Tips for Traveling with Two Kids Under Three (That You Won’t Find Everywhere)
Traveling with toddlers isn’t for the faint of heart—but with the right systems and mindset, it can actually feel fun, flexible, and memorable. Over the last few years of road trips, I’ve learned some practical strategies that have saved my sanity and helped my kids stay happy on the go.
As we gear up for our six-week Eastern Seaboard road trip in our Casita camper, I wanted to share the unique tips that make travel smoother for our family—beyond the usual “pack snacks and tablets” advice.
1. Plan intentional stops: playgrounds, parks, and picnic-friendly spots
Every two-ish hours, we plan to stop somewhere the kids can move their bodies, not just stretch their legs. We look for playgrounds, local rec centers, or anywhere with space to run, climb, and get their wiggles out.
When I map our route, I use Google Maps to search “playground near me” or check town rec center websites for open gyms or kid-friendly facilities. Bonus points if it’s a park that makes picnicking easy—tables, shade, and a bathroom nearby go a long way for a stress-free lunch stop.
💡 Pro tip: Save a few backup parks along your route in case one doesn’t work out!
One of our favorite road trip tips: stop at playgrounds every few hours to let the kids explore and reset.
2. Pack for easy outdoor time—rain or shine
The weather doesn’t always cooperate when you’re road-tripping with littles, but I’ve learned that having the right gear makes it easier to say yes to adventure anyway.
We always pack:
A pop-up sunshade or canopy for surprise sunny stops
Light rain jackets for everyone
A cheap picnic blanket we’re okay getting dirty
Quick-dry clothes and extra layers in the day bag
By prepping for whatever weather shows up, we don’t miss out on park time or impromptu beach stops just because it’s too hot, too cold, or a little drizzly.
3. Invest in snack cup inserts—game changer for the car
This is one of my favorite, can’t-travel-without-it hacks: these brilliant cup holder snack inserts turn your car’s cup holders into perfect little snack stations.
No more fumbling to pour snacks into smaller containers mid-drive. No more crushed snack bags or dumped goldfish. Just hand over the snack-filled insert and let the kids graze mess-free while you focus on the road.
We always pack gear to make outdoor adventures possible—no matter the weather or setting — including swimsuits!
Seriously—these have been a sanity-saver on every trip.
4. Always leave before sunrise
We’ve learned that hitting the road well before the sun comes up makes for a smoother start, even if the kids don’t fall back asleep. They’re usually sleepy enough to stay calm or quiet those first few hours, and we cover a lot of ground before anyone needs a potty break or snack.
Leaving early also helps avoid traffic in busy areas and gets us to our destination before meltdown hour. It’s a small shift that’s made a huge difference in our travel days.
5. Skip the schedule—embrace the rhythm
The last (and maybe most valuable) tip? Don’t try to keep your normal routine on the road. Instead of forcing nap times, meals, or bedtime on a strict schedule, we’ve learned to embrace the natural rhythm of the day.
Some days naps happen in the stroller. Some nights bedtime is late because we’re watching a sunset at the beach. By holding the schedule loosely, we all stay more flexible—and that makes for happier little travelers (and a much less stressed mom).
Getting Ready for the Big Adventure
We’ll be leaning on these tips and plenty more as we head out for our six-week Eastern Seaboard trip from the Outer Banks to Cape Cod, traveling in our 4Runner with a Casita camper and Velotric eBike in tow.
Want to follow along? Follow us on Instagram @kayla_leed_ to see daily stories and behind-the-scenes moments.
Have a favorite travel tip for little kids? Drop it in the comments—I’d love to hear what works for your family!