Tips for Taking RV Road Trips with Kids

With the introduction of more spacious recreational vehicles, it’s now more appealing than ever to take the entire family on road trips. But as any parent knows, a confined space and lots of hours on the road can take their toll on kids if they grow restless, fatigued, or bored. The good news is that there are lots of ways to making RVing more fun for the entire family, from utilizing the time you spend in your rig to doing kid-friendly camping trips and sightseeing tours. In fact, in many ways, RVing is even more conducive to traveling with children than plane or car travel. There are more options for entertainment inside the RV, more space, and you can do away with the chore of having to pull over for every bathroom break or meal. Read on for the top five tips that any parent should keep in mind before setting off on the open road with the children in tow.

1. Stock up on entertainment in the RV – These days, many RVs come with incredible technology built right into the rig, from flat screen televisions to sound systems to gaming consoles. If you have these features in your rig, be sure to stock up on movies or games to pass the time. But even if your RV isn’t outfitted with the latest and greatest when it comes to entertainment, don’t fear – you can still stock up on plenty of ways to help your kids pass time on the trip such as books, board games, wireless devices, and craft projects.

2. Do research on your campsites – Check for campsites along your route that cater to kids. Whether you’re setting up a home base for several days or weeks, or only plan on camping for one night at a time, many campgrounds offer lots of fun activities for kids, from water sports and playgrounds to game rooms, swimming pools, and activities hosted by the RV park like contests and scavenger hunts. Themed campgrounds are not uncommon near popular destinations such as amusement parks and national parks.

3. Don’t forget to stay active – One of the biggest challenges with bringing kids on longer RV trips is that sitting in the rig for long stretches of time can cause a lot of energy to build up. Make the most of your stops along the route by staying active. If you pull over to picnic for lunch, encourage the whole family to take a walk or play a game before getting back in the vehicle. At your destination, take advantage of opportunities for outdoor activities such as biking and hiking.

4. Save money – While the kids might not see the benefit in saving money during your RV trip, your wallet will certainly appreciate it. Not having to eat at restaurants for every meal and saving on hotel costs is certainly one huge benefit of taking family road trips in your RV, but if you plan on sightseeing during your road trip, do research ahead of time to find family-friendly activities that are economical. Many museums, festivals, concerts, tours and other forms of entertainment offer discounted or free admission for children under a certain age.

5. Bring a car – If you plan on packing the whole family into an RV, a more spacious vehicle is definitely the way to go. However, the bigger the rig the more awkward it can be to get in and out of tight spaces or take shorter day trips from your home base. For this reason, it may be preferable to tow a vehicle with an RV such as a Class C motorhome or opt for a fifth wheel or travel trailer that gets towed behind your vehicle. If your RV is unable to tow a car, you may want to consider renting a car when you get to your destination. It will not only be more convenient for running errands, visiting relatives, and exploring the area, but you’ll also save big on fuel costs by not using your rig for smaller trips.