Ultimate Family Road Trip Tips: What Worked and What Didn’t

We recently embarked on a Spring Break family road trip from Portland to Redwood National Park, and while it wasn’t entirely smooth sailing, it was absolutely worth it. Along the way, we had unforgettable moments, learned a few lessons, and found out what really makes a road trip with kids work (and what doesn’t).

Here’s a peek into our journey—and some tips to help make your next road trip a success.

Road Trip Highlights: The Best Moments

Every great road trip has its standout moments, and ours was no different.

A highlight for us was an unplanned stop at the Wildlife Safari in Winston, Oregon. I was able to snag Groupon tickets en route, which made the stop a little sweeter. We could have spent at least another hour there, but had to hit the road for our (one and only) winery stop in the Applegate Valley. The girls are still talking about feeding the animals from our windows and seeing a giraffe just walking around. 

Whether it was an incredible roadside diner, a breathtaking national park, or the way your kids lit up seeing something new for the first time, these are the moments that remind us why road trips are worth it.

Lessons Learned: What Worked (and What Didn’t!)

Not everything goes according to plan on a road trip—and that’s okay! Here are some things we’ll definitely do again, and a few we’d change next time:

✅ What Worked:

• Bringing a variety of healthy snacks AND fun treats kept everyone happy.
• My Surprise Bag of Dollar Store goodies was helpful when things got a little boring. A new little toy brought a couple hours of entertainment. 
• Swimming in the hotel pools each morning BEFORE we got in the car for the day. They got some energy out and felt like the day started with something they loved to do! 
• Having a playlist and audiobooks ready for those long stretches of road. Our Tonie boxes were a HUGE hit! 

❌ What We’d Do Differently:

• Research food options a bit closer. The choices were very limited in the national park areas (mostly dinners, we had lunch fixings and the hotels all had breakfast included) 
• Stock the car with a few more essentials. While we did ok, there were definitely a few odds and ends I’d put in the car (like extra napkins) so we didn’t have to be quite so resourceful sometimes. 
• Use a Road Trip Packing List, like the one Coming Soon to The Singing Suitcase, so I didn’t forget silly things like Q-tips, pain relievers, my hiking socks and a foldable stool for hotel bathrooms. 

Most of our meltdowns were because someone was hungry. Even with lots of snacks, there were times when we just needed some more food. Hotels with breakfast included (and hopefully to go bags) helped with some extra bagels and yogurts that we could take along for mid-morning hunger. 

Tips for a Successful Family Road Trip

If you’re gearing up for your own adventure, here are some tried-and-true tips to make the journey smoother:

• Pack Smart: Bring layers, extra shoes, lots of wet wipes, a portable toilet and a small first-aid kit—because kids.
• Plan Flexible Stops: Schedule breaks, but be open to spontaneous detours.
• Keep Entertainment Handy: Stickers, activity books, and road trip games make a big difference.
• Embrace the Unexpected: Not everything will go as planned, and that’s part of the fun (like the tree down in the road!) 

Final Thoughts: Why Road Trips Are Worth It

Sure, road trips with kids come with a little chaos, but they also bring laughter, adventure, and lifelong memories. At the end of the day, it’s about the journey as much as the destination.

Thinking about planning your own family road trip? Grab my free Family Road Trip Checklist (Coming Soon!) so you don’t forget a thing!

What’s your best road trip memory? Share it in the comments!