🎒 10 things to pack for a road trip with kids

1. 1

   A car bag for each child

   A small bag within reach with their book, a toy and a snack, so nobody has to dig in the boot at seventy miles an hour.

2. 2

   Wipes

   For sticky hands, spilled juice and the seat. More than you think.

3. 3

   A spare outfit within reach

   For the spill, the car-sick moment or the puddle at the rest stop. Not in the bottom of the suitcase.

4. 4

   A bag for rubbish

   A grocery bag hung on the back of a seat keeps the floor clear.

5. 5

   Printed car gamesOurs

   Bingo cards and the License Plate sheet work when the phone is flat or the signal drops.

6. 6

   A pillow or rolled-up jacket

   For the nap that comes when you least expect it.

7. 7

   Water bottles with lids

   One each, labelled. Fewer arguments, fewer spills.

8. 8

   A phone charger for the car

   For the map, the music and the games. A long cable reaches the back seat.

9. 9

   Headphones

   So one child's audiobook isn't everyone's audiobook.

10. 10

    A plan for the stopsOurs

    Knowing when the next break is answers "are we there yet?" before it is asked.

Peabody's own list; two picks are Peabody tools. Checked 6 November 2026.

More road trip lists

• 🚗The 10 best car games for kidsThe ten best car games for kids, ranked by how long they last and how many ages can play, each with its rules and a play screen. No screens or supplies needed.
• 🥨10 road trip snacks that don't make a messTen road trip snacks for kids that travel well and leave the car clean: easy to hold, not sticky, no melting. With a note on what to cut up for little ones.