Summer Road Trips with Kids: How to Keep It Outdoorsy (and Sane)
Summer road trips are one of the best ways to embrace adventure, unplug from daily routines, and explore the outdoors as a family. But let’s be honest—they can also spiral into chaos if you're not prepared. The key? Keep it outdoorsy, simple, and kid-friendly. Here’s how to plan an outdoor-focused road trip that keeps the whole family happy, curious, and connected to nature.
Step 1: Plan Nature-Focused Stops
Instead of relying on gas stations and fast food joints, map out nature-based stops along your route:
✈️ State & National Parks – Many offer short trails, scenic picnic areas, and ranger-led kid activities.
⛰️ Nature Centers & Wildlife Refuges – Often free and offer kid-friendly learning and exploration.
🌾 Botanical Gardens or Farm Visits – A great way to stretch legs and spark curiosity.
🏖 Beaches, Lakes, & Rivers – Look for safe, shallow-entry areas perfect for splash breaks.
TIP: Use AllTrails or Recreation.gov to find nature stops along your route.
Step 2: Pack for Spontaneous Outdoor Fun
To make the most of each stop, have a go-to outdoor kit packed and ready:
👞 Quick-dry shoes or sandals
🌞 ONE Shirt in Safety Yellow – Easy to spot from afar and quick-drying for all kinds of play.
🪒 Sunscreen & bug spray (stick versions are great for on-the-go!)
🌊 Reusable water bottles
🌿 Picnic blanket or mat
🚒 Wet wipes & small towel
🍼 Portable snacks (fruit leather, trail mix, crackers)
Check out Play Outside’s Road Trip Packing List
Step 3: Make the Car Part of the Adventure
Outdoor road trips don’t mean the fun stops when the car doors close:
🥇 Nature Bingo Cards – Spot cows, clouds, rivers, birds, and more.
🌈 Scavenger Hunt Lists – Create ones specific to your route or landscape.
📺 Nature Audio Books & Podcasts – Try "Circle Round," "Wow in the World," or National Park audio tours.
🎨 Travel Sketch Journals – Let kids draw what they see at each stop.
Step 4: Stick to a Loose Rhythm, Not a Strict Schedule
Kids in nature thrive when there's time to explore. Instead of planning every moment, keep a loose structure:
⏰ Morning: Drive & breakfast-to-go
📍 Late Morning: Nature stop (hike, splash, stretch)
🌞 Lunch: Scenic picnic or local eatery
🛌 Afternoon: Nap or quiet time in the car
🚗 Evening: Pull into a nature-friendly stay (cabin, campsite, yurt)
TIP: Book unique outdoor lodgings on Hipcamp or The Dyrt.
Step 5: Sleep & Safety Matter Too
Even outdoorsy families need solid rest and structure:
🛌 Familiar Sleep Essentials – Bring the same blanket, lovey, or sound machine you use at home.
🔐 Secure All Gear – Store essentials in a rooftop bag or car organizer.
🧵 Talk Safety Rules – Set clear boundaries for each nature stop ("stay within eye sight," "no running near water").
Final Thoughts: The Outdoors is the Destination
A successful summer road trip isn’t about how many miles you cover—it’s about how many moments your family shares outside. With a bit of planning and the right tools, you can embrace an adventurous, nature-filled summer without losing your sanity (or your snacks).
For more family-tested outdoor travel tips, visit our Play Outside blog.
