Road trips are a rite of passage for Aussie families. Hitting the open road together can form some of the fondest memories of childhood – who doesn’t remember playing ‘I Spy’ with their parents as a child! But despite the quality family time, it can be a challenge keeping the kids entertained for hours on end. Which is why it’s a good idea to have these ten family road trip activities in your back pocket to prepare for the trip. 

The first step?

1. Get a car kit organiser 

It goes without saying that a family getaway with the kids warrants a bit of pre-planning. So, before you plan your road trip activities and pack the kids into the car, make sure you pick up a back-seat organiser. This handy hanging bag has compartments for all the snacks, games, headphones – you name it! Grab yours from your local Stockland centre before you hit the road. 

2. Destination goodie bags 

This one requires some extra prep but the kids will love it! Simply grab some brown paper bags, mark each bag with a town or city that you’ll be passing through, and pop in a few pictures of cool landmarks, plus some snacks. The little ones will love opening their goodie bags at each destination and discovering the landmarks as you drive past. This is a great way to make some new family memories.

3. How to play road trip bingo

What do you get when you combine bingo and ‘I Spy’? Hours of road trip entertainment, that’s what! Simply jot down a list of all the things that can be spotted from the car window and get the kids to tick them off. The first one to tick them all wins! Their prize? They can choose where to stop for lunch. 

4. Pack some glow accessories 

For long-haul road trips where you know you’ll be travelling at night, glow accessories are a fun and funky way to keep them entertained. You’ll find some packs at your local Stockland centre. Not only can they use them to make bracelets and necklaces, but they’re also comforting for the little ones who are afraid of the dark.  

5. Budding photographers

If your little one has a creative spark and is always snapping pictures of one thing or another, they’ll love a polaroid camera for the car trip. Sort of like an unofficial travel journal for your mini, they’ll spend hours sight-seeing through the lens. Plus, you’ll get to see what the road trip looked like through their eyes, which is pretty special.  

6. Audiobooks

For parents who suffer from motion sickness and can’t bear the thought of reading a book during a car ride, audiobooks are a lifesaver. Just download a few audiobooks before the trip (you’ll need WiFi for this) and connect through the Bluetooth in your car. Alternatively, you can find some great audiobook CDs at your local Stockland centre, or even your local library!

7. Travel treats

Snacks are essential for road trips! But if occupying the kids while giving them something to munch on sounds like a win-win to you, why not whip up some creative snacks like sushi sandwiches or celery critters? 

8. Washable window markers

For the budding artists or little ones who simply love to draw, washable window markers from Coles, Big W or Kmart are a brilliant kids’ road trip activity. Suitable for drawing on the window glass (and easily removed from fabric in case some makes it onto the car seat), washable window markers are a great no-screen activity to keep them busy for hours.  

9. A road trip musical

It may be the oldest trick in the book but make sure you create a music playlist before you set off. Some of the best memories of childhood are on the open road singing along to your favourite tunes with the family. Given, the music might be courtesy of a smartphone playlist and the album might be The Wiggles, but there’s no denying the appeal of an old-fashioned family sing-along – the kids are sure to agree.

10. iPad movie marathon 

Pack the popcorn and some comfy pillows and get ready for a movie marathon – because iPads and road trips are a match made in heaven. Before you hit the road, let them choose which flicks they’d like to watch on the trip, cue them on the iPad, or pop a disk in the portable DVD player, and off you go. It’s simple but effective, and with some yummy popcorn snacks, they’ll be set (and you’ll have some much-appreciated peace and quiet). 

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