road trip ideas for tweens

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36 Fun Road Trip Games and Activities for Teens, Tweens and Kids

Summer road trips with teens, tweens & kids can be a lot of fun as long as you have some games & activities planned! Here are 36 great ideas to keep everyone entertained on the long drive.

No matter how old your kids are a road trip can be a fun and bonding experience for every family member! If you plan ahead and are prepared for some inevitable boredom along the way. Planning a road trip ahead of time is crucial! Teens, Tweens and kids can all enjoy these road trip activities and games below.

Without games and activities, a long road trip can be extremely boring. This is especially true for kids, who may not be able to read or watch movies for hours on end.

Making sure to bring along a variety of travel games and amazing road trip activities to keep the whole family occupied and happy will save you from any headaches on a long trip!

Whether your road trip is hours long or kinda short these games and activities will work for you. Each game can last anywhere from 30 minutes to 1 hour long. Using a point system or setting a number of rounds to be played will help lengthen the time.

To help make the most of your next family vacation, I have put together a list of fun road trip games and activities that will keep everyone entertained.

Planning a road trip just got easier!

Best Games for Younger Children

This classic game is perfect for little ones on a long family road trip. One person starts by saying “I spy with my little eye something that is (color, shape, etc.)” and then everyone takes turns trying to guess what it is.

The License Plate Game:

See how many different license plates from different states you can spot on your road trip. You can also make it a competition to see who can spot the most.

The ABC Game:

Start with A and take turns naming things in alphabetical order. This is a great way to help little ones learn their ABCs and see fun things while on the road.

Once Upon a Time:

One person starts by saying “Once upon a time there was a…” and then the next person has to continue the story. This is a great way to spark your child’s imagination and get them telling stories on the long drive. This will make your family road trip a lot more interesting!

Name that Tune:

Young kids have a great time playing this game! One person hums a tune and the others have to guess what song it is. If you children are much younger you could even hum nursery rhymes they might be familiar with. Plus, you now have music on your road trip!

I’m going on a picnic:

This game is great for kids of all ages. One person starts by saying “I’m going on a picnic and I’m bringing…” and then the next person has to name something that begins with the last letter of the previous item. For example, if someone says “I’m going on a picnic and I’m bringing an apple,” the next person could say “I’m going on a picnic and I’m bringing an egg.”

The Rhyming Game:

This game is perfect for kids who are just learning to read or are starting to learn about rhyming words. One person starts by saying a word and the next person has to say a word that rhymes with it.

The Animal Game:

This game is perfect for kids who love animals. One person starts by saying the name of an animal and the next person has to name an animal that begins with the last letter of the previous animal. For example, if someone says “lion,” the next person could say “narwhal.”

The Counting Game:

This game is great for kids who are just learning to count. One person starts by saying a number and the next person has to say the next number in sequence. This is a perfect way to get your kids learning on a road trip without them even knowing it!

Classic Telephone Game:

The first player starts by whispering a phrase or sentence into the next player’s ear. The next person then whispers what they heard to the next person and so on. The last person then says out loud what they heard, which is usually very different from the original phrase or sentence. This game always guarantees a great time!

Find that Place:

This road trip game is lots of fun! One person starts by saying “I’m looking for a place that is…” and then the next person has to name a place that meets the criteria. For example, if someone says “I’m looking for a place that is cold,” the next person could say “Antarctica.”

Fast Food Find:

Each person names a fast food restaurant chain before you begin. Once you say start you will look or the fast food place you chose and each person gets 1 point for every time they see it on the drive. Winner is the one that has the most points at the end of road trip. This is great for a long car trip.

Best Car Games for Older Children/Teens Road Trip Tips

20 Questions:

One person thinks of an object, person, place, or thing and the others take turns asking up to 20 questions to try and figure out what it is.

Two Truths and a Lie:

Each person takes a turn telling three stories about themselves, two of which are true and one of which is a lie. The others then have to guess which story is the lie.

See how many different license plates from different states you can spot on your road trip.

The Scavenger Hunt Game:

One person makes a list of things to look for along the way and everyone tries to spot them. The first person to find all the items on the list wins. Here are some pre made scavenger hunts for the road too!

The Countdown Game:

Choose a category (ie. animals, countries, brands, etc.) and then take turns naming something from that category in alphabetical order. For example, if the category is animals, the first person could say “ant,” the next person could say “bird,” and so on. The first person to get to the end of the alphabet wins.

The Orderly Alphabet Game:

Take turns naming something from a chosen category in alphabetical order. For example, if the category is animals, the first person could say “ant,” the next person could say “bird,” and so on. The first person to get to the end of the alphabet wins.

The Would You Rather Game:

This is a fun way to get everyone to bond by getting to know each other more on your road trip. choose two random things and then ask people which one they would rather do. For example, would you rather eat a bug or drink a glass of milk?

The Never Have I Ever Game:

Everyone starts with some set amount of money. Oftentimes using pennies is enough to make the game fun. Next, take turns making statements about things you have never done. For example, “never have I ever been to Europe.” If someone has done the thing you say, they have to give you one penny. once you lose your money you are out. Winner takes all the money

The Car Bingo Game:

Each person has a bingo card with different objects, people, or things that can be seen on a road trip. For example, a license plate from Texas, a truck, a cow, etc. The first person to get bingo wins.

The Word Association Game:

One person says a word and the next person has to say a word in response that is associated with the first word. For example, if the first word is “summer,” the next person could say “vacation.” Keep going until someone can not think of a word. Set a time limit for answering like 10 seconds.

Punch Bug (or Slap Bug):

Every time you see a VW Beetle, you punch the person next to you. Loser is the person who gets punched the most. Before playing this you need to be certain your teens are old enough to punch lightly as to not start a fight or any whining and complaining.

I Went to the Store:

One person starts by saying “I went to the store and bought a (item).” The next person then has to say “I went to the store and bought a (item)” and so on, adding on to the list of items. The first person to mess up or take too long loses.

Fun Things & Activities Your Kids Will Enjoy on a Road Trip

Telling jokes

Joke books are a great way to keep everyone entertained on a road trip. They are filled with hilarious jokes that are sure to get a laugh from the entire family, and they can be easily carried around so you can pull them out whenever you need a laugh.

Plus, they’re perfect for when you’re stuck in traffic and need a distraction.

Listening to audio books, podcasts or music

There are a ton of great audio books for kids available, and it can be tough to know which ones to choose. This is great for the long car trip where you are spending hours in the car waiting to get to point b.

Here are some of my favorite audio books for kids when on a road trip:

The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis

The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

Winnie-the-Pooh by A.A. Milne

The BFG by Roald Dahl

Matilda by Roald Dahl

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl

Podcasts for Teens on Road Trip

Podcasts are also great for those long car rides.

But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids

Wow in the World

NPR: Tiny Desk Concerts

The Mortified Podcast

The Unexplainable Disappearance of Mars Patel

Thats the way I heard it with Mike Rowe

Who Would Win

Stuff You Missed in History Class

Stuff You Should Know

Whats Good Games

Watching movies or shows on the car trip

When it comes to good movies for kids, there are a ton of great options to choose from. Especially if you have a backseat entertainment system.

Here are some of my favorites:

The Lion King

The Incredibles

Kung Fu Panda

The Lego Movie

The Secret Life of Pets

Finding Nemo

How to Train Your Dragon

Despicable Me

Keep Your Teens Busy With These Fun Activities

Some of the best fun activities for teens include watching movies. They might enjoy watching some good entertainment while on the open road.

Some of our favorites are:

80’s Movies

Avatar: The Last Airbender

The Legend of Korra

Steven Universe

Star Wars: The Clone Wars

Star Wars Rebels

Phineas and Ferb

Gravity Falls

Adventure Time

Regular Show

Total Drama Island

Drawing or Coloring

One way to keep kids entertained is to have them do some drawing and coloring. This can help them learn how to focus and stay on task, and it also helps with their creativity and imagination. For younger children this will help develop their fine motor skills by using colored pencils. Also, their are some GREAT adult coloring books that are available!

Playing Card Games or Handheld Games

There are a ton of great card games for kids that can keep them entertained for hours on end.

Crazy Eights

Card Games Road Trip Tip to Keeping Teens and Tweens Entertained

They can be played with just a few cards, so they’re perfect for when you’re stuck in traffic and need a distraction. Plus, they’re perfect for when you’re stuck in a hotel room and want something to do.

Some of our favorite card games for teens are:

– Apples to Apples

– Phase 10

– Set

– 6 Nimmt!

– Blokus

– Boss Monster

– Carcassonne

– Dominion

– Munchkin

Handheld Games for Road Tripping

Some of our favorite handheld games for teens and Tweens are:

– Pokemon Go

– Super Mario Run

– Monument Valley

– Lara Croft GO

– Hitman GO

– The Room

– LIMBO

– Minecraft: Pocket Edition

– Terraria

Teens and Tweens keeping a journal of their road trip

Keeping a journal of all the memories and experiences from your trip can be a great way to keep kids entertained. It’s also a great way to document all the interesting stops you saw along the way. This can be a great thing to look back on later to remember your travel experience.

A journal entry could look like this,

“My road trip is going great! I’ve been playing a ton of card games with my brothers and sisters, and we’ve been listening to a lot of music and audiobooks. We’ve also seen some amazing sights along the way. Yesterday, we saw this huge waterfall, and today we’re in the middle of this huge desert.”

Teens and Tweens taking photos or making videos of their road trip

Since a road trip is all about seeing new sights and experiencing new things, older kids can capture all of that in a video. They could film themselves driving down the highway, or they could film themselves exploring a new city.

They could also film themselves playing games or just hanging out with friends and family. No matter what they choose to film, it’ll be a great way to document their trip.

Teens and Tweens listening to music on the road trip

Listening to their own music is a great way to keep kids entertained on a road trip. It’s also a great way to pass the time, and it can help kids relax and fall asleep.

So, whether you are on a road trip to the beach or on a long journey across the country, make sure to pack some of these fun games and activities. This is sure to make for a successful road trip! With a little advance planning these road trip essentials and road trip tips will keep your family entertained for hours on end and create memories that will last a lifetime.

And who knows? You may even find yourself enjoying one of these games as much as your kids do!

P.S Don’t forget road trip snacks for your family travel!

If you need more activities for your Teens, Tweens and kids this summer check out my other blog post’s for more fun ideas here!

Please leave me a comment and tell me about any family road trips you have planned?

More joy. More adventure. More life.

Road Trips , Travel , Travel Tips & Product Reviews

The Best Things to Do on a Road Trip for Tweens & Teens

Fun Ideas for Long Road Trips

Looking for things to do on a road trip for tweens and teens?

Need to occupy those tweens and teens when they finally get bored of their phones/ ipods/ tablets or GASP there is no cell phone service??

Because it does actually happen.

We love a road trip. We’ve driven from Salt Lake City, Utah to Yellowstone National Park , San Francisco to Yosemite National Park , and Raleigh, NC to Chattanooga, Tennessee just to name a few of our favorite road trips! We have tons road trip ideas for tween and teens based on experience!

My number one tip for occupying kids, tweens, teens, or even adults while traveling is to ENGAGE with them!

No matter how long you will be on the road, engaging with one another is key to keeping the boredom factor at bay. Trust me, I love to curl up with my book and zone out for an hour or two, but after awhile everyone can use a little conversation!

This post contains affiliate links which means I could earn a small commission, if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, read my full Disclosure HERE

7 Best Things to Do on a Road Trip for Tweens & Teens

A road trip with tweens and teens does not have to be miserable. There are so many travel activities for teens and tweens beyond their cell phones!

Almost all of the following road trip activities will take a little advance planning. If you don’t have time to prepare, just grab my Travel Boredom Busters cheat sheet so you can print, screen shot, or copy and paste into the notes section of your phone.

It’s completely FREE– just subscribe below!

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Listen to Podcasts/ Audio Books with your Tweens & Teens

Recently we’ve discovered podcasts and it’s safe to say I’m semi-obsessed. But, it takes a little effort to find something your whole family is into. What type of podcasts you like is a very personal thing in my opinion. My husband and son love something sports related. My daughter likes teen girl podcasts and I love personal growth. Your choices really depend a lot on the maturity of your children. We often let ours listen to adult podcasts especially if there’s some good life lessons hidden in them. Some podcasts for tweens and teens that also make the adults happy are How I Built This, TED Talks, and Family Travel Radio. 

There’s also audio books if your family is able to agree (this is a harder one for my family since we have pretty diverse taste). You can always download individual audio books to tween/ teen devices and bring some headphones (this works much better for us).

Dollar Tree/ Amazon Surprises

I don’t like to go overboard at the Dollar Tree because I don’t want to be wasteful. I also love to find inexpensive fun little things on Amazon.

But I’ve found stick on mustaches , fake buck teeth , and fidget toys that can create a ton of silliness and laughter no matter what your age! Oh and if you’re like our family and like some immature humor, don’t forget to pick up a good old fashioned whoopie cushion.

Road Trip Breaks

Taking breaks along the way is essential. Let the kids (and you!) get out and stretch, dance, or throw a football to break things up a bit.

Everyone tends to be much happier when they get a minute to stretch and get some energy out. Last year my son decided he wanted to shoot basketball in every state we visited. So, we looked up parks with basketball courts along the way. He has now played basketball in New York, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Canada!

Drawing/ Coloring

You can pick up some very cool inexpensive coloring books , colored pencils, or gel pens at stores like TJ Maxx, Target, or good ole Amazon. My daughter loves the books with inspirational sayings. My son on the other hand loves a blank notebook he can doodle as he chooses. Coloring isn’t just for little ones anymore!

Snacks for your Tweens and Teens

Another road trip essential is plenty of snacks! We usually stop to eat meals out on our road trips but always find we needs some snacks in between. We like to carry a small cooler with us for waters and drinks and fresh fruit like berries or grapes. I’m also a fan of lollipops for a treats…because they last longer than other candy! Pop Rocks are also a fun and entertaining sweet treat.

PROTIP : Bring a Ziploc or grocery bag for trash and wet wipes for cleaning up- these are so helpful for ALL ages!

Road Trip Games for Teens and Tweens

Games are the most fun when everybody in the car participates (of course only when it is safe for the driver). Two simple options are Heads Up for $.99 in the App Store and Travel Bingo. We love playing Head Bandz at home and this is a travel version. It is hilarious and even though it says 12+ we’ve played with children as young as eight. Also I picked up this Travel Bingo at the Dollar Store and it has lasted years. It came with a dry erase marker so you can mark things off and then play again.

Some other fun games that we like to play are:

• 20 Questions : When one person in the car think of an person, place, or animal and everyone else can only ask yes or no questions to figure out what they are thinking of. We never actually limit anyone to 20 questions…that should probably depend on the age of your car trippers.
• Categories : This is a game our family made up…seriously. But it stuck and we play it all the time. You decide on a category, for example: sports or transportation types. Then each person takes a turn naming something in that category until you can’t think of anymore. The last person to name something wins.
• 3 Truths and a Lie : Simply take turns naming 3 truths and a lie. The rest of the players have to figure out which statement is the lie.
• Boredom Busters : Grab some of our family favorites above. Then you can just print ahead of time, screen shot, or copy and paste into the notes section of your phone. Just subscribe and you’ll get them and some other really cool free stuff too.
• Are we there yet? Check out our epic list of 250 road trip questions to keep everyone entertained along the way!
• This or That – I have a huge collection of this or that questions in my road trip boredom busters post !

Parents, if you don’t know by now…”challenges” are all the rage. My kids are obsessed with watching and doing them. Now many challenges can’t be done in the car. BUT if you’re a little creative, challenges can be part of your road trip activities for tweens and teens plan!

So…if you’re a little daring, maybe a bit crazy, and can tolerate a bit of chaos…let your tweens and teens do a challenge in the car. We took a group of girls for my daughters birthday to the beach about 2 1/2 hours away from our home. They did the Pringles Challenge on our road trip (the Pringles were on sale, haha!). I bought 7 different flavors of Pringles, one person chooses the flavor, everybody tries them, then each person tried to guess which flavor it is. Keep track of points if you wish!

My kids are also fans of the “Try not to laugh” or “Try not to sing” challenges. Guaranteed laughter will ensue. Bean Boozle d is a fun game that can be played in the car too- just don’t let them melt!

Make Your Road Trip with Tweens and Teens More Enjoyable!

There you have it…a few new and fun road trip activities for tweens and teens which will hopefully make your road trip more enjoyable for the entire family.

Do you have a road trip planned? What are your best teenage road trip ideas? Let me know in the comments below!

SAVE & PIN THE BEST THINGS TO DO ON A ROAD TRIP FOR TWEENS AND TEENS FOR LATER!

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23 comments.

Great ideas! We don’t have a Dollar Tree near us but often will intentionally drive by one when on a road trip and pick up some games and things to help the trip go by more smoothly. I need to try the audiobook idea. My kids are now of the age where we could likely find something we will all enjoy. 🙂

Thanks! We have found some great entertainment at the dollar tree! Hope these road trip activities are helpful on your next car ride!

We love road trips, each we go for a road trip we always come up with games in the car. Our kids most of the time we let them bring toys that they will enjoy playing in the car. Sometimes we make a stops to take a break from sitting down.

I love a road trip too! I feel like we see so much more and can go at our own pace. Any road trips planned this year?

I love the 3 truths and a lie game. We play a lot of guessing games.

My kids love it too…but if I’m guessing I’m usually win ??

There is nothing better than laughter in the car, so definitely going to get some fun things st the dollar tree to suprise them with.

Agreed!! I love surprising my kids…even with the littlest things!

Super fun ideas for a roadtrip. I have both a tween and a teen and thing they would like doing some of these (especially the challenges and dollar tree surprises)!

It always seems like the first hour they’re occupied with their phones…and then they need some entertainment. We like to be silly and laugh a lot with our road trip activities!

I never understood why my parents didn’t take us on many road trips until I had kids of my own LOL! These are great tips to keep your teens and just kids in general entertained in the car. Definitely gonna stock up on some dollartree goodies! thanks for the share 😀

It can definitely be a true test of a parent’s patience! Lol. Glad these road trip tips were helpful!

Great list of activities! We do a lot of roadtrips so this will come in handy as my daughter gets older!

So glad my road trip tips were helpful!!

Super! I think we forget to slip those breaks in sometimes!

It really does help!!

Awesome! Prepackaging is such a good idea…then you have somewhere for trash too! I hope these road trip activities are helpful!!

Such fantastic tips! We love playing games when we’re on a trip but had never considered doing challenges. I’ll be stealing your pringles challenge idea for our next long journey!

Thank you!! The Pringle’s challenge was so much fun and seriously had us laughing for an hour!!

Such fun photos and great tips!

Great ideas as I have tweens and teens at home and we all love road trip. 20 questions we too love to play.

Yes. I love trips. They are so fun. We used to play tick tack toe and a game where you use pass a paper around and we each did a sentence till the end. But know all my kids want to do is watch television. I will definitively try theses things.

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30 Screen-Free Road Trip Ideas for Kids

Summertime means vacations, road trips, and the inevitable chorus of “are we there yet?” Indeed, spending long car rides with kids can be hard and children, especially younger ones, often tend to get bored quickly. This can lead to children spending a lot of time in front of a screen, which is not ideal for anyone on a road trip. Children will not remember the drive day adventures if they are playing tablet games or watching a movie. Road trips with kids can be wonderful opportunities for children to explore new activities, see and learn new things, and play time-tested road trip games. Today, Sara Lesire , St. Louis based civil engineer, outdoor-loving, mom of two, makes road-tripping with children a breeze with these 30 screen-free road trip ideas for kids!

{This post contains affiliate links.}

Screen-free road trip ideas for kids

Our family has been taking long road trips since our kids were babies. We rarely have to resort to screen time to keep them entertained and happy during our drives. Our kids don’t own tablets so I have had to get creative over the years on new ideas for those annual 14+ hour each way drives.  If you are looking for ideas on how to get your kids’ eyes off the screens without the whining, here are some great screen-free road trip ideas for all ages. 

Invest in a travel tray

First, while this is not exactly an activity, it does help make traveling with kids easier! We have been using travel trays in the car for several years now. They provide a flat surface for activities while the raised edge helps keep items from rolling off. They can use the surface for coloring, drawing, or any other hands-on activities. There is even a cup holder and pockets for storage. While they have a flat surface, the edges of the trays are soft and padded for safety in the event of a crash. They are also perfect for meals and snacks on the go.

Road trip surprise boxes

1. The surprise box! Each and every road trip, my kids always look forward to seeing what is in their “surprise box.” The boxes are just lunchboxes I found at a garage sale. Each long trip I fill them with inexpensive trinkets and toys from garage sales, Dollar Tree, or things I find on clearance. This is always a hit, because the contents are new to my kids, making each item or activity that much more exciting. I also add in some snacks and special sweet treats.

If you want to extend the suspense or use it as a reward for good behavior, you could try making multiple small surprise bags to be opened at certain times or at each road trip stop. Ideas of things to include are Legos, Hotwheels cars, fidget toys, small dolls, small stuffed animals, stickers, crayons, notebooks, travel games, fruit snacks, applesauce pouches, or coloring books. Dollar Tree is an amazing resource for budget-friendly goodies. 

Keep little hands busy

There are so many great interactive and no mess activities available to pack along. Do a little browsing in your house and online to prepare some of the following activities. 

2. Fine motor control games : Use an empty can with a lid such as oatmeal or a whipped topping container. Cut in some holes in the lid just large enough for kids to push pom poms through.

3. Pipe cleaners: These are so simple but so much fun for kids. See what shapes they can make with them or what sort of creation they can make by bending them in different ways. 

4. Fidget toys: Any kid (or adult) that loves popping packing bubbles will enjoy popper toys . 

6. Window art: For kids that have a window seat, inexpensive window clings from the dollar store offer a creative way to stay entertained while making an artistic impression. 

7. Magnetic toys: Our kids enjoy the challenge of making different shapes using a magnetic tangram set or making funny faces with this fun kit . You can also grab a cheap dollar store cookie sheet and bring along alphabet magnets or magnetic tiles that you probably already have around the house. 

10. Toy tubes: These toy tubes and pipes were huge hits for my kids when they were toddler and preschool ages. The pieces are larger too, which helps avoid them getting lost in the car. 

11. Mess-free coloring: Crayola’s Color Wonder markers have been in use in our house for years. They only color on the special paper for no messes!

12. No mess drawing: This simple LCD drawing tablet has been a favorite of our kids.  Easy to draw and it erases with just the press of a button. 

13. Lego box: Use double-sided sticky tabs to stick a lego baseplate into the bottom of a dollar store tray or plastic box. Add in a variety of lego bricks for a traveling box of creative fun. If you are worried about losing parts of a set, Dollar Tree sells lego sets and baseplates for an inexpensive version. 

14. Make a sensory I-spy game: Fill a plastic bottle or Ziploc bag with rice. Add in several small toys, tape closed the container, and let kids shake the container to search for the treasures. 

15. Etch-a-Sketch drawing:  This is a hit with most kids, especially preschool age and up. Twisting those knobs to create a drawing is a challenge and children love seeing what they can create (even if the results are often staircases).

Let them follow along

16. Map fun! Print out a map of your travel plans or pick up a state paper map and let them follow along on the route. Mark off your stops with a star to give them an idea of how far there is to go. Both my kids absolutely love looking at maps. Add in a toy car for some pretend driving fun. 

Make a road trip binder

17. Create a road trip binder full of printables! There are so many amazing and free road trip game printables out there created by graphic snazzy parents. I like to put a group of them together in a binder for each child. The pockets of the binder are great for adding in crayons or markers. Pro Tip: If you want to avoid the expected lost markers, try taping string around the crayons and markers and then taping it to the binder.

Some of the blank pages I leave tucked in the binder pockets to be used for any sort of coloring or drawing. But, others I put in clear, protective sleeves to be used multiple times with a dry erase marker. If you are reading this at midnight the night before a long road trip and need something quick, a clipboard instead of a binder also works great too to keep the pages together.

Below is a list of free printables for kids of all ages. 

Preschool/Elementary Ages

• Tot Schooling has this super cute printable pack with dot pages, I-spy games, travel bingo, and more. 
• This travel-themed drawing prompts from Picklebums are so fun. 
• Playdough to Plato has another road trip pack with multiple games and activities. 
• Paper Trail has a selection of different I-Spy games with different themes. My daughter loves these hidden picture games.  
• Crayola has a huge selection of coloring pages and activities to print while Wood Jr. has tons of printables included themed mazes .  

Older Elementary/Tweens

• Carla Schauer Studio’s Travel Scavenger Hunt for Tweens is perfect for the older kids to keep their eyes away from the screens and out the windows. 
• Krazy Dad has printable mazes for all ages. Choose the right difficulty level to keep kids challenged. 
• 3 Boys and a Dog has these unique restaurant sign I-Spy games . 
• A Suburban Mom has the best license plate game I’ve seen. It has actual pictures of what each state’s plate actually looks like. 
• I love Sunny Day Family’s printable Vacation Journal . Kids can keep a record of the places they have been. If you want a ready-made version, this kid’s travel journal looks adorable. 

Let them capture the moment

18. Take pictures! My kids have loved being able to take photos of both the journey and the destination. And now that almost everyone has a smartphone, you can often find cheap point-and-shoot cameras at garage sales or local swap pages. My kids have been loving these child cameras that are just the right size for little hands. They often will spend part of the ride reviewing their past shots on the camera. 

Play car games

There are so many great games that the whole family can enjoy together. Most of these ideas can be adapted for a variety of ages. Even better, most of them require no prep. 

19. Counting game : Pick an item to keep track of and then count them together. For example, count the number of red cars or the number of barns, train crossings, or speed limit signs. 

20. Car hide and seek: Take some small objects or print out some pictures of animals, cars, etc. and hide them around the car but in viewing sight. Tell kids to look around and find them.

21. Ask questions: Have everyone take turn asking a question such as everyone’s favorite ice cream, or a place they want to visit someday. If you need some ideas, check out these cute printable conversation starters . You can also buy this ready-made Table Talk list of questions for kids. 

22. Travel scattergories: Take turns picking a topic such as animals, fruits, ice cream flavors, etc. Try to name as many as you can in each category that starts with a certain letter. 

23. Would you rather: Older kids many enjoy Landeelu’s printable Would You Rather game plus a list of road trip games for tweens and teens. 

24. That’s different: Take turns pointing out something you see out the window that is out of the ordinary. It could be a crazy sign, a fun-colored car, or a unique landmark. 

25. When I go: The first person starts off with “When I go to (destination name) I am bringing a (an object, the sillier the better.) Then the next person repeats the phrase and adds on another item. For example: When I go to Florida, I am bringing a flamingo, a picnic basket, an umbrella, and a guitar. See how long you can keep it going. 

26. Guess the animal: One person thinks of an animal and everyone else takes turns asking questions to try and figure out which animal it is. This is similar to 20 questions, but we never set a question limit. Model asking broad questions first, such as does it walk on four legs or does it have fur, before moving onto the more direct questions, like is it a fish or is it a hippo. 

27. Mad Libs: Mad Libs are sure to bring a laugh to everyone in the car. You can find versions online to print or buy a whole book for endless smiles. 

28. Travel games: Magnetic and travel-sized versions of classic games like Bingo and Fishing can be fun for multiple kids. I’ve already added these super adorable chicken shuffle and woodland animal strategy games to my kid’s wish lists. 

29. Read or listen to books! Hit up your local library before your trip for some new reads for the car. I like to search garage sales, thrift stores, and local book shops for some new-to-them books to help the miles fly by. Another great option is Audiobooks! This way the whole family can enjoy listening to the books together.

Make a game out of it by having an informal book review when the books are finished. Ask the kids what their favorite book of the day was and why. Extend the conversation to ask what they would do if they were the main character in the story or which character they liked the most and why. 

Plan kid-friendly stops

30. Make the stops fun! One final easy way to keep kids from becoming restless on long trips is to break up the journey with some fun stops. I like to use the GoWhee or Roadtrippers apps to look up fun destinations along the route. Or you can just search for “best playgrounds near city/town” to find a good spot for a break.

If you travel often, I highly recommend the Next Exit travel book . It lists all the gas stations and restaurants at each exit along the entire U.S. interstate system. It also lists amenities and locations of all rest areas so you can see which rest areas have playgrounds. 

If you’re traveling in/around either the St. Louis, MO area or the Bentonville, Arkansas area, be sure to check out our Get Out Guides for all kinds of fun OUTDOOR things to do in these cities! 

What are your favorite ways to keep kids busy and happy while traveling?

About the author.

Sara has been married to her high school sweetheart for 17 years and together they have two children. Sara spent many childhood hours outside on her grandparents’ farm and strives for her kids to have similar carefree kid adventures. Based in the St. Louis area, she loves to share on her blog and social media all the scenic and fun places to explore around the St. Louis area and beyond. Hiking is the most popular activity for her whole family followed by hitting up the best local playgrounds. Photography is also a passion of Sara’s and she continues to be amazed at the natural beauty and wonder of God’s creation. When she is not hitting the trail, Sara works as a civil engineer.

You can find more from Sara online in the following locations: Instagram: @midwestnomadfamily Facebook: Midwest Nomad Family RWMC posts: Sara Lesire

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You are absolutely right that long car rides with kids will be absolutely tough and I know it firsthand because we really often have such trips. To tell the truth, we always try to distract our children and dilute this time on the road with some games, but, unfortunately, we are already out of ideas. I’m so glad that I came across your article because it is so helpful in our situation and it can make our road trip easier many times. The surprise box is an absolutely brilliant and original idea which can interest any child. It could even arouse my interest. Also, it is so cool that you can use it for different purposes. When my children be naughty on this trip, I will certainly present this box to them as a reward for their good behavior. I really like the idea of fine motor control games because in this case you can combine usefulness with pleasure, developing your brain, that is important.

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15 Tips for Surviving a Road Trip with Tweens

Each age category of kids has different rules and tips on how to travel with them, tweens are no exception.  So I’ve asked fellow travel bloggers for their best tips for road trips with tweens. We’ve already given you tips on a road trip with a baby and on a road trip with a toddler , but road trips with tweens is totally different we discovered the last couple of years with our son. Here are 15 road trip tips with tweens.

Road Trip with Tweens

We’ll look at road trip ideas for tweens, from how to keep tweens entertained to what to bring on a road trip for tweens. First we’ll be looking at road trip games for tweens.

1. Car Games

Contributed by Jill from One Day Travel Guides & Photography .

This one takes a little bit of advanced preparation before your trip, but having some car games at the ready always makes a road trip easier! Especially if you’re looking to cut down on screen time. A few go-to classics in our family were the License Plate Game, Radio, and War. Exactly how it sounds, the License Plate Game is when you have your kids (or the whole family) look at the license plates going by and see what states you pass! Then at the end of the trip you count up your total – you’d be surprised how excited you can get from a far-away state!

In Radio, you don’t actually turn on your radio – but instead the kids pretend to be each station! They can be talk show hosts, they can sing hit songs, etc. But when the driver “changes the station,” they quickly have to change up what they’re doing! It can lead to a lot of laughs. Lastly, it’s always smart to have a deck of cards hidden in the car. The classic card game War used to entertain my sister and I for hours in the backseat. 

2. Electronic Games

Contributed by Cosette from KarsTravels.

Our son doesn’t get car sick and loves to game. Whether this is on the iPad, the Switch or his 3DS. He’s responsible for making sure they’re fully charged before embarking on our road trips. Either at home or in a hotel on a stopover for the next day.

Since our son doesn’t get car sick, how long he looks at a screen doesn’t matter. He gets to decide how long he plays games in the car, this way he has the most fun on our road trips. When Yuri was younger we decided how long he got to play games or watch movies, since if he had too much screen time, he got cranky. That’s no longer the case, so he’s in charge.

3. Download Entertainment

Contributed by Bec from Wyld Family Travel.

When you are on a road trip with pre-teens having age appropriate entertainment is key to a successful trip and has to be a  travel with teens essentials . Before you leave home you should make sure you have downloaded some off line entertainment for them to enjoy along the way. Try to delete any unwanted apps, games or photos off the device to make sure there is enough room for all the things they want to download and try to find ones that don’t drain the life of the battery quickly. You can easily get games, movies, music and books that you can use on your device that can keep your pre-teens happy on a road trip.

4. Set Ground Rules for Tech Use

Contributed by Keri-Jane from Tween Parent.

There’s no denying that whilst we want our tweens to be engaged with what’s going on around us, and with each other, there can be some long and boring stretches of travel when you’re on the road. Yes, we allow electronic devices to be used, sometimes!

It’s important before you set out on your family road trip to have some  ground rules on the expected use of tablets  and other electronics for entertainment when you’re in the car.

There’s no “one size fits all’ solution, you will need to find a rule that fits your family and your road-tripping style and length of journey. But some ideas include: No devices on journeys under 2 hours, no devices inside national or state parks, one hour of family games/interaction before you can plug in and tune out, or set a maximum number of hours per day electronics can be used – in or out of the car.

We do always factor in, even on our busiest driving days, that everyone is entitled to an “evening chill time”, where they can choose whatever activity they want for 30 minutes to an hour. Not surprisingly, the majority of the time our tweens will save up their tablet time for these evening sessions (no doubt when we have Wi-Fi at our overnight stop!), a worthy reward for seeing through the day with human interactions instead!

5. Swimming Pool

Try to book hotels or campgrounds with a swimming pool on your road trip. After a long day of driving or several days of driving, being able to jump in a pool is perfect to compensate for all the sitting in the car. They and probably you will get some exercise and fun. Our son loves to go swimming with us on our road trips, so we try to book hotels or campgrounds with pools.

Especially at campgrounds it’s also a perfect way to meet kids their own age. This way they can play and chat with someone their own age, which is a good change from the companion of their parents or brothers/sisters the rest of the day. This makes it one of the perfect road trip activities for tweens.

When after a road trip we ask Yuri what he liked the most of the road trip, there’s almost always a hotel or campground with the best swimming pool in his top 3. We did this again on our Northern France road trip .

6. Involve Them in the Planning

Contributed by Adriane from Put on Your Party Pants .

Long road trips with pre-teens can be challenging, particularly if they are not interested in what you are doing. Let them get some skin in the game. Involve them in the planning. Their tech skills will come in handy.  

What interests them?  Where can they get their favorite foods? What festivals or events are happening at the time you pass through the area? Where can you visit as a family that everyone will enjoy?

Even if your ultimate destination is not somewhere they want to go, let them add stops and activities that appeal to them. Apps like Roadtrippers can help. There are hidden gems everywhere.

A good stop for tweens would be the Zombie Bike Ride in Key West .

7. Packing a Day Pack for the Car

Contributed by Gretchen from Chasing ADVNTR .

Managing all the car trip gear when you’re on a family road trip can be overwhelming. Trying to find everything you need, sifting through your luggage to find a sweatshirt, or facing crabby kids because you don’t have a snack on hand can turn an amazing road trip into a challenge. During our 5-week road trip last summer, we created a system to help manage and organize everyone’s stuff.

Each kid kept a car daypack with them in the car. This car daypack was their storage and day activity bag and each morning they were responsible for packing their bag. The car daypack includes basic activities for the car (book, journal, games, headphones, and a Kindle), basic needs for the day (water bottle, healthy snacks to get them through the drive, any personal items), and everything they needed for the day’s activity (this would typically include layers, bathing suit, change of clothes, etc).  

Not only did the day pack make organizing the car easier, but it also gave our kids control and ownership over their gear and put the responsibility of keeping track of their gear on them instead of us. It was up to them to have the right layers, drink water, and take basic care of themselves throughout the day. It does take time to perfect the day bag packing, especially for younger kids, but once you have the system down, it’s a great way to keep you organized and ready for any adventure!

8. Pit Stops

Contributed by Mark from Explore Victoria.

If you are on a road trip with pre-teens you need to know some top places for a break. When you are  travelling with kids  toilet breaks and snack breaks can easily become out of control with constant stops. Travelling with pre-teens is easier and you can plan ahead on where to stop. Google Maps is a great way to set your route and plan out a couple of stops along the way that are the best for your needs. Stopping at designated places or tourist attractions along the way can enhance your trip with added places to see as well as fulfilling the toilet/food breaks as well!

9. Taking Turns in the Front Seat

Contributed by Nicole from Go Far Grow Close.

As the mother of four, balancing the wishes and demands of four kids has often been challenging. This was especially true when they hit the pre-teen years when older kids thought they had the right, by virtue of their age or size, to take the front seat or control what went on in the car, like what music was played. That was fine when the younger ones didn’t notice, but eventually they did. For my sanity and sense of fairness, I had to find a way to balance everyone’s interests when I was planning a trip . 

What I decided and what worked was to give each one of them a turn in the front seat (if I was taking them on a road trip without their dad). The rule was that for that whole day, they got the front seat. In addition, they got to control the music. This was only subject to me not liking a song, but other than me objecting, no other child could complain about the music. Everyone knew that they would get their chance so everyone calmed down and waited their turn.

10. Books/Comics

For us among the road trips essentials for tweens are books and/or comics. When your kid doesn’t get car sick, it’s a perfect activity to do on the road. Yuri loves to read a fun book such as Diary of a Whimpy Kid or comics. He will giggle out loud and have a ton of fun.

So let them pack some books, comics and an e-reader, so they can read. If your tween suffers from car sickness, let them read on pit stops and/or in the evening at the hotel or campground. If they choose their own books they will be entertained and enjoy reading as a way to slow down.  

11. Listen to Podcasts

Contributed by Keri from Bon Voyage With Kids.

One of our favorite tips for road trips with pre-teens is to plan or download some podcasts you can listen to as a family. Podcasts are one of the best  road trip activities for kids . Because our family’s music tastes differ, with our preteen and nine-year-olds wanting to listen to vastly different tunes, we have found podcasts to be a lifesaver on our road trips. We also try to avoid videos, as our younger son gets car sick from watching TV in the car. But podcasts have turned out to be a great way to keep our entire family entertained, especially with entertaining and mystery podcasts made for kids. 

Our whole family gets involved, and we often can’t wait to get back into the car at roadside stops to find out what happens next! It is also cool enough for our preteen and entertaining for our nine-year-old twins so that everyone is happy. And the best part is that rather than everyone zoning off on their own electronics, we are doing something together as a family, which gives us something to share and bond over during our long drives. Some of our favorite podcasts for teens include “Wow In The World” and “The Past And The Curious.” 

12. Lots of Food

Contributed by Karilyn from No Back Home.

One of the best things to have on hand and prepared when road tripping with a pre-teen or teen is a ton of food! If you have ever spent time with a pre-teen boy you will know what I mean! For our family road trips, such as the one from LA to the Grand Canyon , we tend to pack a good selection of snacks as well as a cooler that are easily accessed in the backseat (or wherever your teen is sitting!).

In our cooler we have drinks, cheese sticks, fruit that is easy to eat on the go, such as mandarins or grapes and snack packs. Additional items to consider are yogurt drinks, salami or other sandwich meat. Non-cooled snacks we bring include vegan jerky, a selection of nuts, yogurt covered raisins, popcorn, pretzels, and a few sweet treats. Having lots of food on hand helps cut down unnecessary food stops as well as helps save money while on the go!

13. Tween-oriented Audiobooks

One of the things we do as a family on road trips is listen to audiobooks. Our son loves this, but where it used to be Road Dahl stories we listened to, now we’re listening to high school stories. We’ve listened to almost every “Hoe overleef ik …” (How do I survive) books, a Dutch series of a girl and her tween and teen troubles.

First we had the audiobooks as cd’s, but since our car doesn’t have a cd player anymore, we now download them. We use our Kobo subscription for this, but Audible would also be excellent. We all love listening to the stories and Yuri usually hopes for a long driving day so that we can listen to a lot of stories.

14. Headphones

Contributed by Corritta from Itz A Family Thing.

As an aunt of five nieces, with three of the five being pre-teens, the best advice I have is to always buy separate  headphones for pre-teens . For some reason, tweens love to fight over everything. There is always an argument about the music, movie, podcast, book, or game and road trips seem to increase the arguments because you are confined in the car for long periods.

Having headphones for your teens will save you a headache, trust me, I’m speaking from experience. 

A rule that we have is that everyone gets to listen to whatever they want for the first hour and a half, then we have to interact together for an hour and a half before anyone can listen to their headphones.

Creating this rule has helped us reduce the bickering between our nieces and make the road trip more enjoyable. Everyone gets to listen to whatever they want, but we also have time to talk and play games together as a family. Plus, this makes the time go by faster, especially for long road trips. 

15. Motion Sickness Bag

If your tween suffers from car sickness then bring a motion sickness bag with you and place it where they can easily reach it. If they have medication for this that helps, make sure to bring it with you.

Other things that can help is to let them sit in the front seat. This is what helped for my husband when he was a tween. He could keep his eyes on the horizon. My parents used to open a window so that I had fresh air, this helped immensely for me as a tween.

That’s a Wrap on the Best Tips for a Road Trip with Tweens

So go on that road trip with your tween, they might not like everything but there will be plenty of moments to make long lasting memories.    

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Great tips for travelling with teens. It makes long roads a little easier and keeps the time ‘special’ when you can all interact playing games.

This is a great list of road trip tips for tweens! They usually love food, games, and swimming pools!. I love that your son loves to read too! Good for him!

Fab tips! Especially about booking a hotel with a pool, such a nice treat after a long day on the road!

I definitely agree with all of these! I remember my road trips when my kids were in their teenage years; all of these helped! Especially the motion sickness bag with extra clothes because things can happen. Great tips!

Ah I have a post just like this but for teens!! Gotta travel with them as much as possible now because they grow up so fast. Wishin you and your family a lot of fun adventures.

These are some great tips! Especially the one about booking a hotel with a pool. I remember going on long road trips with my family as a kid and absolutely LOVED when we stayed at a hotel with a pool at the end of the day for all the reasons you mentioned.

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20 Not Totally Boring Things to Do on a Car Trip for a Teenager

Whether you are going an hour to your family’s house or taking a trip across the country, chances are you will find yourself taking a road trip with your teen at some point. Finding things to do on a car trip for a teenager that they will enjoy and won’t drive you crazy can be hard. We’ve done several epic road trips recently, including a 5 week trip in our van across much of the country with our 3 kids.

Below we are sharing a list we found of some of the activities and things to do on a car trip for a teenager, as well as the essential items to pack for a road trip for tweens and teens.

Looking for more information on planning a road trip with teens? Check out the posts:

• A Complete Guide to the Best Road Trips with Teens and Tweens 
• 12 Steps to Create the Perfect Plan for Road Trip Success (A Complete Guide)
• The Complete Road Trip Packing List for Families (5 Lists to Make Packing Easy)

Why do you need to Find Things to do on a Car Trip for a Teenager?

Teens can be great to travel with, but spending a full day driving with a moody teenager can also be challenging. Having a list of things to do on a car trip for a teenager can be the difference between a fabulous drive and everyone wanting to pull there hair out!

We also try to balance teens sinking into their electronic hole where you don’t hear from them for hours and spending time together as a family. Having some ideas in advance and deciding what to bring on a road trip for tweens and teens will make your teen road trip go more smoothly.

20 Engaging Things to Do on a Car Trip for a Teenager

Phone and electronics.

Ok – let’s get the big one out of the way to start with! You kid will likely want to use their phone (or other electronic device) on your road trip. With a good pair of headphones your teen or tween can watch movies, play games, text with friends and more. Depending on how your family approaches using phones this could easily be what they do for the entire road trip and it should be included on a list of things to do on a car trip for a teenager.

So why do you need anything else to do? When we travel with our kids, we are doing just that -travelling WITH our kids. Once they start using their phone, they disappear into a deep hole. Finding other things to do on a road trip is healthy for everyone.

There are many ways you can handle this and each family balances this differently. You can suggest other activities for your kids, you can set time limits for using phones on your road trip, or you can ask your kids to put down there phone for certain parts of the drive.

For long drives, we ask our kids to limit themselves to 1/3 of the drive watching a screen, 1/3 of the drive that can listen to their own music or audiobook, and for the other 1/3 they need to do something completely off electronics. We try to make sure that if we’re actually driving in a National Park our kids are not on their phones!

The big message, do what works best for your family and feel free to adjust if needed based on the day and the drive you are doing.

Read a Book

Don’t let your kids leave home without a book! This can be an actual paper book, or an electronic reader. If you need some book ideas for teens and tweens about travel, check out some suggestions here .

Mad libs are fun and interactive. My kids love these even as they get older and it’s a fun and goofy thing to do with teens on a road trip.

Coloring/drawing

My teens usually travel with a journal or notebook of some type. Being in a car means they have time to draw and color. You can also get your kids adult coloring books and some colored pencils.

Music and Music Games

Listening to music is great on a road trip. My kids like to download some of their own tunes and we enjoy listening to local radio as well. You can also try our music game. Over the years, we’ve also developed a music game we love to play in the car. One person is in charge and they put on the first 5 seconds of a song. The other people try to come up with the song and the artist. If they can’t get it, we play a little more of the song. We love to switch from modern music to older tunes as well.

Group Word Game

If you are looking for road trip with teenager ideas, you are likely looking for some interactive games to plan in the car. Here are a few ideas of different games you can play in the car with your teen or kids.

Alphabet Category Game: choose a category and starting with A, go through the alphabet and name everything you can think of in that category that starts with that letter. Our favorite categories: places, animals, food, vegetable, etc.

Categories with start and end of words : Choose a category. Say a word in that category (if you are doing animals, you could say goat). The next person needs to use the last letter of that word and find a new word that starts with that letter (since goat ends in T, the next word could be turtle).

Alphabet Game : find words on signs that you drive by starting with the letter A and working through the alphabet

20 Questions : One person thinks of an object. The other people can ask up to 20 questions to try to figure out what the object is.

2 Truths and a Lie : Each person comes up with 2 true things and 1 lie and you try to guess which one if the lie

Group Game with Props

If you’ve exhausted all your word games, there are a few interactive games you can play with your phone or you can purchase a game. These make excellent road trip activities for teens.

Heads Up – this is one of our favorites and is possible to play in the car – it is an app you can get on your phone.

We’ve also brought some card and other games to play in the car. Some of our favorites include:

If you’re looking for more travel games, check out: The Bes t Board Game for Travel and About Travel

Conversation Starters

There’s nothing like a long car ride to get to know each other even better! On your next teen road trip, ask each other meaningful questions. You can find our list of 100 Conversation starters here or get one of the books below. You can also purchase our adventure-based conversation starters through Etsy .

Family Talk

Do you Really Know Your Family

A few silly, well timed gifts

This is a trick we used when our kids were young, and it still works with teens. Get a few fun little things to share with your teens when you’re travelling.

Take a Break

It’s important to break up long car rides with breaks. If you can stop at interesting spots along the way wher eyou can stretch your legs. Walks, beaches, and museums all make great stops.

Snack Break

Snacks make great distractions and are road trip essentials for teens. Bring along a mixture of healthy snacks and some treats to keep things fun.

My teens and tweens love riddles and you can easily share riddles for hours in the car. You can find good riddles online or take a look at the 125 Best Brain Teasers of All Time.

Listen to a Podcast

Podcasts are great and you can select one that interests your kids. Listen to the podcast as a group or let you teens listen on their own.

My kids love random facts and we’ve used hours reading and sharing our favorite random facts. You can do a search to find some online or check out this book full of random facts.

Tell a Group Story

One of you started by telling a few sentences of a story – then the next person takes over and you keep going around. We’ve done this game with just saying one word, but I think a few sentences is more fun.

Stop and Take Photos

Take time to stop for epic photos along the way. Remember that even if you’re driving through an area you don’t consider that exciting, remember the most exciting subject for your photos is you and your family!

Don’t underestimate a good old nap when you’re creating a list of road trip ideas for teens. Teens need sleep so encourage your kids to take a rest.

Tags: things to do on a car trip for a teenager, road trip packing list for teens, things to do on a car trip for kids

For some road trip inspiration, check out:

• One Month US Road Trip
• 100 Road Trip Snacks

About the Author: Gretchen Stuppy Carlson

A passionate adventurer dedicated to getting families outside and exploring. Gretchen is an expert in adventure travel with 15+ years of experience working in outdoor education and travelling with her own family.

View all post by Gretchen Stuppy Carlson | Website

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A Reinvented Mom

How to Plan an Amazing Road Trip with Teens & Tweens

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The summer season is upon us and it’s time to start thinking about the family vacation. Planning a road trip with teens and tweens is a great way to see the country (or its neighbors) and spend quality time as a family. 

Road trips are an American tradition but they can riddled with plenty of drama when you have teenagers on board. Take the stress out of your getaway with these long road trip tips geared towards families with older kids. 

These tips are based on my experiences taking countless road trips with my 2 teenagers. From 2-day drives to visit out-of-state family to longer trips exploring different areas, I’ve mastered travelling with teens and tweens .

And now I’m sharing my best tips with you because I want you to have an amazing road trip with your older kids.

With these ways to make a road trip fun, you’ll enjoy the time spent with your family, see some amazing sites and make some amazing memories your family will treasure.

So let’s dive into planning the ultimate road trip for teens and tweens.

Get Your Teens Involved with Trip Planning

Teens and tweens have different needs than younger children. They seek more independence and are trying to discover their personal identity.

On the surface, these things do not go hand in hand with spending hours on end in a crowded car with the family. 

However, with a little advance planning, you can provide an awesome family getaway. We’ll take a look at how to make a family road trip fun with these handy tips:

• How to survive a long road trip with teens
• Staying cozy on the road
• What snacks and drinks to pack on a road trip
• Road trip essentials
• How to let your teens feel more independent on a road trip
• Tips for keeping your sanity on the road

Long Road Trip Tips for Teens

Today I’m focusing primarily on longer road trips, ones that typically last longer than a day. As a family, you’ll be traveling, living and sleeping in close quarters, which can wear on everyone.

First, it’s okay to need personal space. We all need some time to decompress, so it’s important to keep this in mind while you’re on a family road trip. There’s nothing wrong with needing some alone time, but that can look a little different when your travelling in a car.

And don’t forget your kids crave alone time too. The key to a successful road trip with teenagers is to give your kiddos the space they crave and allow them to help in the decision making process.

Don’t be afraid to break the regular “house rules” a little bit and let your kids explore on their own (within reason, of course!), drive and even give them their own road trip budget.

These small gestures will help your kids feel more independent, and that translates to happier kids. And happy kids means the time you spend together as a family is treasured instead of resented. 

1. Plan for Comfort

Nothing kills a fun road trip vibe faster than an uncomfortable teenager. Encourage your older kids to dress comfortably for the journey. For a long day of driving, my teens prefer to wear comfy pajama pants & t-shirts.

Combat potential discomfort (and whining!), by packing a few cozy items from home. Think blankets, pillows, a sweater or hoodie and slip-on shoes.

I also like to plan for plenty of stretch time. Road trips take a toll on the body, which can lead to cranky kids (and adults!). Plan to stop every 3 hours to get out of the car and stretch. 

You can plan to stop at roadside rest areas or places of interest. This is also a great time to swap drivers.

2. Don’t Forget About the Food!

If you have teenagers you know they like to EAT! And being trapped in the car for an extended period of time may lead to boredom snacking.

Road trip food can make or break your experience. Be prepared to stock up on snacks and drinks for the whole family.

And pack a little extra, just to be on the safe side. No one wants to spend time with hangry teens (or parents).

The snacks you pack are just as important as the quantity. Include a variety of healthy-ish snacks with a few favorite junk food items. Buy snacks in bulk and package in reusable snack bags for easy munching.

This is the time to let your teenagers have treats they don’t get on a daily basis. After all, it’s a vacation, right?!

Waste less by packing your own reusable water bottles and refill them from gallon sized jugs of water you brought from home or purchased. Use Nuun electrolyte drink tabs or water flavoring drops to cut down on plastic bottles.

RELATED POST: Road Trip Food List (& Must-Have Snacks)

3. Give Them a Budget

If you’ve ever stopped for gas and made the mistake of dropping $25 on snacks in the convenience store this tip is for you.

Give your teens some independence, and teach them about budgets on your next road trip. Allowing your teens to do their own purchasing eliminates arguments over purchases and teaches them valuable money lessons.

RELATED: Short on cash? Save $500 in 30 Days with these tips.

Set aside a certain amount of money for each child (the amount is up to you). Be up front and tell them they are responsible for personal spending throughout the trip.

You can allot an amount per day or a bulk amount for the trip. Let them be in charge of snacks they grab on the go and any souvenirs they wish to purchase. You could also extend this to meal purchases, but I’ve found that can get tricky.

This lesson in money management not only teaches them valuable budgeting skills, but it also lets them feel more independent.

4. Fun Things to Do on a Long Car Ride

Entertainment on the road is essential because boredom in the car is guaranteed to yield cranky teenagers. Keep the family occupied with these tried and true methods.

First, don’t forget headphones or ear buds for each family member. Having dedicated headphones per passenger allows kids and parents to listen to whatever makes them happy.

No more fighting over what kind of music plays on the radio. It also gives a sense of quiet time. 

Here are a few entertainment must-haves for any road trip.

• The Red Box App. This app not only lets you locate physical DVDs (that you can rent in one place and return in another) but it also now features on-demand movies.
• Netflix or other streaming apps. Use whatever you subscription you have and avoid paying extra money for entertainment.
• Invest in Spotify Premium for the whole family. You can download your favorite playlists before you hit the road so you aren’t gulping down data.
• Fun games. I-Spy, license plate game, Bluetooth DJ, travel bingo , alphabet game, singalongs and others are all on the table. If your kids are too cool to play with you, you can always play with your significant other.
• Video games. You may be trying to cut down on screen time, but let them binge a bit while travelling in the car. Video games are a great way to give your teens some solo time.

RELATED: Boredom Busting Road Trip Games for Teens & Tweens

5. Stop Regularly for Breaks

Plan to stop every 3-4 hours for the best road trip experience. This gives everyone a chance to get out and stretch, and it breaks the monotony. If possible, select stops based on things that are interesting to both you and your kids.

If this is a road trip you make regularly, plan a few family favorite stops so you’ve all got something to look forward to. For example, when making the 2-day drive to visit family in Illinois, we stop in North Platte for doughnuts and cheese at the Amana Colonies exit.

Rest stops are another option for meal and snack breaks. Most offer tables and a relaxing respite from driving.

We also plan on one sit-down meal a day on road trips. It doesn’t have to be fancy, but we make a point to select a restaurant with wait service. It’s a nice break from spending time in the car and the food is a healthier option to fast food joints. Let your kids choose where to go.

6. Don’t Over-Do the Driving

The biggest mistake families make while road tripping with teens is driving too much. Pace your trip out so everyone can enjoy regular breaks from the car and enjoy the journey.

Make a point to explore interesting landmarks along the way if you have extra time. Use the Roadtripper app to locate interesting stops on your route.

Plan extra time at hotels and campsites so the family can enjoy the amenities together. A swimming pool is a great way for your teens and adults to burn off some pent up energy.

You can start early and stop halfway for an activity or start later and drive straight to your next destination, but I try to keep the driving to around 8-10 hours a day.

RELATED: Top 15 FREE Apps for Long Car Rides

7. Let Your Kids Drive

If you have licensed drivers, consider giving your teens the feel of the open road by letting them drive. This not only can keep you from getting road trip fatigue, but it also gives your teen valuable driving experience.

8. Make it Enjoyable

As parents, raising teens is tough enough. Don’t forget to take care of yourself too! In order to keep your sanity on a road trip with teens, it’s important to build in time for yourself and time with your significant other. Book something special for you while your kids explore on their own (age appropriate, of course!).

Also, relax a little. Every vacation has its ups and downs, so try not to sweat the small stuff.

This lets you enjoy the experience a little more, and your kids will appreciate you being the “cool parent.” Obviously don’t compromise their safety, but be willing to grant your teens and tweens a little more freedom if possible.

RELATED: Ultimate Road Trip Packing List

9. What to Pack on a Road Trip

When it comes to packing for a road trip, you want to make sure you’ve got a road trip packing list and you’re checking it twice!

Be sure to pack group gear and personal items separately. Think about the flow of the trip and keep car items accessible during the day so you don’t have to pull over and dig through luggage every 15 miles. 

When we are doing a multi-day drive I pack smaller “ hotel bags ” for each person. You can use tote bags or whatever small bags you have on hand. Each family member packs his or her own bag, filling it with essentials for a single night stay.

Grabbing the smaller bags makes the transition from car to lodging a breeze. And it’s much easier than lugging big suitcases into the hotel.

Don’t forget the practical items like a first aid kit , registration, insurance, and other logistical items.

Lastly, always get your car serviced and inspected before hitting the road. I also like to get the car washed and clean the car windows before we leave.

This summer, have the ultimate road trip with teens and create lasting family memories. These long road trip tips are designed to keep the family happy and entertained while exploring the open road.

So pack your bags and hit the road for the ultimate family vacay. Happy travels!

Grab the free Road Trip Packing Checklist & hit the road without a hitch.

** save the road trip tips for later **.

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Road trips with teens can be tough, but these are great tips to keep the mood even! We love to do it, but food, breaks and distractions are a MUST!

Thanks, Jen! Road trips can be fun for the entire family with just a bit of planning.

I’ve not been to here, but it’s on my list. Thank you!

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Tips for an Amazing Road Trip With Tweens

Busy schedules and moody attitudes might tempt you to avoid road trips with your tween, but this is the perfect time to pack everyone in the car and set off on adventures. Family time benefits kids during adolescence more than nearly any other time of life. And with a little planning, the drive becomes a fun and memorable part of travel. We asked moms about their most successful road trips with tweens and packed all their advice into this post: what to pack for road trips, road trip snacks, road trip activities for tweens, how to manage electronics on road trips and fun ways to record road trip memories.

You might also like:

• The Bottom Line on Why You Need a Vacation
• The Inside Scoop on the Best Family Beach Vacations

This post contains affiliate links – we earn a small commission if you purchase through our links, and we appreciate your support.

There are plenty of things I said I’d never do that came back to bite me:

• I would NEVER let my child throw a tantrum in the aisle of the grocery store while I stand there going about my business. Wrong.
• I would NEVER use TV as a babysitter because I need to get something done. Oops.
• I would NEVER wear the same pair of yoga pants for a day, and then a night, and then another day. In a row. Without taking them off. So guilty.

Funny how you don’t really know what you will or won’t do until life comes at you. 

I’ve given up on many of my self-made rules, but so far, I’m doing well on my goal to never stop taking family roadtrips. We’ve always lived a drive from family — one hour, two hours, 12 hours. We figured out how to make it work when the kids were babies (leaving at 4 a.m. and bringing loads of snacks), and now we’re exploring road trips with tweens. New challenges for sure. Namely dealing with attitudes, battling over screen time and maneuvering trip schedules around sports and other activities. 

Why Road Trips with Tweens Are a Great Idea

How sweet is this photo? The drive wasn’t all unicorns and rainbows, but they did pretty darn well. Combining two families also kept sibling fights to a minimum.

Road trips fit any budget and flex to fit all different family and travel styles. Some families log 12-hour drive days and make the ride memorable with in-car activities and music and conversation. (That’s us.) Others find fun stops along the way or split long drives into multiple days with a hotel pool to break things up. Either way, with family roadtrips, your family spends some serious time together in a tight space, and it builds relationships the same way eating meals together does. And I plan to force my tweens and teens to interact with me and the rest of our family throughout all the years they live in my house and ride in my cars.

Independence? Yes. Alone time? I hear ya, I need it too. Isolation and withdrawl? Nope. Not if I can help it.

Research agrees that tween years are the perfect time for family time and travel. The Every Kid in a Park initiative gives all 4th graders and their families free admission to all federal lands and waters “to experience the places that are home to our country’s national treasures, rich history, and vibrant culture.” They chose this age based on research that kids ages 9-11 are at a unique developmental stage where they’re starting to really understand how the world works around them. They’re receptive to new ideas about nature and the environment, but also about family. 

A new day in trip-planning and preparation also dawns during the tween years because they can start contributing. They can pack their own bags…do research on things they want to see and do…help load the car and remember forgotten items. Hallelujah, we’ve turned a corner!

Our last road trip included a 12-year-old family friend. I was in awe of that girl’s Google folder. She had a packing spreadsheet and a Google slideshow of all the major stops on our trip. My 11-year-old son helped pack and carry bags, but certainly didn’t use any of his precious screen time for trip prep. 

Tips for Recording Your Adventure

Tweens will remember family road trips, so it’s the perfect time to start traditions that preserve those memories. Several of our readers gave great suggestions on ways to do this:.

Keep a journal while on the road or encourage your tween to write one. Make notes on where you’ve been and what you’ve done, complete with sarcastic comments. The journal gives you a place to attach ticket stubs, postcards, information sheets and maps so you have a cool keepsake when you get back. The 12-year-old planner on our trip journaled and collected postcards, laptop stickers and other info in a pencil box along the way to complete her masterpiece at home.

Start a collection you continue each time you travel. I’m not a fan of adding more stuff to our house or spending vacation money on random souvenirs, but I’m a complete sucker for collections. We bought each of our kids a National Parks passport  that we keep in the glovebox of the van. The Visitor Centers at National Parks have ink pads and stamps with the date and location to add to the passport. Many also sell stickers to include in the books. It’s a low cost way to document National Park visits — and it feels like a scavenger hunt across the nation. 

There is also a coin book available for purchase at National Park Visitor Centers and tweens can collect coins at different locations to add to the book.

I loved the suggestion from a friend to buy magnets as souvenirs and use a piece of sheet metal and a thrift store frame to display trip memories at home and start fun conversations with guests. We often buy ornaments on our adventures and retell stories at Christmas when we pull them out.

My oldest son also received  the Landmass Scratch Off Map of the U.S. so he can scratch off states as we visit them — it also shows National Parks.

Road Trip Activities for Tweens

The best family roadtrips make the travel matter as much as the destination. We asked our readers for some of their best road trip activities for tweens:

• Reinvent the idea of giving small kids a prize each hour for good behavior. For every hour of harmony in the car, each kid picks a number. Each number corresponds to incentives like picking the next DVD or song or earning a dollar to spend at the next gas station stop.
• Load a phone or tablet with audiobooks or podcasts the whole family will enjoy and listen together. See if your local library uses Hoopla or Libby to download books for free, or sign up Audible for a free month of Amazon’s Kindle Unlimited .
• Look up quirky roadside attractions along your route. We made a stop at the Idaho Potato Museum for a silly photo before jumping back in the van. I’ve heard good things about the Roadside America App as a way to find random stops (it runs $2.99).

We literally jumped out, snapped a picture with the massive spud and hit the road. The museum wasn’t even open for the day.

• Check out the GyPSy Guide app to see whether it has narrations for locations you plan to visit. We hooked our phone up to the car speakers and learned all kinds of information about the history and wildlife of Yellowstone National Park as we drove through.
• Download and print some car games. I grabbed some free printable travel games for tweens from the Trip Savvy site: a map to color in states for the classic license plate game, Battleship, Big Kid Highway Quest and Find That Car bingo.
• Refresh your playlists. Grab favorite soundtracks and create fun playlists to rotate on the drive.

Tips for Managing Electronics on Road Trips

Kudos to families who go screen-free on road trips. We are not that family. However, we do limit screen time and use it strategically. The kids earn screen time with good behavior, and we set rules up front about amount of screen time allowed (i.e., one movie and one hour of other screens on an eight-hour trip). 

It usually works best to hold off on screens as long as possible. Tell kids they get screen access near the end of the trip or during a long stretch with no stops. That’s when my kids feel the most restless and when I feel least like dealing with conflicts from the back seat.

• Get unlimited wireless on your phone, at least temporarily. Then there are no concerns if you’re looking up answers to trivia questions, seeking out interesting stopping points or handing over a phone to a kid whose device ran out of power. It can also be a hotspot for WiFi in a pinch. 

We have this splitter and then started out with three pairs of these Kidz Gear headphones – a different color for each kid. As kids get older, they get pickier about their headphones, but they also tend to know which headphones or earbuds are theirs and keep them safe and stored away when they’re not in use.

• A portable DVD player . Do two screens if you have multiple kids and bring at least one 6-foot audio/video auxiliary cord .
• Bring one device per person if possible. This might be Kindles or old phones or even tablets checked out from the library. 

Best Road Trip Snacks

Long road trips seem to hinge around solid snacks and well-planned meal times. Get input from tweens on snacks and drinks they would love to have on the trip and then get some surprise items as well. Beef jerky, string cheese, trail mix and apple slices with Jif To Go can hold the troops over if you’re trying to make it another hour or two before the next meal stop. FYI – suckers take a long time to eat as you pass the time. 

In the middle of some big growth spurt years, tweens become accomplished eaters. Pack lunches at least for Day 1 of the trip for flexibility on when and where you eat. You can eat in the car instead of sitting in a drive-thru and use a stop to wander through a shop or kick a soccer ball at a park instead.

On our last trip, we flew and then rented a car for the road trip. We ordered groceries online in advance (including pre-made sub sandwiches and meat/cheese/cracker packs for lunches) and picked them up on our way out of town the first morning.      

What to Pack for Road Trips

Nothing wrecks road trip mojo like car trouble, uncomfortable passengers or a giant mess. Some up-front planning and basic supplies can keep this mostly in check. Bring things like maps, neck pillows, paper towels, trash bags and motion sickness meds for likely scenarios. Grab our Road Trip Packing Checklist for a full list.

We also hear good things about the website Ready and Roam , which curates travel advice from other experienced travelers.

Final Tips for Family Roadtrips

• Plan to stop every three to five hours so that the gas tank never falls below the halfway mark. Let kids hop out for the bathroom, drinks, snacks or seat changes. Also, put the cooler, snacks and soccer balls or other activities for stops within easy reach.
• Have some type of organization for stuff in the car/van. Maybe each kid has a backpack and all their stuff must be in the backpack before they get out of the car at a stop. Or use a tote for all devices or snacks in a central part of the vehicle and ask that everyone put devices in the tote before getting out at stops to keep clutter and broken items to a minimum. 
• Give kids a budget up-front. On our recent trip, my kids knew they had $20 from their grandparents to buy a T-shirt and $20 from us to spend as they chose. It drastically cut down on the “Can I have…” at every stop. They could have until their $20 ran out and then they were on their own dime. 

These tips don’t cover every possible scenario, but the unpredictable nature of family roadtrips means you’ll likely make some memories you just don’t plan and that’s ok. My dad still brings up the time I locked the keys in the van on our family roadtrip to the beach. It’s more funny now than it was at the time, but that memory makes us all laugh whenever it comes up. Sorry dad!

Related posts:

• 4 Traditions That Are Worth Your Time (Every Time)
• 9 Powerful Reasons to Make Time for Family Meals

Mary teaches communication at the university level and wrangles two sons and a spitfire of a daughter at home. She's outside or traveling every chance she gets, unapologetically fueled by coffee and Diet Coke.

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40 Free Printable Road Trip Games & Activities

By: Author Jacquie Fisher

Posted on Published: May 19, 2023

Categories Travel Fun

Grab these free printable road trip games & activities for your next car trip and keep the kids busy!

We are gearing up for a HUGE family car trip this summer and I’m on the look-out for some road trip activities to keep the kids off their phones & busy en route 😉

40 Free Road Trip Activities & Games for Kids

Since we love to travel, I’ll be sharing a handful of posts over the next few months with lots of tips & ideas for family travel!  We’re also sharing many of our favorite travel items along with affiliate links to each so you can see if they’re a good fit for your family too. (Be sure to see our 40+ Road Trip Essentials & Car Organization Items too!)

Here are a few of the ways we get ready for a trip:

• Keep the car organized with these 27 Track Hacks & Road Trip Tips
• If your kids enjoy audio books, movies or educational apps, be sure to sign up for the Amazon FreeTime Unlimited FREE Trial before you go!!
• Have ad-free on-demand music for your trip: Try the Amazon Music Unlimited 30-Day Free Trial
• Grab this FREE Printable Road Trip Planner: 10 Things to do Before Your Next Road Trip
• And check out these NEW ideas — 15 Road Trip Printable Games & Travel Activities !!

The trip is going to be much longer than we thought — 10 days through 11 states covering 2600 miles!!

I know – crazy!  But we’re really looking forward to it — we believe that family travel is a great way for kids to learn all kinds of things.

It’s going to be a monster of a trip with lots of overnight stops and quite a few hours in the car.

Soooo …. time to start planning on how to keep everyone busy, happy and fed 😉

How Do You Entertain Kids on a Road Trip?

It’s the age-old question — how to keep kids busy and engaged on long car rides?!  The first thing I always tackle is putting together a binder for the trip that’s chocked full of fun (& free) printable activities.

I’m telling you — this little binder has been a huge help on our trips!

The fact that our kids have had something to look forward to each morning when we load up the car is incentive enough for them to not drag their feet when we have to pack up.  And it’s been wonderful to have a way to keep them writing and reading using fun activities on our trips.

I’ve included links below for each of the resources we’ve found including affiliate links for items that will help you put together your own road trip binder.

Tips for Making a Road Trip Binder

I have three goals when I create a car trip binder for kids, tweens or teens:

1.  Include surprise activities they can do both on their own & with others in the car

2.  Find fun things that will keep them off the tech for a while

3.  Get the kids interested in the places we’re visiting on our trip — because that’s one of the reasons we travel, right?!

First, print off a variety of travel games & activities!

I search for games they really enjoy (for example, Mad Libs are a big hit with us right now) and fun pages like coloring or design printables.

We also play the license plate game as a family every summer so that’s a big one for us too!

I look for maps & activities that highlight places on our travel route, worksheets that share fun facts about the states we visit and anything that gets them writing — like some fun travel journal pages.

Printable Road Trip Games for Kids, Tweens & Teens

Here’s a huge selection of printable road trip games & activities to make things easier for you!

Just choose the ones that fit your child’s age and ability! Or if your short on time, check out the 15 printable road trip games & travel activities in our Road Trip Pack!

• All for the Boys has some wonderful car activities — 12 pages of mini games & puzzles the kids will love!!
• Enjoy some fun family discussions with this free set of 20 Questions to play with your kids !
• I love this Travel Battleship game from Mothers Home!
• Play the License Plate Game with this free printable state map.
• Salt and Pepper Moms has a fun printable car game sheet and a travel journal page too.
• FreePuzzles.net has 6 printable car games including mazes, hangman and car bingo.
• Enjoy these 5 printable car games from In the Playroom (for US & UK travel).
• I Heart Organzing has some wonderfully colorful Road Trip BINGO and Alphabet I-Spy to keep the kids entertained.
• And you know how much we adore Scavenger Hunts!  Here are a few gems:
• Road Trip “Find It” for Tweens from Carla Schauer
• City, Suburb & Rural Scavenger Hunts from Mom’s Minivan
• Make & Takes has a fun coloring scavenger hunt too

If you need more ideas, browse all the Printable Road Trip Activities and Games on Etsy too!!

And if you happen to be heading to Disney World or Disneyland, check out this set of printable Disney Games & Activities for your trip!!

Road Trip Activities & Travel Printables to do in the Car

Try these Kids’ Travel Journal pages that are perfect for encouraging a little writing & recording the trip while on the road!

For some great state-by-state learning, visit Education.com and print out the State Puzzle Sheets for each state on your trip.

I like to include a Kids’ Road Atlas or map with the binder too.  We get ours free with our AAA membership and it’s a great for kids to learn map reading skills!

Activity Idea: Have your kids highlight the route you’re taking in the atlas and they can follow along as you drive.

Younger kids might enjoy driving a Hot Wheels car along the route as you travel.  Older kids will be intrigued to see what interesting places you might be passing en route.

More Kids Activities for a Road Trip

If your kids have a cell phone or camera, print this FREE Photo Scavenger Hunt for them to complete on the trip!

Enjoy this Hotel Scavenger Hunt from Moms & Munchkins if you’re spending the night on the road.

Picklebums has these cute and open-ended Road Trip Drawing Prompts.

Doodle Art Alley has a set of Summer Coloring pages that can be used individual or as a family coloring activity.

How to Organize Car Games & Activities in a Binder

Next, I organize all the printables into a Road Trip binder!

One thing that works well for us is to sort the pages by travel day. This way, I know that each morning of our trip there will be new activities for our kids to do!

I separate the printables using manila folders (which is great in case we want to pull out the items for one day).  Then I use a 3 Hole Punch with all the printables & manila folders and insert them into the binder.  Each set is labeled with the date so it’s easy to see.

In addition, I include a 3-Ring Pencil Pouch with the following items:

• a nice set of Colored Pencils ,
• a regular pencil & pencil sharpener,
• and an eraser.

We don’t bring markers in the car ( I learned why the hard way ).  And crayons tend to melt in the summer heat. So when we travel, we’ve found that a set of colored pencils is the way to go 😉

We also love to have these Storage Folding Lap Desks so the kids have an easy place to read/write during our trips!

I also put their summer reading logs (see all the FREE Summer Reading programs here!) in the back of the binder. We do a lot of reading & audio books in the car ( grab a copy of this free Summer Reading Log to use on the trip !).

Last, I created a fun cover for the binder along with an autograph page for the back of the binder. It’s fun to have when you’re visiting a lot of family so everyone can sign a fun note.

Here’s a front & back cover for the road trip binder you can download for FREE!

There you go — step 1 in preparing for the Ultimate Summer Road Trip!

More Road Trip Ideas:

15 Printable Road Trip Activities & Travel Journal for Kids & Tweens

The Ultimate Road Trip Guide: Why Getting There is Half the Fun

10 Things to do Before Your Next Road Trip {with free printable checklist!}

More Summer Ideas:

20 Amazing Summer Scavenger Hunts

105 Activities that Make Awesome Summer Memories

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Kitchen Counter Chronicles

Life lands on the kitchen counter.

10+ Things to do on a Road Trip with Tweens

Road tripping took a turn when our kids grew up. We have shared much advice around parenting tweens over the years. We’re excited to share these tips for having a fun family road trip with tweens…it can be done and it can be fun.

When I was a kid, summer vacation meant road tripping. Packing my grandparent’s Volkswagen camper van and hitting the road. It was very much late 1970s/80s style vacationing. We didn’t have iPads, DVD players or any handheld computerized devices. The classic response to “I’m bored” was “look out the window.”

I would stare out the window dreaming about what road tripping would be like when I was a parent…things would be different. 

The time has come and now I’m the parent and I’m in charge of my children’s road trip experience. Guess what? Things really haven’t changed all that much. We don’t have the camper van anymore, but I say the exact same thing to my kids when they are bored, “look out the window.”

So, as we start planning another epic 10-day road trip to the east coast of Canada this summer, I am preparing for a tech-free (or minimal) road trip with my tweens. It is possible to have a fun family road trip with tweens!

10+ Things to Do on a Road Trip for Tweens

Plan together.

As soon as you know where you are going it is time to involve your tween in the planning process. Have a family vacation planning meeting or meetings. Chat about where you are travelling to and let your kids provide input into the trip – are there places they would like to visit, would they like to go for hikes, would they like to spend time at the beach or would they like to visit a particular tourist spot? You might be surprised by what your tweens know. If your child isn’t sure, then head online, or to your local library, and do some research on where you will be vacationing. My eldest is an expert at finding cute bakeries and cafes, so this is her assignment for our road trip.

Be Considerate of Each Other  

Take your kids, bags full of your stuff, yourself and your spouse and stuff them in a 6′ x 4′ space – for hours on end…sounds like a nightmare, but it’s a road trip. Long road trips require great consideration for each other. Arguments are amplified, but the fun is too. Have a conversation with your tween about what it means to be considerate to each other. Discuss behaviour expectations before you hit the road. Then take a deep breath and know that “be nice to your sister” is going to be your broken record for the duration of the trip.

Organize the Space

The back seat of a car can be cramped, hot and stinky. Before heading on your road trip, clean out the backseat. Find ways to keep the backseat organized. Assign each child her own entertainment bag…filled with everything she needs to be entertained on the trip. Stock the back seat with plenty of napkins and a garbage bag, or two. An organized space is a much more comfortable space to spend time in.

Plenty of Food

We learned this lesson on our last road trip, to NYC. Kids (and parents) get hangry…angry due to hunger. The best way to ward off having a hangry tween is to pack snacks and be prepared to stop for more food . Let your tween choose some of the snacks you are taking on the road. Make sure everything is not salt and sugar-based, or you will be dealing with cranky kids of a different kind. We really love having veggies and dip on hand. A small cooler can fit a whole lot of snacks. 

Surprise Toy

This is an old trick from when the kids were younger, but it still works. Purchase a few surprises that you can give your tween along the way. A few ideas are a new journal, a new book, small craft kits, colouring books (the new adult styles) or a Rubix cube. My kids still love collecting LEGO mini-figures – they are a big hit on road trips – even with tweens.

Musical Selections

Let’s face it, tweens don’t always like their parents’ musical selections. Yes, there might be a few bands that cross over, but musical differences can be pretty vast. Let your tween load up his phone (or listening device) with the music he loves…remember road trips with your pile of tapes and a walkman? Don’t want your tween to have his headphones on the entire trip? Make road trip playlists for the car and make sure to add your tween’s choices to the playlist. Listening to music as a family in the car can actually be a lot of fun…if everyone’s interests are taken into consideration. 

There are a lot of great, family-friendly podcasts to listen to. Our last road trip was when we all discovered the awesome play, Hamilton. I’ll forever associate that musical with our road trip…that’s what road trips are for…making lasting memories.

Stop the Car

Yes, the point of a road trip is to cover plenty of miles in a single day but, don’t forget to stop along the way. Making time for a little outdoor play along the way will help everyone in the car…even the driver. I wrote a post about the many ways you can incorporate a little outdoor play in your road trip …it’s not as hard as you might think.

While most drivers now use some sort of GPS system, there is still a lot of use for old-school maps. Before you head out on the road, highlight the route you plan to take on a map or in a map book. Let your tween be in charge of the map. Not only does this help your child answer the “are we there yet” question, but this also allows your child to learn about where you are travelling. There is value in knowing how to properly read a map.

A Little Tech Goes a Long Way

Vacation time is a time when parents want to unplug from work and the online world. However, parents aren’t tweens. Tweens want to stay in touch with life back home. When we were kids staying in touch meant we might have made a quick phone call to our friends or popped a postcard in the mail. Times have changed.

Many tweens have social media accounts, they will want to check in on.  Set aside a few minutes a day for tweens to send a quick message to their friends, or share a picture on social media. If you aren’t comfortable with “a few minutes a day” then set a schedule that works for you and your tween. While we want our kids to unplug, we need to respect the way they communicate with their friends.

Leave time for downtime

Does anyone really function well when they don’t get enough sleep? Sleep is very important for tweens. Their growing bodies need rest…and rest doesn’t mean sitting in the back of the car. If everyone has eaten, had plenty to drink and they are still cranky – blame it on being overtired. Sleeping in might mean your day’s drive starts a little later, but that drive will be a whole lot more fun.

There are so many other little things you can do to make a road trip fun for everyone. When the kids were toddlers it was all about strategic bathroom breaks and nap times – now that the kids are older they can really learn and be part of the trip. When we announced our east coast road trip destination my eldest daughter excitedly asked “Does this mean we can drive on Confederation Bridge?” Her enthusiasm and knowledge were awesome, road trips bring school books to life.

Do you have any tips and tricks for heading out on the road with tweens?

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Jen Farr is a mother living in Toronto, Canada. She has been sharing her DIY crafts, recipes, activities and parenting advice for over 15 years on her blog Kitchen Counter Chronicle. Jen is the mom of 2 lovely daughters. She believes in the power of taking small steps that can make big impacts on the world.

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• Travel Guide
• Family Travel

What To Bring On A Road Trip For Tweens

Published: November 26, 2023

Modified: December 28, 2023

by Danice Merino

• Plan Your Trip
• Travel Essentials & Accessories
• Travel Tips

Introduction

Embarking on a road trip with your tweens can be a fantastic way to bond as a family and create lasting memories. Whether you’re exploring new destinations or revisiting favorite spots, there’s something magical about the open road and the freedom it offers. However, to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey, it’s important to pack appropriately. Knowing what to bring on a road trip for tweens can make all the difference in keeping everyone comfortable, entertained, and safe along the way.

When it comes to packing for a road trip with tweens, it’s essential to strike a balance between practicality and fun. You want to have the necessary essentials on hand while also ensuring that your kids have a good time during those long stretches on the road. From clothing and accessories to entertainment and electronics, snacks and food to safety and first aid items, we’ve got you covered with a comprehensive list of what to bring on a road trip for tweens.

Before you hit the road, it’s important to involve your tweens in the packing process. Encourage them to choose their own clothing, entertainment options, and snacks, giving them a sense of ownership and excitement for the journey ahead. With their input and our guidelines, you’ll be well-prepared to embark on a memorable road trip adventure with your tweens.

Clothing and Accessories

When packing for a road trip with tweens, it’s essential to consider the various weather conditions and activities you’ll encounter along the way. Here are some essential clothing and accessory items to bring:

• Comfortable Clothing: Pack a mix of shorts, pants, t-shirts, and long-sleeve shirts to accommodate different weather conditions. Opt for breathable fabrics that are easy to layer.
• Jackets and Sweaters: Regardless of the season, it’s always a good idea to bring a lightweight jacket or sweater for cool evenings or unexpected temperature changes.
• Swimwear: If your road trip includes destinations with swimming opportunities, pack swimwear for your tweens to enjoy water activities.
• Sun Protection Gear: Don’t forget to pack hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen to shield your tweens from the sun’s rays during outdoor activities.
• Comfortable Shoes: Bring a variety of footwear options, including sneakers, sandals, and hiking shoes, to match different activities and terrains.
• Travel Pillows and Blankets: Make long drives more comfortable for your tweens by providing travel pillows and blankets for them to relax and rest during the journey.
• Travel Backpack: Encourage your tweens to pack their essentials in a travel backpack, such as a water bottle, snacks, and small entertainment items, to have easy access throughout the trip.

Remember to check the weather forecast for your destinations and pack accordingly. It’s always a good idea to have a few extra clothing items in case of spills or accidents. By ensuring your tweens have appropriate clothing and accessories, you’ll be prepared for any adventure that comes your way during your road trip.

Entertainment and Electronics

A road trip with tweens can involve long stretches of driving, and keeping them entertained and engaged is crucial for a successful journey. Here are some entertainment and electronics items to bring:

• Portable DVD Player or Tablet: Load up on your tweens’ favorite movies, TV shows, or educational content for them to enjoy during the drive.
• Headphones: To avoid any conflicts over audio preferences, provide each tween with their own set of headphones to enjoy their entertainment choice without disturbing others.
• Books and Magazines: Pack a selection of books and magazines suited to your tweens’ reading interests. They can enjoy reading during downtime or when electronic devices are not an option.
• Board Games and Card Games: Engage in some family bonding time by bringing along a few favorite board games or card games that can be played during rest stops or at the accommodation.
• Travel-Sized Gaming Consoles: If your tweens are avid gamers, consider bringing a travel-sized gaming console to provide them with a familiar and enjoyable gaming experience on the road.
• Music and Podcasts: Create a playlist of your tweens’ favorite music or podcasts to listen to during the journey. It’s a great opportunity for them to discover new songs or engage with educational podcasts.
• Craft Supplies: Encourage creativity by packing some craft supplies like coloring books, colored pencils, sketchbooks, or even a small portable easel for your tweens to express their artistic side.

While electronics can be a valuable source of entertainment, it’s also important to strike a balance with other screen-free activities to encourage interaction and connection between family members. By providing a variety of entertainment options, you’ll ensure that your tweens have an enjoyable and engaging road trip experience.

Snacks and Food

When it comes to road trips, snacks and food can make or break the journey. Hungry tweens can quickly become cranky and restless, so it’s essential to pack a variety of snacks and food options to keep them satisfied and energized. Here are some ideas:

• Pre-Packaged Snacks: Stock up on individual-sized snacks like granola bars, fruit snacks, pretzels, trail mix, and crackers for easy, on-the-go munching.
• Fresh Fruits and Vegetables: Pack pre-cut fruits and vegetables in snack-sized portions for a healthier option. Consider favorites like apple slices, carrot sticks, grapes, and cherry tomatoes.
• Sandwiches or Wraps: Prepare sandwiches or wraps with your tweens’ favorite fillings before the trip. Opt for ingredients that won’t easily spoil, such as peanut butter and jelly, turkey and cheese, or veggie wraps.
• High-Energy Snacks: To keep their energy levels up during the drive, include snacks like energy bars, nuts, dried fruits, and yogurt cups.
• Reusable Water Bottles: Staying hydrated is crucial during a road trip. Provide each tween with a reusable water bottle, and refill them at rest stops or accommodations.
• Disposable Utensils and Napkins: Don’t forget to pack disposable utensils and napkins for easy snacking and cleanup on the go.
• Non-Perishable Drinks: Along with water, consider packing non-perishable drinks like juice boxes or sports drinks for a refreshing change.

Depending on the length and nature of your road trip, you may also need to plan for meals. Research restaurants or picnic areas along your route or pack a cooler with perishable items like sandwiches, salads, and beverages. By having a well-stocked food supply, you’ll ensure that your tweens are satisfied and fueled for the road ahead.

Hygiene and Personal Care Items

Staying clean and maintaining personal hygiene is essential during a road trip. Here are some hygiene and personal care items to include when packing for your tweens:

• Toothbrushes and Toothpaste: Make sure each tween has their own toothbrush and toothpaste for daily oral hygiene.
• Shampoo and Conditioner: Bring travel-sized bottles of shampoo and conditioner for refreshing showers along the way.
• Soap or Body Wash: Pack a bar of soap or a travel-sized bottle of body wash for cleanliness during the trip.
• Towels and Washcloths: Have separate towels and washcloths for each tween to use for drying off after showers or swimming.
• Hand Sanitizer: Keep a travel-sized bottle of hand sanitizer readily available for clean hands when soap and water are not accessible.
• Disposable Wipes: These are handy for quick clean-ups, especially if restrooms or washing facilities are limited on your road trip.
• Deodorant: Ensure that your tweens have their preferred deodorant to stay fresh and odor-free throughout the journey.
• Hairbrush or Comb: Bring a hairbrush or comb for each tween to maintain neat and tangle-free hair.
• Sunscreen: Protect your tweens’ skin from harmful UV rays by applying sunscreen regularly, especially during outdoor activities.
• Menstrual Products: If your tween is at an age where they require menstrual products, ensure that they have an ample supply to last the duration of the trip.

Having the necessary hygiene and personal care items readily available will help your tweens feel clean, fresh, and comfortable throughout the road trip. Remember to pack them in a convenient and easily accessible bag to ensure quick and easy access when needed.

Safety and First Aid Kit

Ensuring the safety and well-being of your family during a road trip is of paramount importance. Here are some safety and first aid items to include in your packing list:

• Emergency Contact Information: Write down emergency contact numbers, including your doctor’s information and important family contacts, and keep them easily accessible.
• First Aid Kit: Pack a well-stocked first aid kit that includes band-aids, adhesive tape, antiseptic ointment, hydrogen peroxide, tweezers, gauze pads, and any necessary medications.
• Prescription Medications: Bring all necessary prescription medications for your tweens, along with a copy of the prescription and any relevant medical information.
• Roadside Emergency Kit: Prepare for unexpected car trouble by having a roadside emergency kit that includes jumper cables, a flashlight, a tire pressure gauge, and basic tools.
• Emergency Blankets: Pack emergency blankets that can provide warmth in case of breakdowns or if you find yourselves stranded.
• Fire Extinguisher: Have a small fire extinguisher on hand in case of any emergencies related to the vehicle or nearby incidents.
• Safety Reflective Vest: Include a safety reflective vest for each member of the family, which can be useful in case of roadside emergencies.
• Maps and Navigation Tools: While most rely on GPS nowadays, it’s a good idea to have physical maps and navigation tools in case of technology failures.

Remember to familiarize yourself with basic first aid procedures and have a plan in place for emergency situations. It’s essential to regularly check your vehicle’s condition and ensure it’s in good working order before embarking on your road trip. By prioritizing safety and having the necessary items on hand, you’ll be better prepared to navigate any unexpected challenges that may arise during your journey.

Navigation and Road Trip Essentials

When it comes to a road trip, having the right navigational tools and road trip essentials can make all the difference in ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey. Here are some must-have items for navigation and road trip convenience:

• GPS Device or Smartphone: Make sure you have a reliable GPS device or smartphone with a navigation app installed. This will help you stay on track and navigate to your desired destinations.
• Car Charger and Power Bank: Keep your devices charged along the way by having a car charger and power bank on hand. This ensures that your GPS device or smartphone doesn’t run out of battery during the trip.
• Travel Guides and Maps: Bring travel guides or maps of the areas you’ll be visiting. They can provide valuable information about attractions, scenic routes, and local recommendations.
• Cash and Cards: Carry enough cash for tolls, parking fees, and emergencies. Also, bring debit or credit cards for additional payment options.
• Travel Insurance and Important Documents: Have copies of important documents such as driver’s licenses, car insurance, and registration. It’s also wise to obtain travel insurance to provide coverage in case of unexpected incidents.
• Comfortable Car Pillows and Seat Cushions: Enhance comfort during the drive by bringing car pillows and seat cushions for both the driver and passengers.
• Car Seat and Booster Seat: If you’re traveling with younger tweens, ensure that you have a suitable car seat or booster seat to ensure their safety and comfort.
• Travel Bags and Organizers: Keep the car tidy and organized by using travel bags or organizers to store snacks, entertainment items, and other road trip essentials.
• Camera or Smartphone: Capture memories along the way by bringing a camera or using your smartphone to take photos and videos of the beautiful sights and memorable moments.

By having the necessary navigation tools and road trip essentials, you’ll be well-prepared for any detours, adventures, or spontaneous stops that come your way. It’s all about making the journey as comfortable and enjoyable as possible for the entire family.

Miscellaneous Items

In addition to the essential items mentioned earlier, there are a few miscellaneous items that can enhance your road trip experience. Consider including these items in your packing list:

• Travel Pillow and Blanket: Provide your tweens with a travel pillow and cozy blanket for extra comfort during long stretches of driving or resting.
• Portable Phone Charger: Keep your devices charged on the go with a portable phone charger. This ensures that you’re always connected and can capture those memorable moments.
• Binoculars: Bring a pair of binoculars to enhance your tweens’ viewing experience during scenic stops or wildlife spotting.
• Travel Games and Activity Books: Keep your tweens entertained with travel-sized board games, activity books, or puzzle books during breaks or at the accommodation.
• Trip Journal or Notebook: Encourage your tweens to document their road trip adventures in a trip journal or notebook. They can jot down memorable moments, draw sketches, or write about their experiences.
• Travel Laundry Bag: Pack a laundry bag to separate dirty clothes from clean ones, making it easier to stay organized and manage laundry during or after the trip.
• Insect Repellent: Depending on your destination and outdoor activities, it’s advisable to bring insect repellent to protect against pesky bugs and insects.
• Travel Umbrella: Be prepared for unexpected rain showers by packing a compact travel umbrella that can easily fit in your travel bag.
• Cooler or Insulated Bag: If you plan to bring perishable food or drinks, a cooler or insulated bag will help keep them fresh and cool during the journey.
• Travel Adapter: If you’re traveling to a different country or region with different electrical outlets, a travel adapter will ensure that you can charge your devices without any issues.

These miscellaneous items can add convenience, comfort, and fun to your road trip. Tailor your packing list to your specific needs and preferences, keeping in mind the activities and destinations you’ll be visiting.

Embarking on a road trip with your tweens can be an exciting and memorable experience for the whole family. By packing the right items, you can ensure a comfortable, entertaining, and safe journey. Clothing and accessories that are suitable for different weather conditions and activities are essential, as well as entertainment options like portable DVD players, books, and games to keep your tweens engaged during the drive. Don’t forget to pack a variety of snacks and food to keep their energy levels up.

Hygiene and personal care items are crucial for maintaining cleanliness and comfort throughout the trip, while safety and first aid items provide peace of mind in case of emergencies. Navigation tools like GPS devices or smartphones, along with road trip essentials such as chargers and travel organizers, enhance convenience on the road. Lastly, don’t forget about the miscellaneous items that can make the journey more enjoyable, such as travel pillows, binoculars, and travel journals.

Remember to involve your tweens in the packing process, letting them choose their own clothing, entertainment, and snacks. This will not only give them a sense of ownership and excitement but also ensure that their preferences and needs are considered. With careful planning, organization, and a touch of adventure, your road trip with tweens is sure to be an unforgettable experience for the whole family.

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Living Well Mom

I help moms with simple, natural ways to look after their families. Find recipes, fun stuff for kids, and simple DIY ideas. Plus natural solutions made easy peasy!

Printable Road Trip Games with a Fun DIY Travel Binder For Kids

featured activities for kids featured on home page free printable road trip This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Family road trips can be long and boring but with a little planning ahead, you can have a fun selection of printable road trip games that will keep your kids (including preschoolers, tweens, even teens) occupied for hours.

Today I’ll show you how to easily make a DIY travel binder (no craftiness required) that’s a perfect way to store and use printable road trip games for kids.

Your whole family will thank you for this fun activity!

Best of all, you don’t have to be crafty or DIY-included to make this homemade travel binder; it’s really easy to make and the supplies are simple too.

We’ve had some great trips in the past, and honestly some downright terrible ones, so I have a few tricks up my sleeve.

Road Trip Activity Binder

For our most recent trip, I came up with this road trip activity binder. I made one for each of my children. It’s simple and filled with fun games to play on a road trip that worked well to keep them busy…and off their tablets and phones!

The best part of this DIY kids travel binder is you can add whatever activities you like and easily personalize it for each child. Plus can reuse it again and again for future road trips!

Another nice feature is it includes an attached dry erase marker and holder so your kids won’t lose their markers in the dark crevices of your car!

Y ou’ll find a huge list of printable road trip games and activities from more awesome bloggers and sites below.

• 1/2″ binder with a clear pocket in the front (I found 6 at BJ’s for $8)
• heavyweight sheet protectors
• 1 dry erase marker per travel binder *dark colors work best
• craft cord (I used a shoelace-type craft cord at Walmart that works great)

• decorative mini duct tape
• optional – map of the route you’re traveling through Google Maps or other software (see more below)
• free printable travel activities

How to Make a Kids’ Travel Binder:

You can download the free printable cover for your child’s travel binder by clicking here .

Write your child’s name at the top.

Insert this cover into the front of the binder.

Now make the simple holder for your child’s marker.

Cut off a 2-3 inch section of the decorated duct tape. Cut a small 3/4-1″ section of tape and add to the middle of the long piece’s sticky side.

Do this again for a second piece.

Using the dry erase marker as a guide, attach the tape to the middle top of your child’s travel kit binder.

Add two pieces of tape to the sides – this adds extra strength to the marker holder.

Now, cut off about 2.5 feet of craft cord (you’ll need enough cord to comfortably reach around any pages in the travel kit binder.)

Tie one piece to the top of the dry erase marker. Hot glue this in place.

Tape the other end of craft cord to the marker holder.

And you’re done with the attached marker and holder for your travel kit!

Map Activity Road Trip Printable

The free printable map activity is my favorite part of this kids’ travel binder. It’s perfect for elementary-aged kids on up because they can follow along as you travel.

It’s a great way to teach kids how to read maps in this age of GPS too! Plus you’ll hear less “Are we there yet?” with this simple addition!

I did include these map printables in my younger children’s binders (Josh, age 6 and Luke, age 4) simply because they like to follow their older siblings and I knew they would still enjoy it.

Kids can trace the route with the attached dry erase marker and they’ll love seeing the progress you’re making.

I recommend going a step farther and plan out your route including stops so your kids can see exactly how far between stops.

Go to Google Maps or some other map program. Map out your route and stops.

Then save and print out pages, depending on how long your trip.

Our trip has 5 pages for each way – 5 for traveling to Grandma and Grandpa’s house and 5 for traveling home. I uploaded each page to the free Paint program and added stars to mark where our stops with a big star for our destination.

This simple road trip binder printable alone will make your trip easier !

Last, but not least, print out activities for each of your children, depending on their ages.

Including Bingo…

Even a travel journal…

Free Printable Travel Games for Kids:

I spy / scavenger hunt games.

• Free printable iSpy travel game – traffic signs (Living Well Mom)
• Meander & Coast – travel scavenger hunt for tweens
• Make and Takes – for preschool – elementary age kids
• Live Laugh Rowe – summer vacation I spy printable

Bingo Games

• Travel holiday bingo game – Living Well Mom
• From Playdough to Plato – bingo + scavenger hunt, story starters, I Spy, and more
• Crazy Little Projects – road trip bingo

License Plate Game

• Grab our own fun License plate game with a map right here.

Coloring Printables

• Disney (includes coloring pages, printable memory games, activity pages, etc.
• Crayola (includes tons of other games like mazes, bingo, + more)

More Printable Travel Games & Activities for Kids

• Kids Activities Woo – Printable Pinwheels
• Classroom Jr – Summer writing prompts
• Kids Activities Woo – printable mad lids
• education.com has a huge select of activities including fun facts for each state, bingo games, drawing tutorials, mazes, matching games and more.
• Mother’s Home has several printable road trip games including hangman, tic tac toe, battleship and more.
• Mom’s minivan has over 100 fun car ride games and activities for kids
• Minitime has 25+ few road trip car games to choose from
• Picklebums – cute free drawing prompts
• Country Cottage – Dr. Seuss Cootie Catcher

Get the Printable Travel Games Set

Get everything in one place with the Ultimate Travel Games Bundle!

This exciting set features 30 printables, including:

• 7 iSpy games – including restaurants, car models and colors, highway signs, and more
• license plate iSpy
• 2 scavenger hunts
• 9 bingo pages
• 4 classic games – tic-tac-toe, dot connecting, battleship, hangman
• 5 drawing prompt pages
• 2 travel journal pages
• 1 reward coupons page

Click here to get yours now!!

While these this handy travel activity binder and road trip printables can’t make the miles disappear, together, they can definitely help make the whole trip go by faster and smoother for the whole family.

Happy travels!

More Road Trip Tips:

• How to Take a Road Trip with Kids & Not Go Insane
• 7 Tips for Road Trips with Kids
• 49+ Brilliant Ideas for Enjoying a Road Trip with Kids
• Your kids might also love this super easy-to-make DIY Travel Coloring Kit !

Just pin it below to find the instructions later!

Dear Mom, Join the Living Well Mom Insiders

About erika.

Erika Bragdon is a flower essence practitioner and a second-generation homeschooling mom with 3 kids at home and 1 in college. She enjoys her chickens, goats, and gardening on a small farm in New Hampshire, and is passionate about sharing flower essences and more ways to renew body, mind, and soul with moms.

Tammileetips says

June 20, 2015 at 7:07 pm

This is a great way to keep the kids entertained in the car. I remember how bored I always got on road trips growing up.

June 21, 2015 at 10:26 am

Such a great idea. We used to buy coloring books for trips, but I like your idea better because it is personalized for the route!

June 21, 2015 at 3:58 pm

I love this idea! We’ve started a no tech in the car rule with our grandkids. It had gotten to the point where they fought over an iPad during the less than 10 minute drive from our house to theirs. I think a version of your travel binder will be fabulous even on our short everyday car rides!

valmg @ Mom Knows It All says

June 22, 2015 at 8:47 am

Using the map for the route you’re taking is a great idea! I’ve never seen anyone do that before.

Andrew says

June 22, 2015 at 9:11 am

Great idea! I have to admit, I still like to play the scavenger hunt game while on road trips! 🙂

Glenda Cates says

June 28, 2015 at 8:47 am

I love this and would not only be using it for travel but for local trips as well. As it would keep kids entertained no matter where you are going. Plus if you end up somewhere and have to wait for any amount of time they could bring it in with them to work on. So I would like to thank you for taking the time to share it with us.

Erika Bragdon says

June 28, 2015 at 12:10 pm

Great idea, Glenda! Thanks!

Nichole Moreland says

July 10, 2015 at 1:03 pm

Can you please elaborate more on how you printed the map? I am trying to put a binder together for our family vacation and I cant figure out how to get as nice of a map as you have! Thanks

July 10, 2015 at 2:54 pm

Hi Nichole, I used Google Maps to plan out our road trip route. There’s not a built-in way to print out whole map segments, so I saved a screen shot of each segment. (The number of screen shots would depend on how long your trip and how detailed you want the map to be.) Then I opened a new custom “design” in PicMonkey (sized 2550×3300 pixels – the size of regular paper), uploaded the map screen shot, and added text and graphics (a star for stops, along with the town/city, etc.)

Hope that helps! Good luck on your trip! 🙂

Heather Gaughan says

April 19, 2016 at 4:49 pm

Hi Erika! I am a travel agent and have a blog. I linked back to your site for an entry I was doing about travel binders. I included your site as one to check out for tips and forms. I hope that’s ok!

July 6, 2019 at 2:34 pm

This is awesome! I will definitely be making a binder for each of my kids. We have a 12 hr road trip next week. Thanks for the list of great printables also.

July 9, 2019 at 2:26 pm

Have a great trip, Amy!

Bridget says

June 23, 2020 at 4:13 pm

We are from NH now living in SC. About to make the summer trip back to NH for a few weeks. Thank you for the tips! My 9 yr old is going to love the binder idea!!!

July 6, 2020 at 10:56 am

Hope you all enjoy it and have a safe trip! 🙂

Jenifer Yoon says

November 17, 2020 at 1:08 pm

Thank you for putting the Road trip binder and links together. I’m not sure when you originally made the post but you may want to go back over the links, several of them didn’t work or link to anything or for I heart organizing there was no license plate game. I just wanted to let you know.

November 18, 2020 at 12:01 pm

Yes, it’s been a few years and we do need to update it. Thanks for letting me know.

Mallori says

November 5, 2021 at 12:33 am

Where did you find the license plate game with pictures of the license plates?

November 8, 2021 at 10:57 am

The original version doesn’t appear to be available any longer, however we’re finishing up our own kids travel set with a similar option and much more! It will be available very soon!

SNK Social Fame says

February 23, 2022 at 6:02 am

Thank you for the introduction of a range of information that is very interesting to see in this article. Thanks for sharing this information.

January 28, 2023 at 6:19 pm

Where did you find the picture for the front page?

February 6, 2023 at 1:24 pm

Hi Rice, I made it myself from a graphic image. It’s been a long time though. Hope you like it!

threads Bay says

September 1, 2023 at 1:15 pm

This is a great idea for a travel binder! I love the free printable games too!

September 9, 2023 at 2:03 am

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21 Vacations With Teens And Tweens In The United States That Are Sure To Impress

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Have you ever worried about finding a travel destination that will actually impress your tweens or teens? There are so many wonderful places to visit in the United States, and it can be tough to narrow down the options when traveling, especially with tweens or teens in tow. Have no fear! You’ve finally found a guide for US vacation destinations that will impress even the pickiest or the coolest of teens. With the help of our family travel community ( 56K+ strong on Facebook ), we’ve curated this list just for you. From stunning national parks oozing with adventure to vibrant cities filled with culture, there’s something for everyone on this list. So start planning your next family vacation – your tweens and teens will thank you for it (just maybe not out loud!). Keep reading to discover 21 Vacations With Teens and Tweens In The United States That Are Sure To Impress .

Best Vacations for Teens and Tweens on the East Coast

If you’re looking for ideas for East Coast vacations with teens and tweens, you have no shortage of options. Families will love traveling to these East Coast cities, from trendy New York City to historical Washington DC. Keep reading to discover some of the best vacations with teens and tweens on the East Coast!

Discover 11 Unique NYC Restaurants and Dessert Spots that teens will love!

New York, New York

There is no shortage of things to do in New York City with tweens and teens. No matter what your teens are into, they’re sure to find something to their liking here. From art, culture, and museums to shopping and age-appropriate nightlife, NYC has it all!

If your teen is into fashion, they’ll be in heaven shopping on Fifth Avenue . Here, they can discover new trends at stores like Louis Vuitton, Zara, and Sephora. Then, for art lovers, a visit to The Metropolitan Museum of Art and MoMA is a must. If you have history buffs in tow, Museum Mile is sure to please. Spend your days exploring museums like El Museo del Barrio . And if your teen is looking for a little bit of everything, a tour of Central Park is the perfect way to see some of the city’s most famous landmarks. Finally, don’t miss out on destinations like Times Square , the Empire State Building , and the Statue of Liberty . These iconic, Instagram-able destinations are sure to excite your teen travelers. Indeed, no matter what your teen or tween is interested in, they’ll have a blast in New York City!

Looking for more NYC inspiration? Read this Exciting 7-Day NYC Itinerary With Kids of All Ages .

Where to Stay in New York City with Teens and Tweens

Families looking for somewhere to stay in New York with teens and tweens have their fair share of options! In Lower Manhattan, we recommend the Millennium Downtown New York Hotel in the Financial District or the trendy Greenwich Hotel in Tribeca. In Midtown Manhattan, try the Loews Regency New York or Omni Berkshire Place . Or, for a true luxury experience, visit the nearby St. Regis New York . Remember to check out other NYC hotels with pools and spacious suites . NYC also has many affordable Airbnb and Vrbo options in and around the outer boroughs. With so many options for accommodations, NYC is undoubtedly one of the top destinations for teens and tweens in the US!

Boston, Massachusetts

Boston is a great place to travel with your teens and tweens. From art to culture, there is so much to see and do in this historic Massachusetts city. Indeed, Boston is a haven for everyone, from foodies to sports fans. Here are the teen hot spots in Boston!

To start, museum-loving teens and tweens will love exploring the Freedom Trail . This 2.5-mile trail takes you to 16 different historical sites, including Boston Common and the USS Constitution Museum . Then, be sure to add visiting the Museum of Fine Arts and Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum to your itinerary too. Alternatively, get a fright aboard the Boston Ghosts & Gravestones Night-Time Trolley Tour . Sporty teens can catch a baseball game at Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox. Or, see the New England Patriots play at Gillette Stadium . Families with a foodie in tow can meander through “ Little Italy ,” where authentic Italian bakeries line the streets. Plus, Boston is filled with a scrumptious array of fresh seafood (including lobster!). Finally, there are plenty of trendy places to shop for your family’s fashionistas, from high-end Newbury Street stores to unique finds in the South End .

Don’t miss adding these 25 Amazing Things to Do in Boston with Kids to your itinerary!

Where to Stay in Boston with Teens and Tweens

As one of the best vacations for teens and tweens in the United States, Boston has plenty of family-friendly hotels! For the most convenient locations, stay at the Fairmont Copley Plaza , Kimpton Nine Zero Hotel , or the Boston Marriott Long Wharf. All boast kid-friendly amenities such as pools and are located near the city’s best attractions. For more suggestions on where to stay at one of the top vacation ideas with teens, consult our list of the best hotels in Boston for families !

Washington DC

Tweens and teens love Washington, DC ! Here, teens can witness history come to life before their very eyes. Certainly, tweens and teens will love exploring all the different monuments, landmarks, and museums in DC – especially on wheels! No wonder this is one of the best vacations for teens and tweens in the United States.

It is well-known that Washington, DC is a great place to learn about history. Tweens and teens will appreciate seeing information from their textbooks become more real with context, experience, and connection. Firstly, check out some of the Smithsonian museums to learn about different topics like science, art, and culture. Whatever your teen is interested in, the Smithsonian has you covered with its many museums and galleries. Afterward, families can also tour the White House or the Capitol Building to see where the President of the United States and other politicians work and make history in real-time. Families can book a bike or segway tour to explore Washington DC on wheels to add a little whimsy to their learning. Finally, don’t miss wandering around Georgetown. Here, teens can shop til they drop and munch on trendy eats .

Looking for more teenager vacation ideas in DC? Use this Exciting Washington, DC, Field Trip Itinerary For Families With Tweens and Teens .

Where to Stay in DC with Teens and Tween s

Washington, DC, is home to an array of family-friendly hotels that are perfect for trips with teens and tweens! For an indoor pool, consider The Watergate Hotel . Meanwhile, The Ritz-Carlton Washington DC includes fun activities like a scavenger hunt around the city. Families can also stay near famous attractions like The White House or the US Capitol Building by booking a stay at the Hyatt Place Washington DC. Or, venture to DuPont Circle and stay at The Darcy . For more hotel suggestions, check out our list of family-friendly hotels in DC. Or, if you want a home and apartment rental, check out our Airbnb, Vrbo , and our recommendations for the best neighborhoods to stay in while visiting DC.

REALTED: Best Museums In NYC By Age For Families

Bar Harbor, Maine

Bar Harbor offers one of the most adventurous destinations for teens and tweens. This low-key but charming town is located on the coast of Maine and is home to Acadia National Park . Here, families will discover plenty of things to do, including hiking, biking, kayaking, and more.

Start your adventure in Acadia National Park. Teens can embark on exciting hikes like Beehive Loop and Cadillac Summit Loop . Exploring tide pools, kayaking, and wildlife tours are also available. Coastal Kayaking Tours is one option to get teens on the water and having fun! Then, Bar Harbor is also a great place for teens and tweens to learn about history. In fact, the town was once one of the busiest ports in the US and was a major shipbuilding center during the Civil War. Several museums in Bar Harbor tell the story of the town’s past, including La Rochelle Mansion and Museum . Finally, if your teen or tween is looking for a place to relax, Bar Harbor is the perfect spot. There are several beaches where they can sunbathe or swim. When they get hungry, plenty of restaurants also serve fresh seafood.

Don’t miss these Amazing Things to Do in Bar Harbor with Kids !

Best Vacations for Teens and Tweens in the South

While the South may not be the first trendy vacation idea with teens that comes to mind, don’t overlook it! From New Orleans to Sedona, there are a few places in the South that are sure to WOW your tweens and teens! Here are the top three Southern vacations for teens and tweens in the United States.

Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg are two great Tennesse cities for trips for teens and tweens. Located in the Great Smoky Mountains , they both offer plenty of activities to keep teens from uttering the dreadful “I’m bored” line.

Start your Tennesse adventure in the Great Smokey Mountains . Outdoorsy teens will love hiking to view Grotto Falls and Laurel Falls . White water rafting is another popular itinerary item near Gatlinburg with teens. Then, teens who aren’t afraid of heights can get a bird’s-eye view at Anakeesta Theme Park . Have a country music fan in your family? You can’t miss a trip to Dollywood , where families can enjoy amusement park rides and unique musical acts. Alternatively, Mysterious Mansion offers teens a thrilling scare as Gatlinburg’s year-round haunted house. Another excellent opportunity for teens and tweens in this area is exploring the Titanic Museum to learn about the ill-fated ship and its passengers. Finally, parents will also love that these cities offer very affordable destinations! In fact, you can usually find several deals on hotels and attractions if you plan your trip in advance.

Looking for more teenager vacation ideas to fill your days in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg? Check out this Exciting Family Itinerary For Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge .

New Orleans, Louisiana

Teens can often be fickle travel companions, preferring screens to scenes. However, New Orleans is sure to get them off their phones and enjoy a family vacation with you. Whether your tweens or teens are into foodie culture, haunted sights, or natural wonders, New Orleans has what you need for your next adventure together.

Start your family trip to New Orleans in the French Quarter , where foodie teens can munch on Cajun and Creole foods. Don’t miss the beignets at the iconic Cafe du Monde . After hours, meander the city at night on a haunted tour . Get your teen’s adrenaline pumping with spooky tales of vampires, pirates, and ghosts. Then, music lovers will adore hearing a show at Preservation Hall , which has been playing traditional New Orleans jazz since the 1960s. Looking for a change of pace? Airboat tours offer a thrilling day out for families. Alternatively, wildlife enthusiasts can embark on a bayou tour to see gators, birds, and more with Happiness Bayou Tours or Cajun Encounters .

Finally, there’s nothing New Orleans loves more than a great festival or party. Check their events calendar to see what unique upcoming events will pique your teen’s interest. Indeed, New Orleans ranks among the top vacation ideas with teens!

Add these 19 Exciting Things To Do In New Orleans With Kids to your itinerary!

Where to Stay in New Orleans with Teens and Tweens

Planning a trip to New Orleans with teens and tweens? Families love Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans, for its central location in the French Quarter and luxury hotel amenities. Then, Loews New Orleans Hotel is another option near the French Quarter. Or, stay within walking distance of Jackson Square in a historic building at Grenoble House .

If you’re looking for pool vacation ideas with teens in New Orleans, try Omni Royal Orleans . We also love Royal Sonesta Hotel New Orleans , Bourbon Orleans Hotel , and The Roosevelt New Orleans, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel . For more information, please read our article about family-friendly hotels in New Orleans. Families seeking additional room to spread out (with kitchen or outdoor space possibilities) can try Vrbo and Airbnb too.

Sedona, Arizona

Sedona is a great place for trips for teens and tweens. The area is filled with natural beauty, including its iconic red rocks and canyon views. Plus, there are plenty of activities to keep your teens and tweens entertained, from hiking and biking to exploring the local shops and restaurants.

Science-minded teens will have a blast in Sedona. Not only can they learn about the area’s unrivaled geology, but they can immerse themselves in pristine, natural beauty. Explore the area by hiking trails like Bell Rock Pathway , a 7-mile round-trip hike with up-close views of Sedona’s iconic rock formations. Don’t miss Palatiki National Heritage Site , the largest (and perhaps most famous) cliff dwelling in the area. Or, see Sedona with speed on a Pink Jeep tour. One of the most popular tours is the Scenic Rim Tour , a 2.5-hour adventure that teens will adore. Teens interested in astronomy will appreciate taking an out-of-this-world tour with Evening Sky Tours , a Sedona Stargazing Tour , or visiting Lowell Observatory . Plus, if you’re looking to broaden your adventures, you can take a day trip to the Grand Canyon. Finally, if your teens are into spiritual healing, Sedona is known for its many energy vortexes.

Use this Exciting 5-Day Sedona Itinerary For Families to plan your Sedona adventures!

Where to Stay in Sedona with Tweens and Teens

For somewhere to stay in Sedona with teens, check out the Enchantment Resort , a luxury hotel located in the heart of Boynton Canyon. In addition to an outside pool, a kids’ camp, and organized weekly activities for families, it provides an incredible view of Sedona’s stunning red rocks. Tucked in the red rock canyons, L’Auberge de Sedona offers a choice of rooms at its lodge or even more spacious cottages. We also recommend Adobe Grand Villas , Amara Resort and Spa , and Junipine Resort , among other hotels in Sedona, for fun vacations with teens.

The Florida Keys

For parents who really want to impress hard-to-please tweens and teens, a trip to the Florida Keys is an incredible option! From turquoise waters to friendly locals, there is a lot to love about this Floridian paradise. Here, active teens can swim, snorkel, go parasailing, and more!

The Florida Keys are a chain of islands off the southern coast of Florida. Key West is the most popular destination, but there are also many other smaller islands to explore. Teens interested in history can tour several historic lighthouse sites across the east coast of the Keys, including the Key West Lighthouse & Keepers Quarters . The Key West Shipwreck Museum is another great option for learning about local history. Then, adventurous tweens and teens can explore the area by water aboard kayaks , sailboats , jet skis , and more.

Don’t miss the chance to get in the water! Whether your teens love to wade in the ocean along pristine beaches , or snorkel with the fish amongst serene scenes of beautiful coral, you have many options here. Want to hear a few fishy ghost tales about pirates and treasure? Embark on a ghost tour with Ghosts & Gravestones Tour Key West . No wonder this is one of the best vacations for teens and tweens in the United States!

Where to Stay in the Florida Keys with Teens and Tweens

Enjoy fun in the sun during your stay in the Florida Keys! For family-friendly accommodations in Key West, consider Key West Marriott Beachside . With everything from simple guest rooms to three-room residences, it offers a bunch of activities like water sports. In Key West, families also love Parrot Key Hotel and Villas , the Casa Marina Key West, A Waldorf Astoria Resort , and ​​the Hyatt Centric Resort and Spa . On Key Largo, families can stay at Baker’s Cay Resort, Key Largo ,  or at Hawks Cay Resort on Duck Key. As one of the top destinations for teens and tweens in the US, there are many more options to consider. You can find them on this list of the best hotels in Key West and the Florida Keys .

Best Vacations for Teens and Tweens in the Mountain States

The mountains are calling, and you must pack your bags for more of the best vacations for teens and tweens in the United States! There is nothing outdoorsy teens love more than mountain views. Take your adventurous teens on a vacation to remember to one of these mountain state destinations.

Sun Valley, Idaho

Perhaps one of the most underrated destinations for teens on this list, Sun Valley , Idaho, is also one of the best outdoor destinations for tweens or teens. In fact, there are plenty of activities to keep them busy, including hiking, biking, and skiing in the winter. Sun Valley also has a great selection of shops and restaurants. Best of all? It’s located in an absolutely stunning setting that will please everyone in your family.

Start your summer trip with a bit of hiking. Teens will love the four-mile loop trail at Taylor Canyon , which is filled with wildflowers and mountain views. Okay with a bit of climbing while you hike? The Bald Mountain Trail is a great option! Afterward, snag a free ride down the mountain by gondola. Bikers can traverse the paved Wood River Trail , where you can bike four miles to the Sawtooth Botanical Garden . Families who love to ice skate will appreciate the outdoor skating rink (it’s open year-round!). Indeed, teens will adore moving across the ice under the warm summer sun. Alternatively, families can enjoy the Dollar Mountain ski area in the winter. Here families will find gentle slopes, as well as challenging terrain parks. More adventurous skiers can head to Bald Mountain . Other winter activities like ice skating, sledding, sleigh rides, and more. 

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Mountain views and thrilling activities make Colorado Springs one of the top destinations for teens and tweens. This Colorado town is well known for its proximity to Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods, as well as its wide array of outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and more.

First, explore the many trails or outdoor ​​rock climbing opportunities of Garden of the Gods. Would you prefer to explore on wheels? Adventures Out West offers an exciting segway tour within the park. On the 2-hour tour, guides will take families to several stops to soak in views of the ancient rock formations, as well as share information about area flora and fauna. Jeep tours and ATV tours are also available in the area. Want to explore Colorado Springs by air? Take a Royal Gorge Zip Line Tour . Alternatively, explore by water aboard a white water rafting experience.

Then, just an hour away from the city, Pikes Peak is a must for teens and tweens. When you require an indoor activity, there are also several museums in the city, such as the National Museum of World War II Aviation and the Money Museum. No wonder Colorado Springs is one of the best trips for teens!

Want to see more of Colorado with teens and tweens? Take a Colorado road trip with teens using this One-Week Colorado Itinerary For Families: Excellent for This Summer!

Where to Stay in Colorado Springs with Tweens and Teens

Colorado Springs is brimming with family-friendly hotels! To stay on the beautiful shores of Cheyenne Lake, book the iconic Broadmoor , which has summer activities for all ages. For a cozier feel, try the Cheyenne Mountain Colorado Springs, A Dolce Resort , located on a private lake. The Gardens of the Gods Resort and Club offers guests a chance to stay inside a private country club near the best sights in town. Of course, tweens will love the indoor water park at the Great Wolf Lodge Colorado Springs ! For more suggestions on where to stay, read our list of hotels in Colorado Springs that families will Love .

Looking for more adventure-filled vacations with teens and tweens in the United States? Moab is sure to please even your most persnickety of travelers! This small town is located in the heart of Utah’s red rock country and is a haven for outdoor activities.

While you’re here, there are plenty of hiking and biking trails to explore, as well as canyoneering and rock climbing. And if you’re really feeling adventurous, you can even go river rafting on the Colorado River . Moab is also home to Arches National Park , where you can see some of the world’s most impressive natural rock formations. There are over 2,000 natural sandstone arches in the park, as well as hiking trails and scenic viewpoints. Moab is also perfect for taking an off-roading adventure , which you can do in Canyonlands or Arches National Parks and other locations. Have an aspiring paleontologist in your family, don’t miss the Paleosafari Moab Giants or Mill Canyon Dinosaur Trails (where you can see fossilized tracks!). Finally, there are plenty of places to stay in Moab with tweens and teens, everything from hotels to RV parks and camping sites. 

Don’t miss these Adventurous Things to Do in Moab That Kids Will Love !

Where to Stay in Moab with Teens and Tween

If you need somewhere to stay in Moab with teens and tweens, you’re in the right place. For a typical hotel experience, try the Hyatt Place Moab , which has an outdoor pool and hot tub. Parents who want to stay close to Arches National Park will appreciate the convenience of the Hoodoo Moab, Curio Collection By Hilton . For a more rugged experience in the wilderness, check out Base Camp Adventure Lodge , Under Canvas Glamping Tents Moab , and the Red Cliffs Lodge. Regardless of which spot you choose, you’re sure to have a fun vacation with teens!

Telluride, Colorado

There are plenty of reasons to visit Telluride , Colorado, with your teen or tween. The charming town is nestled in a beautiful mountain valley and is surrounded by picturesque scenery. Not to mention, there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy in the area, too, including hiking, biking, and skiing in the winter. 

The Telluride & Mountain Village Gondola is a gorgeous way to start your time here. This bird’s eye view of the area is sure to impress. Then, embark on a 5-mile hike in Bear Creek Preserve to see the 70-foot cascading waterfall, Bear Creek Falls . And, if your teen or tween is into adventure activities, they can even go zip-lining or try their hand at river rafting . Alternatively, winter visitors can hit the slopes at Telluride Ski Resort . Telluride is also home to several great museums and historical sites too. In fact, the Telluride Historical Museum is housed in a beautiful Victorian building and tells the story of the town’s mining past.

Have a foodie teen? Be sure to check out Brown Dog Pizza for some of the best local pizzas. Then, Baked in Telluride is great for a latte and a pastry to start the day. With so much to offer, this is undoubtedly one of the best vacations with teens and tweens in the United States.

Interested in fun vacations for teens with skiing? Here are the Best Ski-In/Ski-Out Resorts In Colorado For Families .

Lake Tahoe, Nevada/California

Lake Tahoe is an incredible destination for teens and tweens. Situated in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Lake Tahoe is known for its beautiful scenery, as well as for offering fun vacations for teens. Whether you’re on the Nevada side or the California side, there are plenty of recreational activities to keep your teen or tween busy, including hiking, biking, swimming, and boating.

Few places in the United States can rival the beauty of Lake Tahoe. It’s no wonder it’s a popular destination for families! The lake itself is stunning, with crystal-clear water and towering mountains. Challenge teens to plan a fun day at the lake for the whole family. They can select from activities like lakeside picnics, beachside games, swimming, or kayaking and paddle boarding. You can even take a clear-bottom kayak tour ! Then, sneak in an exciting day at Tah o e Treetop Adventure Parks , offering a series of courses and zip lines to traverse. Plus, don’t miss the chance to go rafting down the Truckee River ! The gentle 5-mile float offers stunning views and tons of fun in the sun. Consider booking with either Truckee River Raft Co. or Truckee River Rafting . Finally, those wanting to explore the area by horseback have several options, including Piping Rock Equestrian Center .

Traveling in the summer? Check out these ​​ Summer Activities in North Lake Tahoe That Kids Will Love .

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Looking for a place that offers several diverse, adventurous teenager vacation ideas? Look no further than Jackson Hole , Wyoming. Not only is it close to two national parks, but outdoorsy teens and tweens can spend their days hiking, biking, fishing, or kayaking.

First, head to Yellowstone National Park , home to various wildlife, including bears, bison, and elk. And, of course, no trip to Yellowstone National Park would be complete without seeing the geysers and other natural wonders. Next, Grand Tetons National Park provides miles of trails along the Snake River. Then, families can also try a thrilling experience like water-rafting , rock climbing , or horseback riding. If white water rafting is your jam, there are several options on the Snake River. If you’re looking to take in Jackson Hole from the skies, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and Snow King Mountain Resort offer ropes course adventures that teens will love. Back in town, don’t miss catching the Jackson Hole Shootout . Looking for a truly unique experience that will impress teens? Head to Astoria Hot Springs , just 20 minutes from Jackson. Finally, don’t miss all the action at Jackson Hole Rodeo !

Planning to spend most of your time at the Grand Tetons National Park? Use our Ultimate Guide to Grand Tetons National Park with Kids .

Best Vacations for Teens and Tweens on the West Coast

If you want to impress your tweens and teens, go west! Along the West Coast, families will discover an array of fun vacations for teens and tweens. Here are two of our favorite West Coast options for vacations with tweens and teens in the United States!

Los Angeles, California

Next on our list of the best destinations for teens and tweens in the United States is Los Angeles . In this palm tree-lined teen utopia, there are plenty of activities to keep them busy and having fun, from sightseeing to shopping.

One of the most popular attractions in Los Angeles is the Hollywood Walk of Fame . Your teen or tween can explore the stars of their favorite movies and TV shows. Plus, they can also take a picture with their favorite star’s handprints! Film buffs will also enjoy checking out Universal Studios Hollywood . Indeed, Harry Potter fans can’t miss a chance to visit The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter ! For more thrills, check out nearby Disneyland or Knott’s Berry Farm .

Fashion icons in your family will find plenty of shopping in LA too. Many stores cater to teens, including Forever 21 and H&M . Then, trendy teens will also adore exploring Chinatown with its beautiful lanterns, historic architecture, and yummy restaurants. Finally, teens can also stroll the Venice Beach Boardwalk or take surf lessons . Other fun beaches near LA include Playa del Ray and Little Corona del Mar . Pleasing almost every travel style, it’s no wonder LA is one of the best vacations for tweens and teens in the United States!

Don’t miss these 10 Exciting Things To Do In Los Angeles With Teens and Preteens This Summer !

San Diego, California

Just a few hours south of LA, San Diego is another great option for vacationing with teens and tweens in the United States. This California city offers beautiful weather year-round, and plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained.

When you’re ready to start having fun, there are several famous attractions in San Diego, including SeaWorld , Legoland , and the San Diego Zoo . Plus, teens can leave San Diego sun-kissed and tan after lounging on one of the many nearby beaches, including Mission Beach and Pacific Beach . Active families can also rent bicycles from one of the many shops along Mission Beach and cruise the oceanfront bike path down to Belmont Park . If you really want to impress them in San Diego, embark on a sunset boat cruise around the harbor with Hornblower . Talk about Instagramable ocean views! Then, take nature-loving tweens and teens to Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve for a hike along the beautiful jagged hills. In nearby La Jolla, you can even book a kayak tour through sea caves with La Jolla Sea Cave Kayaks . Not to mention, spot sea lions while you meander the beach area. 

Spending a week in the area? Use this Best 7-Day San Diego Itinerary with Kids .

Where to Stay in San Diego with Teens and Tweens

Wondering where to stay in San Diego with teens and tweens? Situated on 400 sprawling acres, the Fairmont Grand Del Mar is centrally located, kid-friendly, and even has four pools. Families who want to stay directly on the beach will love Hotel Del Coronado, Curio Collection By Hilton . It’s housed on a Victorian property and is only five miles from downtown San Diego. For more San Diego hotel suggestions, please read our article on the best waterfront hotels in San Diego for families.

Best Vacations for Teens and Tweens in Alaska and Hawaiʻi

Epic adventures await your family in Alaska or Hawaiʻi. While flights might be a tad longer than those in the Lower 48, teens and tweens can handle the distance in anticipation of these exciting destinations. If you’re still looking for some of the best vacations for tweens and teens in the US, keep reading.

While there are many great destinations for teens or tweens in the United States, Alaska is one of the best places to visit. Alaska is a great place to travel with teens and tweens because it offers so many different activities, including sea and land-based adventures. For example, your family can go hiking, fishing, canoeing, whale spotting, or even dog sledding. Plus, Alaska also has some of the most breathtaking scenery in the country. 

Start your exploration of Alaska at Denali National Park and Preserve . Consider hiking trails like the 3.2-mile McKinley Station Trail , great for birders, or the scenic 4.6-mile McKinley Bar Trail . Want to take a bird’s eye view of the park? Take a flightseeing tour of Denali National Park by floatplane. If eastern Alaska is on your itinerary, teens will be thrilled to try climbing on the ice faces of Root Glacier at Wrangell-St. Elias National Park . Other unique outdoor adventures in Alaska include glacial pools, ice caves, and hiking along the ice fields in Kenai Fjords National Park . Alaska also has several teen-friendly museums, such as the Anchorage Museum and the Iditarod Dog Sled Race Museum . And, of course, no trip to Alaska would be complete without seeing fantastic wildlife, such as whales, bears, and eagles.

Try one of the 23 Exciting Cool-Weather Summer Destinations in the US for Families .

Maui, Hawaiʻi

If you’re looking for a tropical getaway with teens or tweens, look no further than Maui ! The second largest of the Islands of Hawaiʻi, Maui offers plenty of teen-friendly activities like snorkeling, hiking, surfing, biking, and kayaking. Certainly, Maui is also a great place to relax and enjoy beautiful beaches.

Start your trip by soaking up the sun. There are many beaches to choose from in Maui, including Kapalua Bay , Launiupoko Beach Park , and Nāpili Bay . While you relax on the beach, let tweens and teens splash, swim, and snorkel. There are also many scenic hikes that the whole family can enjoy. Consider beautiful trails like Pīpīwai Trail (located above the Oheo Gulch), Twin Falls Hike , or Wai’anapanapa Coastal Trail . For more outdoor adventures, add Haleakalā National Park to your itinerary (it’s a great place to catch a sunset!). To learn more about Maui’s local cultures and history, you can visit the Maui Ocean Center, The Aquarium of Hawaii, or the Royal Lahaina Luau. Regardless of how you fill your days, Maui is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in the United States with tweens or teenagers.

Alternatively, if you’re looking for more active teenager vacation ideas, consider spending a few days in Honolulu , on the island of Oʻahu . For a quieter holiday, consider spending time on the island of Kauaʻi . This is undoubtedly one of the best vacations for tweens and teens in the United States!

Don’t miss experiencing the Road to Hāna, Maui with Kids – Exciting Half-Day Itinerary .

Where to Stay on Maui with Teens and Tweens

Parents love the family-friendly hotels in Maui! In Ka’anapali Beach, there’s the Hyatt Residence Club Maui, Ka’anapali Beac h , and The Westin Maui Resort & Spa . These oceanfront hotels in Maui make it easy to jump into the water and swim with a turtle. Wailea, on South Maui, is home to Grand Wailea Maui, A Waldorf Astoria Resort , the Fairmont Kea Lani Maui , and Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea . Kīhei, between Ka’anapali and Wailea, is where most rental condos are located for those who would rather have space over amenities. Be sure to also check out these awesome hotels in Hawaiʻi!

Best National Park Vacations for Tweens and Teens

Budding naturalists and outdoor enthusiasts won’t find anything to complain about when visiting the best national parks for tweens and teens. Across the US, teen travelers will have a blast embarking on epic outdoor adventures at these national parks. Whether you want hiking, fishing, camping, or rafting, these national parks can please even the pickiest of teens. Indeed, they rank highly amongst the best vacations with teens and tweens in the United States.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Located in Tennessee and North Carolina, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the best national parks for tweens and teens. Part of the Appalachian Mountains, families will have the opportunity to learn about and observe a variety of local plant and animal life here. Plus, the mountains offer a variety of activities that will keep your tweens and teens entertained during the whole vacation! There are hiking trails, waterfalls, and scenic drives – to name a few things. Plus, your family can also enjoy horseback riding, fishing, and camping within the park. Inside the park, consider hiking trails like Abram Falls Trail, a popular 5.2-mile trail with a waterfall. Alternatively, Mount LeConte (via the Alum Cave Trail) is a beautiful 11-mile hike (arguably one of the most exciting trails in the park!).

After long days exploring the park, nearby attractions include Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Museum and the Gatlinburg Space Needle (which offers a 360-degree view of the mountains). Finally, families can also explore one of the best vacations with teens and tweens in the United States by ATV with Bluff Mountain Adventures .

Here are the 10 Best National Parks in the United States for Families .

The Big National Parks 5 in Utah

Looking for a truly epic adventure for your active tweens or teens? Take a family vacation to the Big 5 National Parks in Utah ! Teens and tweens are at a stage where they want to explore and have new experiences. What better place to do that than in some of America’s best national parks? The Big 5 encompasses Bryce Canyon, Zion, Arches, Capitol Reef, and Canyonlands National Parks. All are known for their natural beauty and incredible outdoor adventures like hiking, rafting, camping, and more. Whether you visit one or visit them all, your tweens and teens are sure to be impressed! Here’s a brief breakdown of each park to learn more.

Zion National Park is one of the country’s most famous national parks, and it’s easy to see why. With its stunning red rock cliffs, hiking trails, and river rafting, there’s something for everyone in this park. Then, Bryce Canyon National Park is known for its beautiful hoodoos (rock formations that look like pillars or columns). It’s a great place to hike, take scenic drives, and stargaze. Arches National Park is home to more than 2,000 natural stone arches, making it a must-see for any teen or tween (and adults, too!). In addition to the arches, there are also hiking trails, canyoneering routes, and petroglyphs. Perhaps one of the most underrated parks, Capitol Reef National Park is worth visiting for its stunning canyons, domes, and bridges in the Waterpocket Fold. Finally, Canyonlands National Park showcases a primitive desert vibe with out-of-this-world views. 

Use this Utah National Parks Road Trip Itinerary For Families to help plan your trip!

Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon National Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. And for a good reason! In fact, the Grand Canyon is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, stretching 227 miles long. It’s truly a sight to behold. 

There are plenty of things to do at the Grand Canyon for families too. For teens and tweens, explore thrilling hiking trails, like the almost 13-mile Grand Canyon Rim Trail . Alternatively, another great option is the nearly 4-mile North Kaibab Trail to Supai Tunnel and Coconino Overlook . Then, you can also take a tour on a mule or go rafting down the Colorado River. The Grand Canyon is also a great place to learn about American history and culture. Numerous Native American tribes have lived in the area for centuries. Families will certainly appreciate learning more about their unique histories and seeing their traditional dwellings. If you’re looking for a place to travel with your teens and tweens that is both beautiful and educational, the Grand Canyon is a great option.

Decided on the Grand Cayon? Try this Amazing Sedona and Grand Canyon Itinerary For Families .

Happy Traveling with Tweens and Teens!

There’s no doubt that traveling with tweens and teenagers can be challenging, but it can also be incredibly rewarding. If you’re looking for fun places to travel with your teens and tweens, we hope you found a great idea or two from this list featuring the 21 Vacations With Teens and Tweens In The United States That Are Sure To Impress . From national parks and epic outdoor adventures to historic cities and trendy shopping destinations, plenty of exciting US destinations are sure to impress even the coolest of teenage travelers. Have a great time exploring some of the best vacations for teens and tweens in the United States!

*Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some of the attractions, accommodations, or things to do on this list may be closed. Please ensure availability before making your decision. 

*This post may contain affiliate links that may earn us a small commission, at no additional cost to you. Affiliate links in no way inform the hotels, sights, products, or other recommendations included in our articles. All opinions and recommendations expressed here are compiled from submissions submitted by the generous members of our Families Who Love To Travel community.

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Julie Hoag Writer

The Ultimate Road Trip Packing List for Teens: How to Survive

May 9, 2018

Teens tend to love traveling, but most of them hate riding in the car for long periods. This makes a family road trip a challenge. The Ultimate Road Trip Packing List for Teens: How to Survive  contains ideas I use for travel planning for my own family.   Parents will reap the gifts of a well-crafted road trip packing list as well because there will be less complaining from teens. This brings smiles to parents’ faces and makes for pleasant traveling, so I’m sharing my ideas to help:) Check it out below!

This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through links, I earn a small advertising fee. Please see my disclaimer in the top bar menu for details. Thank you:)

My family loves to travel and we try to take a vacation every year. Whether we fly or drive, I have my kids pack up a  backpack with things to help prevent boredom . My teens often have low patience for long trips so they benefit from careful planning for a packing list. Boredom leads to complaining, so it’s best just to try and avoid it with a good plan;) Pleasant travel time depends on keeping kids occupied; this is my goal as a mom. We need to survive the travel portion of the trip to get to the fun stuff .

I have three boys, so these ideas are boy-focused, but I’m sure girls may love some of these things too;)

Food & Beverages

Two words. Pack snacks:)

Food and individual snacks are essential for traveling with teens. Teens get hungry and then cranky; I list this first for that very reason. Here are some ideas of what to pack for snacks for a family road trip:

• cashews, peanuts, almonds, pistachios (unshelled is easiest in the car)
• Nutella® with breadsticks
• granola bars
• fruit roll-ups
• individual bags of chips
• string cheese or cheese sticks (pack in a small cooler)
• yogurt drinks
• individual packets of crackers
• snack mixes with crackers and pretzels
• trail mixes with raisins and nuts
• favorite candies
• sports drinks
• water bottles

Stopping at a gas station for snacks is also a favorite part of going on a road trip for my kids. It’s fun for them to pick something while out on the road.

Parenting Tip for Traveling with Teens: Let teens have a say in trip activities. If teenagers help plan the trip, they will be much more willing to participate, plus they will have more fun!

Phones & electronics.

Phones are a must for teens if they have one. Electronics of some sort are a necessary evil on road trips with kids. They work so well to occupy kids and teens that they are an absolute essential for a travel kit. Bring along a tablet or iPad with movies loaded on it as well to occupy kids.

Making sure the car charger works before leaving is an absolute must. I even bring an extra along in case one dies on the trip.

A portable charger is an ideal item to pack as well. Be sure to charge it up before embarking on the trip. This is a perfect charger back-up in case the car charger isn’t working or if the cord doesn’t reach the person using the device.

Kids can even read on their phones, so phones aren’t all bad;) See below for some book suggestions.

Books & DVD’s

Whether the book is an actual physical book, an audible book, or an ebook on a device, books are a great way to occupy kids. Plus, it will get them off of games for awhile anyway.

Bring a portable DVD player or iPad to play movies on while in transit to help them stay occupied and entertained. Happy riders who don’t complain make for a happy car ride!

My boys have enjoyed these books and/or movies:

My fellow females , check out this awesome new Contemporary Teen and YA Romance novel (moms and teen girls;) coming out this summer in July 2018.

And this sweet one is on my list to read too this summer:)

A few of my fave Young Adult books include:

Do a book club with your daughter on the road trip, need ideas? Read this for ideas of books for Teenage Girls to Read Alongside Moms.

Ear Buds & Ear Phones

Test the earbuds and earphones prior to the trip to make sure they work. Bring extras because if one set breaks, it’s a disaster and everyone in the car will be listening to several games, movies, or music all at once. Sounds like a crazy situation and no one will survive it!

Have teens load up their phones with a playlist so they can listen to music on the drive. There are free apps to put playlists on. Teens may already have song lists on their phones, but if not, before a road trip is a good time to add them.

Items for Comfort

Neck pillows are a must for traveling with teens. We were in an airport once and my boys wanted a neck pillow as their souvenir because they wanted to be comfortable on the flight. I kept asking them if the neck pillow was really what they wanted and I got emphatic nods. They were so happy on the plane for that trip so I knew it was a good purchase! Now they bring the neck pillows anytime we go on a road trip too.

We recently bought the My Pillow travel pillows for our boys at the Minnesota State Fair. They adore these little travel pillows and are even using them to lounge about the house for extra comfort.

Small soft throw blankets from home are great to bring along too for comfort or if they get cold. Blankets work great also if some people are cold, yet others want the air conditioning on full blast. If we are driving, sometimes my boys have brought the pillows from their own beds. Sometimes my boys even take a nap! Blessed is the nap even in the teen years, my fellow moms!

Other items for comfort include:

• ear plugs (for sleep or for the introvert who needs silence)
• comfortable shoes
• comfortable clothes
• jacket or sweatshirt
• personal mist fan (can use with or without water)

We stumbled upon the personal, portable handheld mist fan one year. My boys fell in love. It can be refilled with water or it can even be used just as a fan without water (if you don’t want the car to get all wet).

We always seem to have disagreements in our car about whether the air is too high or too low. If my boys each have their own fan, they can cool themselves when needed, which is perfect because it reduces complaints!

Tip: Bring a towel!

Bonus tip: My boys also use these fantastic fans for sports practices or when outside to cool down. They are perfect to bring to an amusement park too. We’ve been on vacation to amusements parks where these fan spritzers are sold and they are usually expensive, so save yourself some money and bring your own!

Travel Journal

For kids who like to write, get them a travel journal to record all the fun things they do and see on the road trip. This will give them something to do plus help them create a keepsake of the trip they can enjoy for life.

Teens could even take photos and put them into the journal to make it more like a scrapbook.

Art Supplies

For the young teen artist, get him or her a new drawing notebook, pens, pencils, or markers for the trip.

Educational Activities & Games

If you can get kids to do something educational (but still fun), that’s a bonus! Try having them do a word game with Mad Libs® with a sibling. Loads of laughter often results!  These books are a blast from the past for me, I loved these books as a kid! They can be as silly or as serious as they want with it.

If kids are within reach of each other, which could be good or bad depending on moods, they can play games. We love to play card games on trips.

Love the magnetic games! Perfect for camping trips  and Activities for Making Camping with Kids Easier .

While this next game is for 8+ and might be more appealing to younger kids, I think teens will enjoy it too, especially with younger siblings in the vehicle.

Road Trip Packing List Essentials to Survive Traveling with Kids!

I hope this post about road trip essentials with  The Ultimate Road Trip Packing List for Teens: How to Survive Family Travel  helps families plan for their vacations. Parents will reap the benefits too of a well-crafted road trip packing list with road trip supplies to keep teens and kids happy. These road trip necessities make for pleasant traveling with kids.

I hope you have found some useful ideas that will help your teens and kids endure long travel times to help improve the travel experience for them (and you).

Tell me your own road trip packing list essentials to survive traveling with kids in the comment section below, we need to help each other out in this parenting world! I’d love to hear your ideas.

Have fun on your trip!

Looking for more ideas on family travel? Check out these ideas teens might enjoy on vacation.

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Copyright ©2018 Julie Hoag. All Rights Reserved.

May 10, 2018 at 11:43 am

Omg perfect timing! I needed this for my trip this weekend! Only four hours but with kids it feels like forever!!

May 10, 2018 at 12:21 pm

I know exactly what you mean! Sometimes a half hour in the car is too long, right? Good luck! Have a great trip!

May 10, 2018 at 11:59 am

Just on the brink of having a teenager and so someday soon this will be very helpful!

I hope my tips help! Thanks!

May 10, 2018 at 8:06 pm

What a wonderful idea of giving teens a travel journal to bring along on a trip for them to keep notes. I also really like your book selections too.

May 11, 2018 at 12:26 pm

Thanks! I love the journal idea too and I think many teens would get into this, especially if they like to write. Thanks for reading and for the comment:) I love those books myself!

May 11, 2018 at 1:45 pm

This is helpful because we are going south for the weekend. I have a 9 and 10 year old, but they act like teens! lol. Thanks for the tips! It’s the first trip we are taking without my husband! ❤️

May 11, 2018 at 8:40 pm

I hear ya, 9 and 10-year-olds can act like teens! I hope my tips help and have an enjoyable trip!!

May 11, 2018 at 5:22 pm

This is a great list! We haven’t taken too many roadtrips but I do have young kids so we have a lot of these things in the car with us anyway. If we are going on a longer trip, I always bring a few things that are new so when the kids get bored with their regular activities, I can present them with something new.

May 11, 2018 at 8:39 pm

Yes, new things are always great distraction on a road trip! Thanks!

February 4, 2022 at 7:04 pm

Thank you so much for this list! I have an 18 yr old, 16 yr old, and a 13 yr old that acts 18. We are going on an 8hr trip to Kentucky this week and needed some activities to cure their future boredom. Thank you thank you thank you!

May 1, 2022 at 8:06 am

Great! I hope you found it useful and the trip went well! Your kids are about the same age as mine atm 🙂

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14 Terrific Tween Vacation Destinations To Try In 2024

Do your tweens love theme park thrills or bringing history to life? Chilled beach vibes or active outdoor adventures? We’re guessing most tweens would love a mix of all of these when they’re on vacation!

Pre-teens are at that wonderful age where you’re past the diapers and strollers; no more nap times to consider and their quest for adventure and new experiences feels as unstoppable as their energy levels. Electronics can still be pried away and it’s not too uncool to still be seen with your folks.

Could this be the perfect age for traveling with your kids?

You need to get the formula right though for the perfect tween vacation that will match their energy and excitement. So where in the world should you be heading with your family once you reach those magical tween years?

Here we’re going to share 14 terrific destinations from the US, and around the world that will make for the perfect tween vacation for all types of adventure-lovers.

Universal Orlando, Florida

A western dude ranch, montana, virginia beach, virginia, dubai, united arab emirates, cozumel, mexico, banff, canada, athens, greece, far north queensland, australia, bali, indonesia.

Recommended by Adriane from Put on Your Party Pants

Universal Orlando is the perfect vacation destination for tween s.  Unlike its Disney World counterpart, most of its rides are geared toward older visitors.  

Universal Orlando consists of two theme parks, Universal Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida.  Both are heavily themed, with a ton to see and do.  The Wizarding World of Harry Potter (Hogsmeade at Islands of Adventure and Diagon Alley at Universal Studios) is definitely a highlight.  

The parks are open year-round, but it is best to avoid the summer because of Orlando’s oppressive heat.  You will enjoy your trip more if you don’t have to fight strangers, so try to avoid Christmas and spring break.

Universal Orlando has several on-property hotels.  Hard Rock is the best choice for tweens.  They will enjoy the theming and pool.  As a bonus, your entire party will get free Universal Express Unlimited passes to skip the lines during your time at the park.

Recommended by Keri from Bon Voyage With Kids

One of the best tween vacations to take is to a Western USA Dude Ranch, and feel like a cowboy for a week. Our family has done this two summers in a row at a family dude ranch in Montana, Nine Quarter Circle not far from Yellowstone National Park.

A vacation full of old-fashioned fun and simplicity, a family dude ranch is perfect for tweens because it gets them off screens, encourages them to try new skills, and allows for quality family time with unforgettable experiences.  Our family has loved the dude ranch experience as we all learned to ride horses, challenged ourselves with rides into the Montana mountains, and enjoyed a slow-paced electronic free (because there is no cell service and limited wi-fi) old-fashioned vacation. 

We even took our son on an overnight pack trip, which was a truly memorable experience. The group – led by wranglers – rode by horseback to a camp about two hours from the ranch, where they helped set up tents, a campfire, fences for the horses, and enjoyed a night under the Montana stars. 

Lodging and meals are included in the ranch fee, as well as evening activities, horseback riding, fly fishing, and hiking.  The best time for a dude ranch experience in Montana is summer, between late June through September, as these are the warmest months in Montana. However, if you choose a ranch in a warmer state, you may be able to extend the time of year for this epic tween vacation.

Recommended by Erin Gifford of Go Hike Virginia

Virginia Beach is a coastal escape that’s just right for a family vacation with tweens any time of year thanks to colorful murals, family-friendly beaches, and a three-mile-long boardwalk. Take a selfie with 34-foot-tall King Neptune at the 31st Street beach entrance. It’s an absolute must-do.

Fly a kite at Mount Trashmore, a city park that was once an abandoned landfill. Next, stroll the ViBe Creative District for splashy murals, like the “Greetings from Virginia Beach” mural on 19th Street. Stop in Lolly’s Creamery for a scoop of Real Deal Vanilla. Get in your steps at First Landing State Park. A hike along the Bald Cypress Trail guides families across a freshwater swamp teeming with curious bald cypress trees. It’s one of the best hiking trails in Virginia Beach . Sleep in at the Holiday Inn & Suites Virginia Beach-North Beach, which has an indoor lazy river pool and a splash lagoon. 

Recommended by Melissa from The Family Voyage

Alaska may just be the ultimate tween vacation destination! It’s exactly the sort of active vacation that tweens need to stay engaged and the outdoor focus will keep their faces out of technology (with some exceptions for drives between destinations, giving you a natural break-point to get them off). Tweens will have more stamina for adventure-filled days than younger kids and won’t yet be too cool for anything you have planned.

An ideal trip to Alaska with tweens should be at least 10 days as there’s a lot of ground to cover. Summer break is the perfect time to visit, with August being a little cooler than June and July but with thinner crowds.

Putting together an Alaska itinerary can be extremely daunting, as there are so many fantastic experiences available. If you only have 10 days I’d recommend splitting your time between Anchorage and a few spots on the Kenai Peninsula. Those areas will give you an opportunity to experience whale watching, glacier viewing, bear spotting, fishing, dog sled riding, and plenty of hiking. If you have a few more days you can add on a visit to Denali National Park.

Recommended by Faith from 3 Tickets Please

From the modern city of Lima, through the rainforest of the Amazon to the ancient Machu Picchu, Peru is a wonderful place for an active family to explore.

While it is a privilege to experience Peru at any age, tweens’ curiosity about nature and academic knowledge of indigenous culture make Peru ideal for tweens. Our own family’s interest in traveling to Peru started after our son studied Machu Picchu in school.

We knew seeing Machu Picchu alone would be worth the trip. And yet, adding several days in the Amazon makes this trip unforgettable. In the Amazon, we can not recommend Bonanza Tours more highly.

The best season time to visit Peru is during the dry season, which is May through October. However, be aware that the dry season is also the high season. If you are planning a summer trip, we would recommend timing your trip with Cusco’s Inti Raymi celebration, which occurs in late June.

Recommended by Keri from Dubai Travel Planner

Dubai is simply put a tween paradise! Where else in the world can one city deliver world-class theme parks alongside some of the world’s best water parks, indoor skiing, the tallest man-made tower in the world, and the biggest observation wheel in the world?

Our tweens love the adventure parks, zipline through a ghaf tree forest with Aventura, or try the beach obstacle course parks at JBR and Kite Beach for hours of outdoor fun in the winter.

The Dubai adventure doesn’t end at the city and man-made phenomena, get out into the desert dunes of the UAE and enjoy dune bashing to camel trekking on a desert safari . A visit to Hatta, nestled in the Hajar mountains, will show you a completely different side of the country with airstream camping trailers through to water slides, horseback riding and kayaking on Hatta Dam.

A city simply full of superlatives ready for a tween trip of a lifetime! The summers can be super hot, so the best time to visit to enjoy both the indoor and outdoor highlights is late October through to early May.

There are so many brilliant family resorts in Dubai but we’d choose one where your water park is attached with the hotel, try Atlantis the Palm or Jumeirah Beach Hotel for a truly memorable experience in Dubai.

Recommended by Natalie from Blissmersion

Cozumel Island , Mexico is an awesome place for families with tweens to visit. The island is stunning, plus there’s plenty to do without being overwhelmed with possibilities. We love staying in Allegro Cozumel, an all-inclusive resort with an incredible beach. It’s calm and beautiful for swimming and selfies.

Just a short drive away is Mayan Cacao Company. Take a tour of the grounds, learn a bit of the history of chocolate in relation to Cozumel, and then make chocolate. My tweens had a blast getting their hands into chocolate making and the bonus was that we also made chocolate drinks (margaritas for the adults and alcohol-free for the kids).

Additionally, there are several beach parks, the San Gervasio Mayan ruins, and Punta Sur Eco Park (which has crocodiles) all located on Cozumel. The best months to visit Cozumel are December through May (avoiding the hottest months and hurricane season).

Recommended by Vanessa from iheartitaly.co

One of the best places to travel with a pre-teen is Italy. With its offering of beautiful scenery, culture, artwork, and history, Italy is a meaningful and memorable destination for both tweens and parents alike. And with the draw of beaches, lakes, Vespas, pizza, and of course gelato, what kid can say no to a vacation like that?

The big cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice provide ample opportunities for educational experiences while still being close enough to outdoor fun like Italy’s beautiful coast or mountain ranges. Italy provides some of the most efficient and affordable train travel in the world, allowing you to access much of the country easily.

Possibly the best thing about taking tweens to Italy is that Italians are generally kind to children and families, making you feel a warm welcome wherever you go. 

Recommended by Celine from Travel Banff Canada

There are so many fun outdoor activities for kids in Banff National Park any time of year, but visiting Banff in winter is the perfect winter holiday with pre-teens.

With three world-class ski resorts within the park, kids can enjoy time on the hill. Even beginners to skiing or snowboarding will quickly catch on with lessons on the hill. At Mt Norquay and Lake Louise Ski Resort, kids will have a blast on the tube parks.

Aside from skiing, plan a day at Lake Louise to skate on the frozen lake or snowshoe amongst the towering snow-covered trees. Nearby easy hikes, like to the end of the Lake Louise lakeshore or Johnston Canyon, will leave the whole family in awe as you see the stunning frozen blue waterfalls.

Families will love the space at the Hidden Ridge Resort, where there’s an outdoor hot tub and the Premier 2 Bedroom condos even have a games room.

Recommended by Sinead from Map Made Memories

Costa Rica is a fantastic destination for tweens. The country is packed with incredible nature including volcanoes, white sand beaches, the hot springs in Arenal, and rainforest and cloud forest around Monteverde. There are ‘up close’ wildlife opportunities throughout the country including volunteering opportunities at turtle sanctuaries in Guanacaste and at Proyecto Asis in La Fortuna.  

A Costa Rica vacation is ideal for adrenaline-loving tweens. Choose from mountain biking, white water rafting, hiking, surfing, or horse-riding activities. Walk the hanging bridges in Arenal and La Fortuna, brave the thrilling zip lines over the rainforest in Monteverde or attempt the leap of faith Tarzan swing. 

The best time to visit Costa Rica is from November to May, avoiding the ‘green season’ or rainy season. An ideal location in Guanacaste is Guacamaya Lodge which offers tennis courts and an outdoor swimming pool and is minutes from a golden beach.

Recommended by Ania from The Travelling Twins

Every one of us, at some point generally as a tween, had to read mythology and learn about Ancient Greece. And what is the best place to learn about it if not in Greece?

Ancient Greece is one of the most interesting and important parts of world history. Athens is the best place to learn about it – not only does the city have some of the oldest ruins in the world, but it’s also full of artifacts and museums that help bring ancient Greece to life.

You can walk with your kids around the Acropolis and discuss mythology or democracy, which all started here. It is the best place to help your kids to fall in love with history., mythology and architecture.

Besides museums and ruins, Athens offers lots of other activities like strolling through Palaka visit one of the many traditional taverns to eat amazing greek food.

The best time to visit Athens with kids is in the spring or fall when the weather is mild, and there are fewer tourists. The summer months can be very hot and crowded, and the winter months can be cold and rainy.

Recommended by Leah from Kids Bucket List

If you are looking for a tropical paradise for your tween that offers not only incredible goldilocks weather, but a plethora of activities that they will love, then Far North Queensland in Australia is a top choice. 

Boasting two world heritage sites, The Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest, you can fill your days up here with adventure and sightseeing.

Base yourself in Cairns , Palm Cove or Port Douglas where you can take a day trip out to one of the many tropical islands and swim with turtles whilst glimpsing the incredible coral reefs or head to the Daintree. At 150 million years it is the oldest and most biologically diverse tropical rainforest in the world where you can glimpse colourful butterflies, the cassowary and more. 

Cane toad racing, crocodile feeding, waterfall swimming, train rides, sugar cane farms,  and more, Far North Queensland never fails to get a giant tick from both my kids.  

If you are looking for a real treat for the family, we highly recommend booking a swim-out apartment at the Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort & Spa for the length of your stay. 

Recommended by Maraya from Stuff Mums Like

Bali is the ideal place to holiday with your tween. The best option is to rent a villa with a private pool somewhere like Seminyak or Canggu for beach life or around Ubud for the mountains. Then you have the opportunity to enjoy all the activities Bali has to offer.

Our favourites are the beach clubs such as Jungle Fish (Ubud) or Ku De Ta (Seminyak), the temple at Ulluatu, and the Monkey Forest at Ubud. There’s also the Bali Safari park where you can stay over.

Bali has so many options of things to see, eat and do, so avoid the resorts and get out and explore!

Recommended by Brad from Family Travel in the Middle East

Jordan is a land of mystery, with the incredible Lost City of Petra its most famous site, but did you know it’s also home to the ancient Roman city of Gerasa, Bethany Beyond the Jordan, Mount Nebo, and the Madaba Map? It’s one small Middle Eastern country with an incredibly deep history dating back thousands of years; the perfect destination to complement the Middle School learning of little explorers who love bringing lessons to life.

Unlike many of its neighbours, Jordan has remained a peaceful moderate in the region, perfectly safe for a rich and incredible family adventure back through time. If the history alone isn’t enough to capture their imaginations, tell me a child who doesn’t want to visit the lowest point on earth and float in the Dead Sea?

I recommend 7 to 10 days for your first trip to see all the best highlights of Jordan, with spring and autumn the best times of year to visit. You’ll be moving around a lot, but I can highly recommend Wadi Rum Bedouin Camp as one of the best overnight stops for sleeping under the vast star-lit sky of Wadi Rum Desert, a tween adventure of a lifetime.

Have we inspired your next tween adventure? Let us know if you have any other fabulous destinations to suggest for your next vacation with tweens.

• Don’t forget to check out all our favorite tween luggage suggestions when you’re ready to start packing for vacation – from backpacks to rolling suitcases
• Grab our downloadable tween packing list over here
• Hitting the road? Check out our favorite tween car games and road trip activities
• Looking to kit your tween out with all the accessories they need before a big trip? Jump into our tween travel gift ideas!

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Road Trip Scavenger Hunt for Tweens – Free Printable

Our family loves road trip games. Scavenger hunts, road trip bingo, license plate game…we play them all. They’re a fun way to reduce the amount of electronics we use in the car, and look at the sights as we drive. This Travel Scavenger Hunt for tweens and teens is a little harder, which makes it great for adults as well.

My siblings and I still talk about the ridiculousness that happened on our family road trip vacations, and I definitely want my own kids to do the same someday.

My dad once turned around and backtracked 10 miles because my mom was sure she saw a real, live alligator by the side of the road, and we wanted to see it too.

That alligator turned out to be an old blown tire by the side of the road and made family history. “Florida alligator” (old tire) now holds a permanent spot on our road trip scavenger hunt lists, and a permanent spot in our family vacation hall of fame.

Silly stories are the best part of road trips, and you can’t make those when heads are buried in electronic gizmos.

This post may contain affiliate links. I could earn a small commission from purchases at no cost to you.

Table of Contents

Prep your Road Trip Scavenger Hunt List

Since this printable scavenger hunt is geared for older kids (9+) and adults, you have a couple more options to prep the family games for your next road trip.

I usually recommend laminating your travel printables and using a dry erase marker for younger kids, to keep them clean and reuse.

But for the 9-14 year old crowd, adding them to a DIY Travel Binder in plastic sleeves works well. They may even enjoy doing the printing and prep themselves. It’s a great way to get them involved in vacation planning.

With teens, anything goes. They’re likely to roll their eyes whatever you give them, so a printed paper and pencil are fine. While I definitely like meeting teens where they are, I’m not a fan of sending them the file to check off on their phones. Fun road trip games are the perfect way to get their heads out of their devices.

Check out my other Travel and Outdoor printables to get more fun games for your next vacation with kids of all ages.

Share this Scavenger Hunt with Friends:

Your shares are how this site grows, and I am genuinely appreciative when you do. Pin to your Travel Pinterest board or share this idea on Facebook.

Travel Scavenger Hunt Rules

To avoid backseat bickering and make sure everyone has fun, make sure to set some guidelines beforehand.  You can choose to play together as a group, or have feisty family competitions. Our family rules are:

• Two players can’t claim the same item in the same place. For example, one construction site can provide a hard hat, a bulldozer, and an orange barrel, but not two claims of orange barrels. First person to call it, gets it.
• To prevent any sneaky business, all objects found must be confirmed by another player.  Don’t worry, any possible cheating stops right away when the guilty party realizes that confirmation is a two-way street.
• Only items spotted during actual travel time get counted.  Any pit stop for food or bathroom break where when out of the car is considered a “game pause”.
• Start playing after everyone has had a chance to read the list of items. Finish when the car turns off at your final destination.

The player who finds the most items is crowned the champion. So, make sure to keep your eyes peeled and be ready to have some silly, road trip fun!

Download the Road Trip Scavenger Hunt Printable

Ready to hit the road with an extra dose of fun? Simply click the orange button below to grab your printable Road Trip Scavenger Hunt. It’s compact, it’s portable, and it’s guaranteed to add a whole new level of excitement to your travels. Get ready to create memories that will last a lifetime!

Print as many as you need for your next long trip (personal use only).

Printable Travel Scavenger Hunt 739.28 KB 94438 downloads

Thanks so much for visiting!  Because of all the interest in my travel printables, I’ve created a separate site all about family travel with teens and tweens.

You can find even more travel printables, car games for teens, trip adventures, gear and gift guides, and much more at Meander & Coast . I can’t wait for you to join all the fun.  See you there!

I love color, pattern, terrible puns and loud 80s music.

I've been creating and teaching craft tutorials since 2005, for magazines, manufacturers, and here at CSD.

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14 Comments

Thanks so much for linking up to the Creative Exchange! I love this idea it is perfect! Seriously. We drove a total of 7 hours over the weekend in our vehicle that doesn’t have a tv. It would have come in handy! Thanks again!

I forgot to mention that I featured you on this weeks highlights:

http://www.avisiontoremember.com/2014/05/the-creative-exchange-link-party_27.html

Hahaha…some of the items on your list just cracked me up…”wash me” and a driver picking his nose were my favorites. In fact, I just saw a driver picking his nose the other day!

Eileen, those drivers are everywhere! I love having older kids, so much fun to be silly with them.

I honestly think some adults would have a hoot doing the list. 🙂

Love it! Thanks so much for sharing! Using it on our upcoming trip for sure! Love “torturing” my kids with non-electronic time!

Oh my I almost did not recognize you with that super duper hair doo.

You have your Florida Alligator, we had our “Texas Armadillo” that my Mom pointed out and made us go back to see. Yes it was re-tread from a semi ‘s tire. Now even my Grandkids point out an Armadillo when traveling. The oldest of which was mighty surprised when we saw some real ones in Florida last year. Road trips/moves as military brats who moved a lot were awesome to me. Now I travel by car or motorcycle as often as I can. Thanks for your posts

Sheila, I love that story!

Oh my goodness thank you for this scavenger hunt. I have 2 teens and they will love this! I love your reason for trying to avoid the electronics, DVDs I feel the same way.

This is awesome for adults too! Thanks for posting this!

thanks for sharing this 🙂

Brilliant! Can’t wait to use this!

I am going on spring break! GREAT IDEAS!!!

Carla Schauer Designs is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. See full disclosure.

What to Pack For a Road Trip For Tweens? [20 Things]

Ah, the road trip. An exciting right of passage for many American families. They can be stressful but a lot of fun too. You might be wondering what you should bring on a road trip for tweens.

Don’t worry, we have an excellent list of what to pack so you’ll be ready for anything. You’ll want to make sure your tween stays comfortable, fed, and entertained while on the road . Here are some items you don’t want to forget. 

20 Things To Pack For a Road Trip With Tweens

1.grocery store bags.

These make great trash bags and you can also put wet bathing suits in them. They can also be good for motion sickness. You might want to have each child be in charge of their garbage bag. This keeps things tidy while also encouraging some independence for your tween. 

2.Extra sandwich bags

These can be good for things you find along on your journeys such as seashells or neat rocks. You’ll want to pack away any cool things you find on your trip to bring home. You’ll be helping build memories of the trip with your tween by keeping little keepsakes. You’ll be keeping them engaged by collecting things. 

During covid, you never know when you’ll need to mask up. You might have to make a pitstop at a store as an example. Your tween might forget a mask so make sure to pack one for everybody on the trip so you won’t run into a no-mask dilemma. 

4.Hand Sanitizer and Wipes

This will make it easy to clean your hands before eating. Hand sanitizer is also good during the pandemic. You’ll be able to make sure your tween is hygienic even on the road. You’ll want to use hand sanitizer after stopping at different places on your trip too. 

5.Kleenex, toilet paper, paper towels

Good for emergency stops when you need to go. Kids often need to go to the bathroom at inconvenient times. These things can also be used for clean-up if there are spills in the backseat. You’ll be glad you’re stocked up on paper goods on a trip with a tween. 

6.First Aid Kit

Make sure your first aid kit is stocked and in the car. Bring the basics as well as prescription medications that you need. You might also want to include sunscreen. You never know when a tween might fall and get a scrape or anything else on the road. Perhaps if your child has allergies you might want to bring along their epi-pen and things of that nature. 

7.Flashlights and headlamp

You’ll want everyone to have their own flashlight to use at night and you might want a headlamp to look for stuff in the car when it’s dark. A tween will need the flashlight to have access to all of their stuff in the car in the dark. You’ll want to make sure they can see to get to things and keep things organized. 

8.Cell phones

If your Tween has a phone you’ll want them to bring it and you should bring yours as well. (This probably goes without saying but don’t forget it!) If anyone gets separated say at a rest stop you’ll be able to call them because they have their phone. You never want your child to be without a phone in case of emergency. 

9.Headphones or Earbuds

Make sure they are in working order for the trip. Everyone has different preferences of what to listen too so why subject everyone to one person’s likes. Your tween probably wants to listen to their music so this way they can without subjecting you to it. 

10.Travel batteries and charging cords

You’ll want to make sure you can charge all your electronic devices. It could be an emergency for a tween if their device dies during the trip. Rather than listen to them complain, be prepared instead and have batteries and cords!

This will give the kids something to do. Plus you might get better photos than you would on your phone alone. This is an opportunity to teach kids how to use a DSLR. If they have social media,  you can interest them by having them get photos from the trip to share on their pages. 

12.iPads or other electronic devices

Good for entertainment on the road but you may wish to limit their use. You want them entertained but also engaged with what is going on. It’s good to have them once things get dark and people get tired. 

13.Books and audiobooks

This is a great way to keep everyone entertained on the trip, easy to read on an iPad in the dark as well. Reading books and listening to audiobooks is better for your tween than say scrolling through social media. 

Rent from Redbox while on your trip, bring DVDs along, or download them on the computer. Then you can watch it whenever you want. Make sure to let your tween pick out a movie they are interested in seeing, too. 

15.Music playlist

This is a great way to get in everyone’s favorite songs and keep everyone engaged if you can get people to agree. Make sure to take turns and let your tween pick out some songs for the playlist. 

16.Blankets

Good for traveling at night and early in the morning. They can also be used for picnics. There are waterproof picnic blankets you can buy where the bottom doesn’t get the rest of the blanket wet if the ground is damp. Having a picnic gets everyone out of the cramped car. 

Pillows are good for sleeping in the car and getting comfortable. You’ll want to make sure your child can get some rest if they are tired and that they are comfortable doing so. 

18.Change of clothes

Always good to be prepared in case of spills or anything else that might come up. If you will be gone overnight bring an extra set of clothes on top of what you are already packing. You don’t want to overpack but it is a good idea to be prepared as tweens can be messy. 

19.Adult coloring book and colored pencils

Great for a bored tween. If they are artistic you might pack a sketchbook instead. Colored pencils or some other medium are good too. You could have them make a travel journal about the trip too if they have a sketchbook. Always support your tween’s artistic side if they have one. 

20.Backpack

One for each kid to be used for whatever they want. You want to give them some choice and be in charge of their entertainment to an extent. This makes sure everything is together and organized and that they don’t lose anything. 

What should a tween bring on a road trip? 

They should bring earbuds and their cell phone and tablet if they have one. They would also do good with an adult coloring book or sketchbook. These would be great ways to keep them entertained on the trip . You might also give them a camera if you bring one. 

How can I make sure everyone is comfortable on a long road trip? 

Make sure you pack pillows and blankets as well as dress comfortably. Leggings and sweatshirts are a go too. Have easy access to snacks. Don’t pack things near people’s feet and make sure they have plenty of legroom. Stay hydrated and make sure everyone is entertained.  

How should I pack my car for a road trip? Make sure to bring what you need but try not to overpack. If you need to get a roof carrier or bring a trailer.

You might want to rent a large vehicle if yours isn’t big enough to fit your family plus everything you need comfortably. When you pack the trunk put in the largest suitcases and the stuff you won’t need to access first.

You’ll want to pack items like snacks in the order you will eat them, with the soonest on the top of the cooler. Don’t drive till everyone is buckled in and make sure you can see out the back and use all mirrors. 

What are some good road trip snacks? 

There are a ton of great snacks that you can bring on a road trip especially if you pack a cooler. You can bring yogurt, cheese sticks, granola bars, muffins, popcorn, and trail mix to name a few. You might even want to pack sandwiches for everyone to save on eating out. 

What are some essentials for a road trip? 

Some essentials are snacks and electronic devices as tweens are often hungry and bored. This will keep them happy and content. Be sure to bring travel batteries and charging cords for all your kid’s electronic stuff for when it dies. 

When you first decide to plan a family road trip, you might be wondering what to bring. Some things on this list may not apply depending on the season, or there may be things you need for a specific trip such as going hiking or the beach. However, this is a good jumping-off point for families wanting to know what to pack for tweens. 

Welcome to my car seat blog! As a mom of 3, I put together with other hard-working moms a highly informative one-stop car seat resource, full with many reviews and buyer guides. I hope you find it invaluable. Thank you for trusting me & my team! - Keren

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