Traveling in an RV with kids can create unforgettable family memories and create a sense of adventure. However, it’s no secret that traveling with little ones brings its own set of challenges. With some careful planning and a few tried-and-true strategies, you can make RVing with kids an enjoyable and stress-free experience. In this article, we’ll explore ten valuable tips to help you navigate the world of RV travel with your children, ensuring that every journey becomes a cherished adventure.
1. Plan Kid-Friendly Activities
When traveling with kids, it’s crucial to have a variety of activities that keep them engaged and entertained. Pack coloring books, puzzles, board games, and outdoor toys to keep boredom at bay during long drives or quiet evenings at the campground.
As full-timers we allow our kids to use their electronic devices on travel days for about 30-45 minutes during the drive and then again while we are backing in and setting up our RV.
2. Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds
Research and choose campgrounds that cater to families with children. Look for amenities such as playgrounds, swimming pools, and organized activities. These features will provide opportunities for your kids to socialize, make new friends, and burn off some energy.
We are Thousand Trails members and stay at as many Thousand Trails campgrounds as we can. Although they may not always be the best, they tend to be very family friendly.
We also use RV Life Trip Wizard to help us research campgrounds. We do not stay at a single campground without reading the reviews and looking at user submitted photos.
3. Involve Kids in Trip Planning
Get your kids excited about the journey by involving them in the trip planning process. Let them choose destinations or activities they’d like to experience along the way. By giving them a sense of ownership, they’ll feel more engaged and invested in the adventure.
4. Pack Snacks and Meals
Keep hangry kids and meltdowns at bay by packing a variety of healthy snacks and meals. Having a stash of grab-and-go options will not only save you money but also ensure that your children are well-fed and content during the trip.
On travel days we pack sandwiches for the adults and let the kids decide what they may want for lunch (even though once we start driving that always changes).
5. Create a Comfortable Sleeping Space
To ensure a restful night’s sleep for your little ones, create a comfortable sleeping space in the RV. Invest in cozy bedding, consider blackout curtains or window coverings to regulate light, and use white noise machines or soothing music to drown out campground noises.
6. Stick to Routine
While RV travel may disrupt your usual routine, try to maintain some consistency for your children. Stick to regular meal times, nap times, and bedtime routines as closely as possible. This familiarity will provide a sense of stability, making the transition easier for them.
This holds true whether you are full-time RVers or weekend campers. We tended to travel during our youngest’s nap time and very soon after going full-time, she stopped napping because she was in the truck during that timeframe quite often.
7. Incorporate Educational Opportunities
Transform travel into a learning experience by incorporating educational opportunities along the way. Visit museums, historical sites, nature centers, or science exhibits that align with your children’s interests. Encourage them to document their experiences in a travel journal or take photos to create lasting memories.
One of the best ways to do this is by utilizing the Junior Ranger program that the National Park System has created. Fortunately, majority of the state parks across the country that we have traveled to all off some sort of Junior Ranger programs also.
8. Be Flexible and Embrace Spontaneity
Although planning is essential, don’t be afraid to embrace spontaneity. Allow for unexpected detours, impromptu adventures, and opportunities for your kids to explore and follow their curiosity. These unplanned moments often result in the most cherished memories.
Some of our greatest memories in our time as full-time RVers have come from unplanned events. Whether it is a scenic drive we didn’t know about or taking the girls to a local playground or park.
9. Establish Safety Guidelines
Prioritize safety during your RV travels by establishing clear guidelines for your children. Educate them about campground safety, appropriate behavior in unfamiliar places, and how to navigate potential hazards. Encourage them to be vigilant, but also ensure they understand the importance of fun and relaxation.
10. Embrace Quality Family Time
Above all, cherish the quality time spent together as a family during your RV adventures. Use this opportunity to connect, bond, and create lifelong memories. Put away electronic devices and engage in activities that encourage meaningful conversations, laughter, and shared experiences.
If you are out weekend camping, then this time is the best time to be together and catch up on life. As full-time RVers, we have found ourselves eating more meals together, having more playtime and having many more conversations that we wouldn’t have had in a 2,500 sqft home.
RVing with kids can be an incredibly rewarding and enriching experience. By implementing these ten tips, you can navigate the challenges of traveling with children and create a fun-filled, stress-free journey for the whole family.
Remember, it’s not just about reaching your destination but also savoring the moments and connections.
Don’t be afraid to create your own detour and get out and life the life you love!
