Family road trips around Australia can be unforgettable – the open road, breathtaking landscapes, quirky roadside stops… and then there’s the “Are we there yet?” soundtrack playing on repeat from the back seat. Whether you’re heading up the coast, outback-bound or just exploring your own backyard, keeping kids entertained in the car can be the difference between a dream road trip and a meltdown marathon. Here are our tried-and-tested, screen-free and screen-friendly ways to keep little travellers happy and occupied along the way!
- Travel Journals & Activity Books
Nothing beats a good old-fashioned travel journal! Our award-winning Kids Travel Journals are designed specifically for Aussie kids on the road. With space to draw, write, and document each stop, they become treasured keepsakes and a great way to engage with the trip. Top Tip: Give each child a special pencil case packed with markers, pencils, stickers, and glue sticks so they can decorate as they go!
We LOVE the Hey Doodle range of silicone mats – they are reusable and mess-free which makes them perfect for the car!
2. Games on the Go
From classics like I Spy and 20 Questions to printable car bingo, scavenger hunts, and license plate spotting, in-car games never go out of style.
Family Trivia games are great too. We’ll often create a playlist on Spotify and the kids have to guess the song using their names as buzzers. Disney theme songs are always the most popular in our car!
Check out this Family Quiz Book. Different sets of questions for all age groups AND it’s Australian Made!
Bring along magnetic board games, travel-sized card decks or download fun family-friendly road trip game apps in case you need a tech-based backup. Check out our range of travel games here
3. Podcasts & Audiobooks
Load up on kid-friendly podcasts and audiobooks before you go. There are heaps of fun, educational and interactive options out there—think mystery stories, animal adventures, and science shows that’ll have the whole car hooked.
Some favourites:
- “Short & Curly” – Curious questions and ethical dilemmas for kids
- “Dino Dome” – All about Dinosaurs
- “Squiz Kids” – Fun and fresh news for Kids
Read more about family friendly podcasts and audiobooks here
4. Snacks with a Side of Fun
Snacks = Road Trip Magic. Keep things interesting with a mix of healthy options, a few treats, and snacks they can “build” themselves (like trail mix or mini grazing boxes).
Bonus Idea: Make snack time a game! Let them “shop” from a snack box with pretend coins or tokens.
Shop our bento box and lunchbox ranges here
5. Craft Kits & Surprise Bags
Prep some simple DIY craft kits in ziplock bags – think pipe cleaners, paper shapes, washi tape, and beads (just skip the glitter!). You could also create a Surprise Bag system: a new small item or activity revealed every few hours of the trip.
Think:
✔️ New sticker book
✔️ Puzzle cube
✔️ Window markers
✔️ DIY necklace kit
Check out huge range of craft kits and activity books here
6. Music & Family Karaoke
Create a playlist with everyone’s favourites and crank up the tunes. Or what about a “family karaoke” session – just be sure to include some classic Aussie road trip bangers!
Need inspo? “Land Down Under,” “Riptide,” “You’re the Voice,” and “Shotgun” are always crowd-pleasers!
7. Screen Time (With a Plan!)
Let’s be real – screens have their place. Load devices with offline content before you leave: favourite shows, movies, educational apps, drawing games, and eBooks. Use screen time strategically, like during long stretches or when everyone’s getting a bit restless.
8. Get Involved in the Trip Planning
Kids love feeling included. Give them their own Adventure Awaits Map of Australia so they can track your route, spot where you’re headed next, and help choose some stops. Afterwards, stick your map up in the caravan or other surface and continue to track your journey. Ours loved using a sharpie marker to track our travels!
9. Rest Stops = Play Stops
Don’t underestimate the power of a good playground or roadside stop to burn energy. Plan regular breaks every couple of hours where the kids can stretch, run, and explore.
Tip: Look out for regional attractions like big things, animal farms, or quirky cafés – they often turn into the most memorable parts of the trip!
10. Get Silly. Get Talking. Get Curious!
Use your time together to talk, laugh, tell stories and play make-believe. Ask silly “what if?” questions or make up stories together. Some of the best family memories are made on the road – not just at the destination.
Final Thoughts:
Family road trips are full of surprises, detours and discoveries. With a little preparation and a good dose of creativity, the journey itself becomes the best part of the adventure.
Stock up on your travel essentials at Adventure Awaits – from activity books and maps to games and caravan and camping accessories – we’ve got everything you need to make your road trip smooth, fun, and family-friendly.
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Check out our range of caravanning and camping gear here…
