The Ultimate Guide to Family Road Trip Gear
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Everything You Need for a Fun Family Road Trip
Family road trips offer a chance to see the sights all across the country while making lasting memories with your family, and the best road trip gear can help make each moment special. This guide helps you find all the essentials you need to make your next family vacation fun and easy.
Stanley Adventure Jug
Long road trips mean thirsty kids and thirsty parents. Instead of relying on disposable water bottles and jugs, consider this Stanley Adventure water jug. The 2-gallon capacity makes it easy to fill up before you hit the road, ensuring plenty of hydration for the trip ahead. Durable plastic construction stands up to wear and tear, while the double-wall foam insulation keeps water, juice, or lemonade chilled while you drive. A latching lid provides a tight seal for spill-free transport. This Stanley Adventure water jug boasts an easy-pour design to fill up sippy cups and water bottles, along with a built-in ice catch that prevents clogs.
Car Seat Cup Holder Snack Tray
Keep messes to a minimum and make eating meals on the go easy with this car seat cup holder snack tray. The unique design slips easily into each child’s car seat cup holder for hassle-free setup, and the two compartments keep snacks and drinks securely in place. An overflow lip prevents spills from taking over the back seat. This snack tray boasts a 360-degree rotation feature to make getting in and out of the car seat easy. The tray’s large surface can also be used for playing with toys, making it a versatile addition to your collection of family road trip gear.
Portable Car Seat Travel Activity Tray
Create a playtime command center for family road trips with this portable car seat travel tray. The built-in dry-erase board offers hours of entertainment, and it doubles as a surface for snacking. Mesh pockets on the sides provide storage for markers, crayons, toys, and other essentials. A built-in cup holder keeps drinks close at hand. Durable construction stands up to regular use, while the lightweight, portable design is easy to set up and store when not in use. This car seat travel tray also comes with paper and markers to get your little ones started.
Picnic Table Covers for Road Trips
Turn old roadside picnic tables into cozy outdoor dining spaces with these convenient picnic table covers. The set features two seat bench covers and a tabletop cover, so you can serve up foods without worrying about how clean the table you’re using might be. Elastic edges create a secure fit, keeping each piece neatly in place. The spill-proof material is easy to clean, and an array of colors and patterns lets you pick the look that you like best. Use the included drawstring bag for convenient storage.
Car Sickness Bags
Unfortunately, car sickness is a common occurrence on family road trips. That doesn’t mean you can’t be prepared. These car sickness bags help contain messes, plus they’re easy to seal until you’re able to throw them away. The convenient design fits around the mouth, making the simple for kids and adults to use. Cute colors and patterns offer a little bit of extra comfort. These car sickness bags are individually wrapped for peace of mind, and they fit easily in car seat pockets, purses, or the car’s center console. With a leak-proof design, these bags offer both convenience and peace of mind.
Cooler for Road Trips
Keep everything for your vacation organized using this cooler for road trips. The double-decker design lets you store both hot and cold foods, while the five-layer insulation helps ensure foods stay fresh until you’re ready to eat. A front zipper pocket, top zipper pocket, side zipper pocket, and side mesh pocket offer storage for flatware, paper plates, and other road trip snacking essentials. Dual handles allow for easy transport. This portable road trip cooler is leakproof and tear-resistance for mess-free food storage and lasting durability.
Kids’ Mess-proof Snack Container
Make snack time in the car more fun with this kids’ mess-proof snack container. The five individual compartments offer space for fruits, veggies, crackers, cheeses, and other treats, and the center button lets little ones pick a different treat with just a tap of the finger. Durable BPA-free construction offers peace of mind, and the lid for each compartment helps prevent messes. With a compact size, this kids’ snack container is easy to pack for road trips, plus it’s a great choice for younger kids to practice their independent feeding and fine motor skills.
Kids’ Busy Book
Beat family road trip boredom with this preschool-age kids’ busy book. The 12 pages of activities help kids focus on learning skills, including math, spelling, colors, and shapes. Reusable hook-and-loop stickers let kids place the interactive pieces on each page over and over, while the bright colors encourage engagement. A spiral binding makes flipping pages easy. With its unique design, this kids’ busy book is also great for rainy days at home.
Travel Pillow for Kids
Long car rides inevitably mean tired kids, and this kids’ travel pillow helps them stay comfortable as they nap. A convenient shape and adjustable snap button offer a customizable fit, while the plush construction molds to the neck for added support. This pillow is washable for easy fabric care and comes in an array of colors for extra fun. Use it on road trips or plane travel to make naptime cozier.
Travel Toilet Paper
Whether you’re camping or you simply run into a rest area bathroom without toilet paper, this travel toilet paper can be a lifesaver. Biodegradable, septic-safe construction ensures peace of mind, while the included pull-out dispenser makes it easy to grab as many squares as you need. A compact size means you can stash a roll of travel toilet paper in your purse, pocket, or backpack. Soft two-ply construction offers added comfort, and the two-count pack makes it easy to stock up for family road trips.
Travel Pet Bowls
Pets are part of the family too, and you can make sure they have their water and kibble wherever you go with these travel pet bowls. The collapsible design fits neatly in the trunk or backseat when not in use, and the integrated carabiners mean you can attach them to your backpack for hikes or long walks. Sturdy nontoxic silicone construction makes these bowls easy to clean. Durable ABS frames help each bowl keep its shape when in use to prevent messes and spills. These travel pet bowls come in an array of sizes and colors to suit your needs.
Headrest Tablet Mount
For vehicles that don’t have built-in screens for viewing, this headrest tablet mount makes it easy to play your children’s favorite TV shows or movies. The unique design features a double-axis extension and 180-degree adjustment options, so you can position it in front of one child or in the center of the backseat for each child to have a clear view. A simple setup makes installation easy, while the adjustable mount accommodates electronics of various sizes. This fully adjustable headrest tablet mount features rugged ABS construction for long-lasting durability.
Car Seat Tray Table
Older kids might not need an activity table for the back seat, but having a space to set up snacks and secure their tablets is essential for a road trip. This car seat tray table buckles securely to the back of your vehicle’s head rests for easy setup, and the sturdy construction offers lasting durability. A spacious tray offers enough room for a book or laptop, while the rotating mount and tablet hook hold electronic devices neatly in place. Separate cup and bottle holders keep beverages securely in place for the ride. This car seat tray table is height-adjustable, so you can customize it to fit the needs of each child in your family.
Portable Picnic Table for Family Road Trips
If you are planning to do roadside picnics for your trip, this portable picnic table is a great choice. Not all rest areas have tables available, and families taking an RV across the country need a space to eat outdoors wherever they set up camp. The portable design folds away neatly for storage in your vehicle, measuring approximately 33.75 inches by 15.75 inches by 4 inches. The durable metal frame stands up to frequent use, while the two bench-style seats comfortable accommodate four people. An umbrella hole in the middle makes it easy to set up a bit of shade for your meals. With a wipe-clean surface, this portable picnic table is simple to care for.
Boredom-Busting Car Bingo for Kids
Keeping kids busy without screens can be a challenge, and this car bingo game set offers a fun and practical solution. Each card features shutter windows, making it easy to block off roadside attractions as your kids spot them. This means there’s no need for markers or daubers, so the cards can be used over and over again. The dual-sided design means there are two games for each child to play. This set features four cards, so everyone in the family can play.
Portable Trash Can for Cars or Trucks
Trash can pile up quickly on road trips, from snack wrappers to fast food containers, but this car trash can makes it easy to keep your car or truck tidy. The magnetic buckles and side hooks allow for secure placement, and the waterproof construction helps keep messes contained. The lid helps contain trash while also giving your vehicle a cleaner look. Mesh pockets on the sides offer storage for paper towels, baby wipes, or other cleaning essentials. A compact size allows for versatile placement, while the array of colors and patterns lets you select the perfect look for your aesthetic.
Trunk Organizer with Cooler Compartment
Prevent messes from taking over your car with this trunk organizer. The four separate compartments let you sort essentials, including jackets, backpacks, and shoes, and the two of the compartments are insulated to help keep snacks and drinks chilled. This trunk organizer is great for road trips or even trips to the grocery store. Handles on each end let you remove it effortlessly when you need extra space in the trunk. You can even collapse individual compartments to suit your storage needs. Crafted from durable materials, this trunk organizer stands up to regular wear and tear.
Cozy Electric Heated Car Blanket
Stay cozy during winter road trips with this heated car blanket. The luxurious velvety fleece keeps you warm and comfortable, while the 12V power connection works with cars, trucks, and RVs. Choose from two heat settings to find the perfect option for chilly days. This heated car blanket comes in a variety of colors and patterns, so you can find one that’s a great match for everyone in your family.
Memory Foam Car Headrest Pillows
Stay comfortable in the driver’s seat with these plush memory foam headrest pillows. The soft memory foam cradles your head and neck for a cozy feel, while the adjustable buckle allows for effortless setup. The breathable, removable cover is machine-washable for convenience. An assortment of neutral hues lets you match the headrest pillow to your vehicle’s interior for a seamless look. They’re sold individually, but you’ll want to get one for both the driver and passenger seats for ultimate comfort!
Inflatable Footrest for Road Trips
Let the little ones kick up their feet or give the passenger in the front seat a chance to nap comfortably with this inflatable footrest. Three different positions make it easy to find the right setup for each person’s comfort level, and the simple design offers hassle-free setup. Soft PVC flocking adds a plush look and feel. This inflatable footrest comes with a dust cover to protect the bottom from dirt and debris. With it’s versatile design, this footrest is great for air and train travel as well as family road trips.
Road Atlas with Travel Tips
We may all have GPS in our phones, if not in our cars, but there’s always a chance you might get lost. Road trips in rural areas mean spotty cell and Wi-Fi coverage, and having a road atlas at the ready can help if you can’t find your way. This Rand McNally road atlas features maps of the United States as well as Canada, and it lists tourist information for local attractions from coast to coast. A spiral binding makes it easy to flip to the pages you need, while detailed maps of interstates and major roads help you get back on the right path, even if you get turned around.
Family Road Trip Backseat Organizer
Give your little ones easy access to toys, snacks, and games without leaving behind a mess when you set up this backseat organizer. The spacious center compartment is insulated to keep foods fresh and chilled, and a movable divider allows for versatile setup options. The lid can be flipped over for use as a tray at snack time. An assortment of side pockets provides storage for crayons, pencils, and other smaller items. This backseat organizer also features dual cupholders. Use the seat belt attachment for secure placement and use the shoulder strap whenever you need to move the organizer from the house to the car.
Emergency First Aid Kit for Cars
Stay prepared in the event of an emergency on the road with this Johnson & Johnson first aid kit for cars. The 160-piece kit includes everything from gauze pads and bandages to over-the-counter pain medication and an ice pack. A handy carrying case keeps everything neatly organized inside. The case can be refilled as needed, so you always have first aid essentials at the ready. Band-Aid brand first aid products offer added peace of mind, and the compact size fits easily in your car’s trunk or center console.
Planning Tips for Family Road Trips
Family road trips give you the chance to bring everyone together for fun and adventure. Planning ahead of time means grabbing plenty of snacks and drinks, cleaning out your vehicle, and making sure your kids have all the gear they need to stay busy and entertained. Making a to-do list and a packing list before you hit the road can help ensure you remember everything and don’t need to make emergency trips to the store.
Planning where to stay once you arrive? If you're traveling with kids, the right room setup can make a big difference. Our guide to adjoining hotel rooms vs. family suites breaks down the pros and cons so you can choose the best option for your family.
If your trip includes an overnight stay, you may also want to check out our tips for easy toddler activities for hotel downtime and our guide to planning a simple one-day hotel pool vacation. Both share practical ideas that make family travel smoother and more fun.
