For many families with young children, the holiday season means facing the challenge of holiday travel with cooped-up kiddos. No matter how far your destination, being prepared is essential to pulling off a happy journey with a carful of little ones. Consider the following tips for a safe, comfortable, and dare-we-say-it fun time on the road or in the sky. 

Tips for Holiday Travel with Young Kids

1. Depart Calmly

Get everything ready before it’s time to leave so no one feels rushed. Start preparing everyone a few days before leaving and discuss expectations so everyone understands their role. Get laundry caught up and slowly start packing a day or two in advance. On departure day you’ll be able to leave with time to spare and without stress.

2. Leave with Extra Time

You never know how many potty breaks you might need with kids in the car. Give yourself extra travel time for pit stops along the way and you won’t have to worry about being late. 

3. Bring Snacks

Everyone’s happier on a full stomach. Pack a cooler of healthy snacks and a few not-so-healthy treats as an added travel reward. Don’t forget your child’s favorite toy or stuffed animal. Having something to play with can distract them from the long ride. 

4. Engage with Your Children

Enough praise can’t be uttered about the portable DVD player, but it’s important that you engage with your kids, too. Play car games, sing along to their favorite songs, and bring a Frisbee or other active toy for rest stops. Road trips can be a great opportunity for quality bonding time. 

5. Schedule Breaks

With kids in the car, you’re going to need to stop — probably a lot more than you’d expect. In addition to quick pit-stops, scheduling a few fun places to visit along the way will make your journey seem shorter and like part of the vacation. 

Early Childhood Education, Care, and Enrichment

At Creative Corner Child Care, we provide a safe, nurturing environment for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. To learn more about our childcare and preschool programs, we welcome you to contact us or schedule a visit today. For more information, call us at (615) 581-0157!

AboutCatina Ross

Catina Ross is originally from Millersville, TN, and has called White House home for the past 25 years. She is a registered nurse with over 17 years of experience in the medical field and holds three degrees in nursing, including a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). She is also the Director and co-owner of Creative Corner Child Care Center, where her passion for children’s development and well-being shines every day. Catina brings a unique blend of medical expertise and child development knowledge to the team. She is compassionate, organized, and deeply committed to helping families thrive. When she’s not busy creating new ways to improve the center, she’s spending time with her supportive husband and two sons. Catina writes many of the blogs on our website, especially Mini Moods, which explores child behavior patterns, and Little Boo-Boos, which offers practical medical guidance for parents.