There's nothing quite like a Summer road trip [1]. Planning your route and picking the sights and stops can be thrilling, and road trips can be a great bonding experience for families [2], creating memories your kids will have for the rest of their lives. But they also involve packing up the car with all of the necessities and more to ensure everything goes smoothly. When you're travelling anywhere with kids [3], your trip requires a certain amount of planning and forward thinking to keep the kids occupied, entertained, and on their best behaviour — and this is never more important than when your family is stuck in very close quarters together for days on end. To avoid any midjourney tantrums [4] on your next family road trip with kids, don't forget to pack these road trip essentials.
Hand Sanitizing Wipes
Whether your kids are snacking in the car or that roadside bathroom stop doesn't have proper facilities, you'll be thankful you brought along hand sanitizing wipes [6] ($8).
Nintendo 2DS
To avoid constantly hearing "Are we there yet?" from your kids, keep them occupied with a Nintendo 2DS [7] ($80) and their favourite game.
Marvel Action Figure
Your kids will love spending hours re-enacting their favourite Marvel movie of the year in the car with this Black Panther action figure [8] ($40).
Water Bottle
On long road trips where you want to avoid stopping as much as possible, a water bottle [9] ($12, originally $20) is essential for keeping your kids happy and hydrated.
Pillow
Whether you have to drive through the night or your kids still take afternoon naps, pack a pillow [10] ($28) so your little ones can get some shut-eye on the journey.
Washable Crayons
It's easy to make some time for crafting on a long road trip. Just pack a pad of paper and some washable crayons [11] ($11), and you won't have to worry about stains on your upholstery!
Fruit Snacks
Small, individually wrapped snacks like these fruit snacks [12] ($15) are perfect for long trips.
Goldfish
For a more substantial snack, pack some Goldfish [13] ($9, originally $10) to keep your kids full between meals stops.
Granola Bars
Granola bars [14] ($9) are a great alternative to cookies, and this variety pack will ensure they don't get bored of one flavour during a long trip.
Tablet
Instead of giving your kids your expensive iPad to use, pack their very own tablet [15] ($100), and fill it with their favourite movies, TV episodes, and even e-books.
Wireless Headphones
Make sure to give your kids some wireless headphones [16] ($50) to use with their tablets so they won't get tangled and you won't have to suffer through Frozen for the hundredth time.
Comic Book Kit
For supercreative kids, keep their minds and hands occupied with their very own comic book kit [17] ($30).
Comic Book
If your kids would rather just read their own comic books, consider The Infinity Gauntlet comic [18] ($10, originally $11).
Snack Containers
Pack some snack containers [19] ($14 for two) for keeping snacks fresh or storing leftovers you pick up at pit stops along the way.
Kleenex
Never embark on a trip with kids without Kleenex [20] ($2), no matter how long or short!
Magik Catch
Encourage your kids to get some exercise on those roadside stops with the help of a Magik Catch [21] ($5).
Picnic Blanket
It's never a bad idea to have a blanket handy on long family road trips. This picnic blanket [22] ($35) can be used for naps in the car or for roadside picnics, and it's easy to fold away.
Digital Camera
For a long road trip, keep your iPhone for yourself and gift your kids with their own digital camera [23] ($157, originally $159). They'll love being able to take photos of everything they see!
Cooler
Keep drinks and snacks cool and fresh on your long road trip with a cooler [24] ($45, originally $48).
Beach Towels
You never know when you might want to stop for a quick swim! Pack some colourful beach towels [25] ($10 for two) in case you stumble upon a lake or beach on your travels.
Word Search Book
Never underestimate the entertainment value of a good word search book [26] ($6, originally $7). It will keep your kids occupied for hours without a screen, and they'll probably even pick up some new words along the way.
Stuffed Animals
Most children have their favourite stuffed animal that you'll want to pack, but keeping an extra one on hand, like this corduroy lion stuffed animal [27] ($26), isn't a bad idea.
First Aid Kit
Be prepared for the worst — or just minor cuts and scratches — and be sure to pack a first aid kit [28] ($29).
Extra Clothes
Keep some extra items of clothing handy aside from those in your suitcases. A plain tee [29] ($4, originally $11) is great to have on hand in case there are any accidents in the car.
Trash Can
Driving for hours on end, for days at a time, is sure to result in some trash! Install this handy portable trash can [30] ($12) in your car so all of the trash ends up in the right place.