to do together.

Every family’s approach will look a little different, but if you’re hoping to build a more positive (and screen-free) travel experience, start small. Celebrate the stops. Choose stories and podcasts that spark curiosity. Pack a few simple activities and healthy snacks. And most of all—remember that how you travel is just as meaningful as where you end up.

If you’re just getting started, check out our companion post, “Packing & Prepping for a Family Road Trip”, where we share how we plan, pack, and stay organized on the road.

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