On a road trip through Utah, we stopped at Canyonlands National Park.

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Quick List: Our Favorite Road Trip Essentials

Snackle box
Reusable water bottle: Odwala
Travel blanket: your favorite cozy blanket
Activities: DIY Fortune Teller, Water Wow!
Audiobook Apps: Libby, Hoopla, Audible
Travel games: …I should have known that!, sussed The Wacky ‘What Would You Do?

One of our longest family road trips was when we drove a camper van from Los Angeles through Utah's Big Five National Parks before flying home from Denver, Colorado. We spent countless hours on the road, and the funny thing was that for much of the trip, we didn't even have cell phone service. No streaming music, no podcasts, and no screen time.

Instead, we got creative.

Looking back, those hours in the car became some of our favorite family memories. We played endless rounds of 20 Questions, I'm Going on a Picnic, I Spy, and I'm Thinking of a Number. We challenged each other to Guess the Song after humming a few notes, estimated how many minutes remained until the next gas station, and invented plenty of silly games along the way.

What started as a way to pass the time turned into something much more valuable. The games sparked conversations, lots of laughter, and moments of connection that we still talk about today.

Timing Your Departure

Plan your departure time well, and a long road trip can be a breeze.

If you're traveling with toddlers, try to plan your departure around naptime or bedtime. Leaving just before they're ready to sleep can help you cover a surprising number of miles while they rest.

For older kids and teens, consider leaving early in the morning before everyone is fully awake. A few quiet hours at the beginning of the drive can make a big difference.

Another family rule that has saved us more times than I can count: when the car stops, everyone uses the restroom. No exceptions.

Whether you're stopping for gas, charging an electric vehicle, or grabbing a quick snack, have everyone take a bathroom break. It may seem unnecessary at the time, but it helps avoid those emergency requests five minutes after getting back on the road.

My Number One Road Trip Must Have: The Snackle Box

If there's one thing I never skip on a road trip, it's a snackle box for each child.

Kids love a snackle box in the car. I recommend adding healthy snacks and few fun treats.

Before every trip, I fill a divided snack container with a variety of snacks and treats. I always include a few fun items they don't normally get at home. Somehow road trip snacks just taste better.

The best part is that each child has their own selection, which cuts down on arguments and eliminates the constant "I'm hungry" requests.

Everything stays organized, and the kids can easily reach their snacks without me having to dig through bags while driving.

Our Favorite Travel Games for Families

A Road Trip Game We Love: …I Should Have Known That!

One game that has been surprisingly fun for both kids and adults is …I Should Have Known That! It's a trivia game filled with questions that make you laugh because the answers seem so obvious once you hear them.

…I should have known that! One of our favorite games to play in the car.

The fun part is that everyone gets stumped. Parents, teens, and younger kids all have moments where they throw up their hands and say, "I should have known that!"

We've played it in the car on longer drives, and it always sparks conversations, friendly competition, and plenty of laughs. Unlike some trivia games that are geared toward one age group, this one works well because everyone has a chance to get questions right or wrong.

If you're looking for a screen-free activity that can keep the whole family engaged for a while, this is one I'd definitely pack for your next road trip.

Other travel-friendly games that work well in the car

Audiobooks Make the Miles Fly By

Even if your kids are not big readers, audiobooks can be magical on a road trip. Some of our best family travel memories involve listening to a great story together while watching the scenery roll by outside the window.

If your kids seem hesitant at first, encourage them to give the book a chance. It can take a little while to get invested in the characters and story. I often read the book description or a quick summary before we start so everyone knows what to expect. Once the story gets going, you'll be surprised how quickly kids become hooked and start asking for "just one more chapter."

FreshCruiser Tip: Download audiobooks before you leave home. Cell service can be spotty on road trips, especially when you're traveling through national parks or remote areas. Trust me, you don't want the story to stop right when it gets good!

When my kids were younger, we loved listening to short Curious George and Pinkalicious audiobooks. They were the perfect length for little attention spans and usually ended with requests for another story. We eventually moved on to Magic TreeHouse audio books.

As my kids got older, longer chapter books became a favorite way to pass the time. There is something special about experiencing a story together as a family. I remember listening to my dad read Black Beauty on a long road from Buffalo, NY to Orlando, FL. It’s still such a vivid memory.

Before purchasing audiobooks, check with your local library. Many libraries offer free audiobook borrowing through apps like Libby or Hoopla, giving you access to thousands of titles without spending a dime. If you’re unable to get the title you want in time, try an Audible subscription from Amazon.

Road Trip Essentials We Never Leave Home Without

Activities kids will love to do on a road trip

New activities for the road trip are a must-do.

For younger kids, pack a small bag with coloring books, sticker books, Water Wow books, magnetic games, and travel-sized activities. Rotating activities throughout the trip helps keep things fresh. I recommend getting a few new crafts or activities from the Dollar Tree store. I recently got “Set the Scene” and ooly DIY Fortune Tellers that kept even my 13-year-old busy for an hour.

Reusable Water Bottles

My favorite water bottle, Odwala. This is a 32oz one so I don’t have to worry about refilling it on a long road trip.

Everyone gets their own water bottle before we leave. It saves money, reduces waste, and helps prevent constant requests for drinks at every stop. I don’t leave home without my Odwala water bottle but everyone has their favorite type and usually feels strongly about it!

Neck Pillow

These aren't just for airplanes. A comfortable neck pillow can make a huge difference for kids trying to sleep in the car. I never leave home without my Bucky, which is a u-shaped neck pillow. Squishmallows also make great pillows and take care of having a stuffy for them.

Blankets

Even in the summer, someone always gets cold. A travel blanket is perfect for naps, chilly mornings, or overly enthusiastic air conditioning. My kids like to be “cozy” so a blanket is a must. I recommend grabbing ones that wash well. We are big Squishmallow fans, so it’s not surprise that our go-to blankets for everything (even movie theaters) are Squishmallow blankets.

Car Trash Bag

This may not be exciting, but it is one of the most useful items we bring. Having a designated spot for wrappers, napkins, and empty drink bottles keeps the car from turning into a disaster zone by day two. I pack a few gallon Ziplock’s to use as a trash can as it can be sealed up and doesn’t take up too much space. If you’re looking for one that can go on the back of the seat, I’ve tried Tossits Recycled Disposable Car Trash Bags‍ ‍with lots of success.

Wet Wipes

I love the not-too-strong smell of Trader Joe’s Cucumber & Citrus Body and Face Wipes.

Sticky hands, spills, and dirty gas station bathrooms. You'll use these more than you expect. My favorite is the Trader Joe’s Cucumber & Citrus Body and Face Wipes.

Best Screen-Free Road Trip Games for Kids and Families

Driving while playing some of our favorite games.

One of the best parts of a road trip is the chance to slow down and spend time together. While there is certainly a place for screens, some of our favorite road trip memories happened when we put the devices away and simply talked, laughed, and played games. These screen-free road trip games require no Wi-Fi, no chargers, and no special supplies but just a little imagination and a willingness to have fun together.

20 Questions
I Spy
I'm Going on a Picnic
Guess the Song
License Plate Game
Would You Rather
Name That Animal
Guess How Long Until the Next Gas Station
Two Truths and a Lie

The best road trip memories often happen somewhere between the destination and the next bathroom stop.