Road Trippin' with My Crew: How We (Mostly) Survive Long Car Rides with Three Littles

Okay you guys, we just got back from another road trip and you know what? We’re a little tired, a little jet-lagged (even though we drove hahah), but we’re also so freakin’ excited about all the memories we just made. Every time we do one of these, I get a million questions about how we do it with Stella, Ozzy, and now baby Cherry. And honestly, sometimes I wonder how *we* do it too! It’s a lot, it’s messy, and it’s definitely not always perfect, but it’s also so worth it. So I wanted to sit down and just share all my real-life, unfiltered tips for making those long car rides with kids a little less chaotic and a lot more memorable. Because let’s be real, it’s not about perfection, it’s about surviving and having fun along the way, right?

I feel like every time we load up the minivan, Tanner looks at me like, “Are we really doing this?” and I’m like, “YES WE ARE, BABE!” He’s my hype man, always. But also the one who has to deal with my crazy packing lists and last-minute meltdowns about forgetting something. Bless his heart. So, if you’re thinking about hitting the road with your little crew, buckle up, because I’m about to spill all the beans on what works for us.

Snacks, Snacks, and More Snacks (and Drinks!)

This is probably my number one rule. You cannot have enough snacks. I repeat, CANNOT. I pack a cooler full of drinks – water bottles for us, juice boxes for the girls, and milk for Cherry. Then I have a whole separate bag just for snacks. We’re talking fruit pouches, goldfish, crackers, those little veggie straw things, fruit snacks (a must!), granola bars, string cheese, and sometimes even some homemade muffins or energy bites if I’m feeling ambitious (which, let’s be honest, is rare before a trip hahah). The key is variety and easy-to-eat stuff that doesn't make a huge mess. Or, if it does make a mess, it’s an easy-to-clean-up mess. I always have a roll of paper towels and a bag of wipes within arm's reach. Always. A hungry kid is a grumpy kid, and nobody wants that in a confined space for hours on end, ngl. Hydration is also super important, especially for us adults who are doing all the driving and navigating. Tanner always makes fun of me for how much food I pack, but then he’s the first one reaching for a snack an hour into the drive. See? I told you!

Entertainment is Your Best Friend (Embrace the Screens!)

Okay, I know some people have strong opinions about screen time, and that’s totally fine! You do you. But for us, on a long road trip, screens are a lifesaver. We have tablets loaded with movies and shows the girls love. I make sure they’re all downloaded beforehand so we don’t have to worry about spotty service. Headphones are also a must, especially if everyone wants to watch something different. It keeps the peace, truly. But it’s not *just* screens! I also pack a bag of small, novel toys – things they haven’t seen in a while or new little dollar store finds. Think coloring books, sticker books, small puzzles, or even just some pipe cleaners and pom-poms for creative play. Audiobooks are also amazing! We love listening to stories together as a family. It’s a nice break from screens and gets everyone engaged. And don’t forget classic car games like I Spy or the license plate game. Stella is getting really good at those now, it’s so cute!

Comfort is Key for Everyone

Imagine being stuck in a car for hours in uncomfortable clothes. No thank you! So, for the girls (and us!), it’s all about comfy clothes. Think soft leggings, oversized t-shirts, and cozy hoodies. I also pack small blankets and their favorite stuffed animals or loveys. Naps are essential for little ones on long drives, and having their comfort items makes it so much easier for them to drift off. For Cherry, her car seat is obviously important, but I make sure she has her favorite blanket and a pacifier. For us adults, it’s about having good pillows for neck support and making sure the temperature in the car is just right. Tanner is always freezing and I’m always sweating, so we have to find a happy medium hahah. And don’t forget to pack a change of clothes for everyone, including yourself! You never know when a spill or an accident might happen. Better safe than sorry, right?

Flexibility and Patience: Your Superpowers

This is probably the hardest one for me, tbh. I’m a planner, I love a good schedule. But with kids, especially on a road trip, you have to throw that schedule out the window. Or at least be very, very flexible with it. Things will take longer than you expect. There will be unexpected potty breaks. Someone will spill something. Someone will have a meltdown. It’s inevitable. My mom always told me, “Lo, just breathe.” And she’s right. Take a deep breath, remind yourself that it’s all part of the adventure, and try to go with the flow. We try to build in extra time for stops – whether it’s for stretching our legs at a park, grabbing a quick bite, or just letting the girls run around for a bit. It helps break up the monotony of the drive and lets everyone reset. Sometimes, we even just pull over at a rest stop and let them play on the grass for 15 minutes. It makes a huge difference. I used to get so stressed about sticking to a timeline, but now I’m like, idc, we’ll get there when we get there. The journey is part of the fun, even if it’s a little messy.

The Minivan Life: Embrace It!

Okay, I know some people are like, “A minivan? Really?” But you guys, the minivan is a game-changer for road trips with kids. So much space! We have ours set up with car seats for Stella and Ozzy, and Cherry’s infant seat. There’s room for all our bags, the cooler, and even a little space for the girls to spread out a bit. It’s just practical, and honestly, I wouldn’t trade it. Tanner loves it too, even though he pretends he’s too cool for it hahah. It’s just so much easier to get everyone in and out, and there’s enough room that everyone isn’t right on top of each other the whole time. If you’re on the fence, trust me, it’s worth it for family travel. Maybe one day when the girls are older we’ll go back to something else, but for now, the minivan is our happy place on wheels.

Remembering the 'Why'

At the end of the day, when you’re tired, covered in goldfish crumbs, and maybe a little overstimulated, remember why you’re doing it. You’re making memories with your family. These road trips, even the chaotic ones, are the stories we’ll tell for years to come. Stella and Ozzy already talk about our past trips and all the fun things we did. Seeing their faces light up when we arrive at our destination, or when they discover a new toy I packed, or even just hearing them giggle together in the back seat – that’s what it’s all about. It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it. I couldn’t imagine our lives without these adventures, big or small. My mom always made sure we had amazing experiences growing up, even as a single mom, and I want to do the same for my girls. So, next time you’re packing up the car, take a deep breath, grab an extra snack, and just enjoy the ride. You got this, mama! Sending you all the love and good vibes for your next adventure. :,)