Your Guide to Road Trip Tech Essentials for Kids

Whether you’re embarking on a cross-country adventure from your own driveway or flying overseas for a family road trip in a new land (hello, fellow Americans planning to drive in the UK!), the question remains the same: how do you keep the kids happy and (relatively) quiet in the car? The answer, in part, lies in having the right road trip tech essentials for kids on hand. While we always advocate for quality family time and screen-free fun, let’s be real – tech can be a sanity saver.

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This guide will walk you through the road trip tech essentials for kids that your family needs, focusing on items that are both useful on long drives and compact enough to pack in your luggage for air travel. Get ready to conquer the car!

Staying charged on the go

Nothing spells disaster faster than a dead tablet halfway through a long leg of your trip. Here’s how to keep the juice flowing:

• Car power inverter: transform your car’s cigarette lighter (or accessory socket) into a standard AC outlet. This allows you to charge multiple devices, even laptops, simultaneously. Look for a car power converter with USB ports for added convenience.
• High-capacity power banks: these portable chargers are lifesavers for keeping phones, tablets, and handheld gaming consoles powered up, especially during rest stops or when you’re out of the car. Choose one with multiple USB ports and a capacity that will last through a good chunk of your travel day. I like this power bank because you have the option for solar power charging!
• Extra-long charging cables: standard charging cables are often frustratingly short in a car setting. Invest in longer cables (6ft or more) so kids in the back seat can comfortably use their devices while they’re plugged in. Consider cables with different connector types (USB-C, Lightning, Micro-USB) to suit all your gadgets. Bring some gear ties to keep them tangle-free.

Road trip tech essentials for kids

A little digital entertainment can go a long way in making the miles fly by:

• Tablets (pre-loaded with fun!): whether it’s an iPad, Amazon Fire Tablet for kids, or another brand, tablets are versatile entertainment powerhouses. Before you leave, download movies, TV shows, age-appropriate games, and educational apps. Don’t forget to check if your streaming services allow offline downloads.
• Portable gaming: for older kids (and even adults!), a Nintendo Switch or other handheld gaming device can provide hours of entertainment. Remember to pack extra games!
• Kindle or e-Reader: for young readers or parents who want to dive into a book, a Kindle is an excellent, lightweight option. Unlike tablets, the glare-free screen is easy on the eyes, and the battery life lasts for weeks, not just hours. Plus, it’s a great way to pack dozens of books without taking up any space.
  • P.S. your library probably has free ebooks! Otherwise, try out Kindle Unlimited for thousands of ebooks!
• Kid-friendly headphones: avoid overlapping audio by equipping each child with their own pair of headphones. Look for features like volume limiting to protect their ears and comfortable designs for long wear. Consider wireless options to avoid tangled cords. You can also get headphone splitters if multiple kids want to watch the same device. I love these toddler headphones (with detachable ears!) or these wired/wireless headphones for bigger kids.
• Tablet headrest mounts: watch without straining your neck! These headrest mounts securely hold tablets to the back of the headrests, providing a comfortable and hands-free viewing experience for backseat passengers. This is especially great for shared movie watching.

Organization is key

Road trips with kids can quickly turn into a disaster zone. A little organization goes a long way:

• Car seat organizer: this handy organizer attaches to the back of the front seats and provides multiple pockets for storing tablets, headphones, water bottles, snacks, small toys, and even charging cables. It helps keep everything within reach and off the floor. If you need a divider between kids, try this middle seat organizer instead.
• Gear Ties and Cable Organizers: With all the tech you’re bringing, you’ll have a tangle of wires and cords. Keep them neat and untangled by using reusable gear ties or a small cable organizer pouch. This not only makes it easier to find the right cable but also helps protect them from damage. It’s a simple, sustainable way to avoid a mess.

Bonus Tech for a Smoother Ride

• Offline GPS Apps: while your phone’s navigation is usually reliable, cell service can be spotty on road trips, especially in rural areas. Download an offline GPS app (like Google Maps offline areas or Waze) before you go. This ensures you always have a map, even without a signal.
• Dash cam (optional): for added peace of mind, a dash cam can record your journey. It can be useful for insurance purposes in case of an accident and can also capture some memorable (and sometimes hilarious) moments.

Tech-Free time is still important!

While tech can be a lifesaver, remember to encourage breaks from screens. Plan for fun car games, singalongs, and point out interesting sights along the way. Our article on Surviving a Road Trip with a Toddler offers plenty of ideas for screen-free entertainment for little travelers!

Wrapping it up

With these road trip tech essentials for kids packed and ready, you’ll be well-equipped to handle the inevitable moments of boredom and keep everyone entertained on your next family adventure, whether it’s a trip across state lines or an exciting exploration of new roads abroad. Happy travels!

Do you know another family planning a road trip? Please share this article with them so they’re prepared, too!

The mild weather, vibrant scenery, and often lighter crowds make this season ideal for creating those cherished, once-in-a-lifetime memories with your children. So, why wait? Start planning your dream fall vacations with kids today, pack those layers and get ready for an unforgettable adventure that the whole family will treasure! Happy travels!

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