If your kids treat the words “family road trip” like a punishment, you’re not alone. My boys can handle a four-hour movie marathon, but ask them to sit in a car for more than twenty minutes and suddenly they’ve lost all will to live.
Still, winter road trips can be such a great way to escape the cold, reconnect as a family, and (fingers crossed) enjoy a little sunshine. I can still fondly recall a road trip from IL to MN in the back of my Nana’s Oldsmobile with my cousins, all of us probably driving her absolutely batty with our never-ending versions of the Alphabet Game…
But that kind of stuff is the key! It’s about making the journey part of the fun.
So today, I’m sharing some creative, crafty, and sanity-saving ways to make your next winter road trip a little more exciting — for you and for the kids. I’ve also rounded up some fantastic ideas from other creators that’ll make your car feel like a rolling family craft room.
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1. Make the Drive a Family Creativity Challenge
If your car feels like chaos, lean into it. Before you hit the road, grab a few supplies for on-the-go creative fun:
- Washable markers or chalk markers for window art (try ChalkOla markers – they wipe right off!)
- Small dry erase boards or clipboards for doodling contests
- A “creative challenge jar” with prompts like “Draw our car as a monster truck” or “Invent a new state name.”
Inspiration to check out:
- “9 Hour Road Trip with a Pinterest Mom” from Mrs Blinks
- “Portable Activity Kid for Road Trips” from Mama Papa Bubba
2. DIY Travel Activity Kits
Every road trip needs entertainment, but screen time only lasts so long. Instead, make DIY activity kits for each kid with:
- Mini craft projects (pipe cleaners, foam stickers, paper cutouts)
- Reusable sticker books
- Puzzle pages or travel bingo cards
- Washi tape (because it’s magic for everything)
You can even match your kits to your destination — Beach Vibes, Desert Adventure, or City Explorer.
Try this: Download my Printable Travel Games & Bingo Pack from my shop (or make your own using ideas from Moms & Crafters and Simple Everyday Mom).
3. Turn Rest Stops into Mini Adventures
Rest stops don’t have to be boring gas station breaks. Pack a small tote with a soccer ball, jump ropes, or bubbles for a quick “reset” stop. Let everyone stretch and move before piling back into the car. Even Mom and Dad need to shake the ride off for a bit, so don’t waste the time on your phone – get moving with the kiddos!
Bonus idea: Keep a small Polaroid or instant camera handy to capture your “roadside adventures.” Add them later to a Family Road Trip Scrapbook when you’re home (another great craft night idea).
4. Pack “Surprise Bags” for Milestone Moments
This one’s my favorite. Before your trip, pack a few small paper bags with mystery items; one for every 1–2 hours of driving. Label them with times or mile markers (“Open at 11 AM” or “After We Pass the State Line”).
Inside each bag, stash a little something new: a coloring page, a small snack, a LEGO mini kit, or a craft challenge card. You’d be amazed how much excitement a mystery bag can create.
👉 Check out:
5. Craft Your Own Car Décor
If your kids love decorating, let them help create a “family travel banner” before you go. You can:
- Cut felt flags and string them up with yarn across the car’s back windows
- Make paper pennants with each family member’s name
- Add travel stickers or doodles as you hit each state
When you get home, turn the banner into a scrapbook page or framed keepsake.
More inspiration:
- “Road Trip Cootie Catcher” by Red Ted Art
6. Keep Snacks Organized and Fun
It’s not a road trip without snacks, but you don’t want a backseat full of crumbs and chaos. Pack DIY snack boxes using bead organizers, tackle boxes, or divided containers. Let your kids fill them with their favorite treats (with a few healthy options snuck in).
Add reusable drink cups with labels or vinyl decals you can make with your Cricut – because nothing ruins a car ride faster than “He drank from MY cup!”
👉 Snack ideas I love:
- “Snackle Box Ideas for the Beach, Road Trips, Plane Rides, Picnics!” by Our Crafty Mom
7. Use Smart Shortcuts (and One Clever Hack for Parents)
If your family loves the idea of a sunny escape but hates the drive, you can always fly and have your car shipped ahead of time. Services like snowbird auto transport can make it easy to get your vehicle where it needs to go… and you can skip the “Are we there yet?” loop entirely.
That leaves you free to focus on the fun stuff: planning your creative kits, exploring together, and maybe even making a printable family travel checklist for next time.
Final Thoughts
Winter road trips don’t have to be about endurance or breaking some mythical time record (looking at you, DAD!). They can – and arguably should be about connection.
With a little creativity and a few DIY touches, your car can become a mobile memory-maker.
And when your kids inevitably groan at the mention of another long drive, you can just smile and hand them a mystery bag. (Trust me, it works.)
You May Also Like:
Magnetic Morning Routine Chart
Games to Entertain Kids Indoors
Ultimate Summer Travel Guide: Tips, Tricks, and Creative DIYs {MM Link Party}
How to Plan the Perfect Surprise Getaway for Your Family or Partner
