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Travelling with kids
Hey folks, Jim Bob here! My wife and I have been RVing with our three kids for a few years now, and let me tell you—it’s been an adventure! Traveling with kids in an RV is a whole different ballgame, but with a little preparation and a good attitude, it can be one of the most rewarding experiences for your family.
Here are a few things we’ve learned along the way:
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Plan, but be flexible – Having an itinerary is great, but kids have a way of throwing a wrench in the best-laid plans. Leave room for extra stops, unexpected delays, and spontaneous fun. Some of our best memories have come from detours we never planned!
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Snacks are your best friend – Hungry kids are cranky kids. We always keep a stash of easy, no-mess snacks in the RV, along with a cooler for fresh fruit, cheese sticks, and drinks. Trust me, having food within arm’s reach can prevent a meltdown (or five).
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Keep them entertained – Long drives can get boring for little ones. We bring a mix of books, audiobooks, travel games, and tablets loaded with kid-friendly shows. And don’t forget classic car games like “I Spy” and the license plate game—they still work!
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Set realistic driving limits – Before kids, my wife and I could power through 10-hour drives. Now? We aim for 4-5 hours max with plenty of stretch breaks. Rest areas and state parks make great pit stops for kids to burn off energy.
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Get them involved – Our kids love helping with RV life, whether it’s picking the next campsite, helping with simple setup tasks, or even planning meals. The more involved they are, the more they enjoy the journey.
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Create a bedtime routine – Sleeping in an RV can be a challenge, especially for younger kids. We try to stick to the same bedtime routine we use at home—pajamas, story time, and some quiet wind-down activities. Blackout curtains and sound machines have been lifesavers!
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Expect messes – RV life with kids isn’t pristine, and that’s okay. We keep a small cleaning kit handy and make sure everyone pitches in with tidying up. A little mess is a small price to pay for the experiences we’re creating.
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Embrace the chaos – Traveling with kids isn’t always smooth sailing, but it’s always an adventure. Some days will be hard, but the good far outweighs the tough moments. Watching our kids explore new places, make friends at campgrounds, and appreciate the great outdoors makes it all worth it.
If you’re thinking about RVing with kids, my advice is: do it! The memories you’ll make will last a lifetime. If any of y’all have tips or stories, I’d love to hear ‘em!
Safe travels and happy camping, Jim Bob
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2 Replies
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This is a practical tip! Have you found any particular snacks that work best for avoiding messes in the RV?
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Hey Jim Bob,
Wow—this was such an insightful and helpful post! Your tips are spot-on, and it’s clear that you’ve learned a lot from experience. I especially appreciate the advice about flexibility and embracing the chaos—sometimes the best moments come from those unexpected detours!
The snack tip is a lifesaver (hungry kids = disaster, no doubt), and I love the idea of getting them involved in RV life. It’s such a great way to teach them responsibility while keeping them engaged in the journey. Also, the bedtime routine and blackout curtain tip? Genius! Sleep can make or break a trip with little ones.
Thanks for sharing your wisdom—it’s encouraging to hear from someone who’s been in the trenches and still loves the adventure. Happy travels to you and your family!
Safe roads ahead,
(Billy Bob)
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