Tips for travelling with Toddlers and Pre-Schoolers

Lets face it kids have the patience of a goldfish, so like 3 seconds. Okay lots of us adults hate those loooong car rides too but at least try to kept the 1827 "are we there yets?" to ourselves.

So what should you pack to keep those toddler and preschoolers entertained on those eight hour drives? 

I got both of my kids mini pack sacks and put them within reach so they can grab their own snacks and toys during the car ride. 

I used to use a little girls purse for my 2 year old son on shorter car rides but finally found a small Cars backpack at Walmart. And my daughter already had a small princess one I had purchased on clearance at Winners. October or late September is probably the best time to buy back packs and school supplies. 

I found tons of similar small backpacks on Amazon starting at only $3.96...

I filled the bags with small toys - we already had around the house - like cars, trucks, Jake the Neverland Pirate book, and a toy tablet for my son. I then wedged the backpack in between the door and his car seat so it wouldn't move. You could also throw the handle over the head rest of the front seats.

And I filled my daughter's packsack with dolls. Littlest Pet Shop toys, play jewelry and make-up, books and toy phones for my daughter.

I tried to pack snacks that were semi-healthy like raisins, peanuts, cashews, honey nut Cheerios, Cheese Strings (already eaten at time of picture) granola bars, cheese filled Ritz crackers, Whole wheat Goldfish, washed grapes, etc. in snack bags or containers that the kids could eat out of themselves. 

Small snacks like Cheerios are great because they eat them one by one and it takes a good 10 minutes just for a small snack. I put all the treats like fruit gummies in my purse, great for big melt downs and I don't like my kids to have too much sugar. Especially when I have confined myself in a small space with them. 

Do you have any tips for travelling with toddlers and pre-schoolers I would love to hear it!