What to Pack for a Road Trip with Kids (Hint: Don’t Forget the Books!)

Road trips with kids can be magical—full of roadside stops, sing-alongs, and unexpected discoveries. But they also take preparation. With a little planning (and the right books!), you can help your child feel confident, curious, and included from the start.

Here are some favorite tips for packing and preparing for a road trip with kids, plus thoughtful book ideas for pre-travel.

🧳 Prep the Mind Before the Bags

Before you even start packing, help your child prepare emotionally. Reading travel-themed books together builds excitement and helps set expectations, especially if it's their first big adventure.

Two great prep books for kids:

• Let’s Go on a Road Trip! – A cheerful story that walks toddlers and preschoolers through packing, rest stops, and riding in the car.

• Going on an Airplane – Though airplane-focused, it’s an excellent tool for talking about routines and transitions—helpful for any kind of travel.

📚 Pack a Book Basket (Tailored by Age)

Giving your child ownership over their travel reading is a great way to build independence and engagement. Encourage them to “shop” their home bookshelf and pack their own books in a bag or bin they can open and explore freely.

Here are age-based tips for building a great road trip book basket:

Ages 2–4: Hands-On & Familiar

• Board books with flaps or textures

• Favorite stories and routines (Let’s Go on a Road Trip!)

• A small pouch with crayons and a notebook

Pack in a soft bin or mini backpack that they can easily open and rummage through.

Ages 5–7: Choice & Discovery

• Beginning chapter books or early readers

• Graphic novels (like Narwhal and Jelly)

• Notebook and coloring supplies

• A “surprise book” they haven’t read yet

Use a tote with pockets or a drawstring bag they can organize themselves.

Ages 8–12: Independence & Interests

• A mix of fiction and nonfiction

• Sketchbooks, Mad Libs, or journaling kits

• Audiobook playlist and earbuds

• Small pouch with bookmarks or sticky notes

Let them personalize a sling bag or tote with space to sort items their way.

Pro Tip: Keep it simple. A few engaging books are better than an overstuffed basket. Swap items at stops to keep things fresh!

🎧 Bonus Tip: Surprise Stories on the Go

Hide one new book and reveal it at a halfway point for a special surprise. You can also queue up an audiobook the whole family will love—like The Penderwicks or Charlotte’s Web.

Final Thoughts

A successful trip begins before the car pulls out of the driveway. Involving your child in preparing their mind, their books, and their bag fosters confidence, independence, and excitement. And the memories you create, those start with the packing, not just the destination.

Happy travels—and happy reading! 🚗📚