Road trip with kids

How to make being on the road as fun as being on the beach!

“Are we there yet?” The most common question coming out of the backseat can be daunting when setting out on a family road trip, but our helpful tips will keep you and the kids busy and entertained on your holiday across the UK.

With the summer holidays coming up, a campervan getaway is great for everyone in the family. Exploring new places and seeing new sights is beneficial for everybody involved. The top parent concern is how will my kids travel? Don't let the worry outweigh your plans. With a bit of preparation, a list of games, and some creative ideas, your road trip holiday will be a success and you can enjoy the time together as a family without the stress.

1. Pack a surprise bag

Without your kids knowing, pre-pack a special bag of toys, activities, and snacks for each of your little ones. Either wait until the complaints start rolling in or start the trip off with their surprise and let them enjoy a few new things.

Don't overthink it. Pop into the pound store, pick out a few random toys, grab a few activity books (stickers are always a hit), colouring books, fidget toys, age-appropriate games and mix in some of their favourite snacks. Go for snacks they can eat one at a time, like popcorn, fruit snacks, etc. This will entertain them as they share, compare, play, and snack as you begin the drive.

2. Plan stops

Depending on the length of the drive, you'll want to add in stops and something more fun than a potty break. Check your route and see if any towns or attractions are between you and your destination. Find an arcade, mini-golf course, or even a short walk to do as a family. Enjoy stretching your legs, making memories, and exploring new places you would usually just drive through.

If you're short on time, play a fun rest stop game. Give each family member £2 and one minute to pick out something they like from the shop. Time each other making it a bit of a race for a good laugh. If you have young ones, find a rest stop with a kids' play area or a nearby playground to get some wiggles out before hopping back in the car. Hopefully, car naps will be on the cards after some energy is exuded.

3. Listening options

It may be the easiest to play the radio but plan ahead with your tunes rather than rely on random music. Have them make an hour playlist of their favourite tunes if you have older kids. Each family member can do the same, and you can rotate whose playlist is up next. Laugh at their choices, belt out tunes together and pass the time in a fun way.

If the kids are younger, ask them their favourite songs and help them make a playlist beforehand. Do they have a favourite Disney film? Play the soundtracks. Always pre-download them to your devices in case of a bad signal and make sure you can connect your device to the car or, worst case, stop at a petrol station to buy the right equipment.

Another option is to choose an audiobook to listen to as a family. Try to find one for the entire family to enjoy or select age-appropriate ones and take turns. Classics like Harry Potter are a great way to get everyone involved in the story, and you can even have little discussion chats after the chapters.

4. Play games

Everyone loves a road trip game! Play the old classics like "I spy" or 20 questions to keep the kiddos distracted from the time on the road. Check the shops for travel editions of games that can be played in the car. Mini battleships or magnetic checkers are great options for your older ones to play in the backseat. Bring the deck of cards from a game like Trivial Pursuit (family version) and take turns asking questions. Keep score and let the winner pick the next stop. Another easy game is shuffling your music and playing a song for a few seconds to see who can guess the tune. If you're in a pickle, google car ride games to find an endless list of more play options while on the road.

5. Last resort, screen time

When all hell breaks loose, everyone is tired, everyone is complaining, and you've done tips one through four, it is time to break out a screen.

Leave the parent guilt at home and accept that sometimes a bit of distraction is good for all parties involved. Load up a tablet or smartphone with a few of your kid's favourite shows or films to bust out when needed. As they watch their dearest characters dance across the screen, you can enjoy quiet time upfront during the hour or so. Don't forget headphones for the kids so you can enjoy some peace and quiet in the front seat.

Bonus tip to ensure a fun holiday for everyone!

Stay at family-friendly campgrounds! As a parent, there is nothing greater than seeing your children make new friends while on holiday. Let them run around the site while you relax and enjoy your time off. Book in at fun locations like the Rosedale Abbey Caravan Park in North Yorkshire, which has river rope swings, game fields, and heaps of nature to explore.

Are you heading to the east coast? Skegness Sands is a favourite holiday park amongst families with a heated pool, play areas, and space to roam; the kids will be sleeping soundly at night. Polmanter Touring Park has won awards for its incredible amenities. This seaside campsite is a must if you're heading to Cornwall with a heated pool, tennis courts, indoor soft play, and even a pub for mum and dad.

Please make the most out of your time together, and with our tips, maybe the best memories will come from the road trip itself. As they say, it's not about the destination, but how you got there.

Hire a van for your UK adventure

Camplify has an incredible range of van rentals for you to choose from, so make a cup of tea, have a browse, and cruise through the UK at your own pace.

Adventures of all kinds await this holiday break.

Find a van for your UK adventure