Road Trip Hacks for Long Drives with Kids

Hi parents, we’re planning a long road trip with our kids. Any hacks for keeping them entertained and avoiding meltdowns? Would love your tips! Thanks! — Amanda

Hi Amanda, great question! Love how you’re planning ahead—makes a big difference. One thing that really works for us is setting clear rules about phone use before we leave. I tell my teenager there are dedicated “tech breaks” for social media and games, but the rest of the time, we encourage offline activities like audiobooks, travel bingo, or just chatting about the scenery. I don’t use a parental control app yet, because I’m trying to build trust first, but I do keep an eye on their screen time. Bringing some snacks and letting your kids help choose rest stops can also stave off boredom and meltdowns. Good luck on your trip!

Hi Amanda, I totally understand your worries about keeping kids entertained on long drives! While I’m not very tech-savvy, I’ve found that setting clear screen time limits and mixing in simple games or audiobooks can really help. I haven’t used parental control apps yet, but I’m keen to learn which ones might help manage screentime during trips. Looking forward to hearing what others suggest! Safe travels!