Summer’s almost over, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t time for one last vacation. Millions of families across the country are hitting the road over the next week for the Great American Eclipse on August 21, the first total solar eclipse visible from the lower 48 states since 1979.
If you’re making the trek down 95 or 81, keep the trip fun with this simple guide.
Safety first
Inspect all car seats and booster seats well in advance, and keep a first aid kit handy so you don’t have to stop for band-aids in the event of a cut or scrape.
Pack creatively
It’s a good idea to eschew the usual one-bag-per-person packing method for road trips. If you’re staying in a hotel along the way, pack toiletries and a change of clothes for everyone in one bag so you don’t have to lug multiple suitcases into the room only to lug them back out the next morning.
Pack another bag with everything you might need in the car, and let each kid pack a small bag with their favorite toys and games (none with small pieces, though!).
Keep a flexible schedule
Face it—when you’re traveling with kids, you won’t get anywhere as quickly as Google Maps says you will. Including plenty of extra time in your schedule for unexpected stops will save everyone a lot of stress.
Plan frequent stops—and not just bathroom breaks
Finding some fun stops along the way can make it feel like vacation begins as soon as you pull out of your driveway, not when you get to your final destination. The Roadtrippers app can help you find attractions and other points of interest within a short distance of your route.
Stick to car-friendly snacks
Plenty of snacks equals happy kids. Healthy ones without a lot of sugar will keep them from getting too hyper in the back seat. Bonus points for snacks like string cheese that won’t go everywhere if they’re dropped.
Pack their own pillows and blankets
Help kids feel at home with their own bedding both in the car and in any hotels along the way.
Download new apps
You probably try to limit screen time at home, but phones and tablets are a great way to keep kids occupied on the road. Give each kid a small budget for new apps and games to avoid cries of boredom.
Buy each kid their own headphones
Of course, you don’t want to hear all the noises from those apps and games for eight hours. Get a few pairs of kid-sized headphones so everyone keeps their sounds to themselves.
Listen to new audiobooks
Turn car time into story time with some kid-friendly audiobooks. The first Harry Potter book alone is eight hours long, more than enough for a day on the road.
Plan some surprises
When kids get bored, have a new toy, new art supplies or a new movie handy to capture their attention again.
Keep calm
A zen attitude can make all the difference when you’re spending all day in a car with kids. Accept that messes and fights are inevitable and you’ll spend a lot less time worrying about them.
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