How to Survive Long Drives with Kids – Real Parenting Tips 🚗
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阅读时间 2 min
We’ve all been there - a long drive ahead, snacks packed, kids buckled in… and within 10 minutes: “Are we there yet?”
Long car trips with little ones can feel like an endurance sport, but with a few real-life mum strategies, you can turn chaos into calm (most of the time!).
Whether you're off on a road trip or just facing hours of holiday traffic, here are tried-and-true tips from Aussie mums who’ve done it - and survived to tell the tale.
Table of contents
🧃 1. Pack Smart, Snack Smarter 🎧 2. Use Audio Like a Superpower 🎒 3. Create a “Backseat Activity Kit” 🕒 4. Break It Up - Even If It Adds Time 💡 5. Pack Like You’re Flying Long-Haul 💤 6. The Golden Hour: Nap Strategy 🧠 7. Give Them a Role ✨ Bonus Hack: Travel Prizes 🛍️ Pro Mum Move: Use Your MyLittleRewards.com Membership
🧃 1. Pack Smart, Snack Smarter
Tip from Jess, mum of 3 in Melbourne:
"Snacks are your best friend. I portion out a mix of healthy and treat options in little containers so I can hand them out slowly - and avoid the sugar crash."
✅ Mini bento boxes
✅ Popcorn, veggie chips, fruit straps
✅ Surprise snacks in foil for fun reveals
🎧 2. Use Audio Like a Superpower
Podcasts, audiobooks, or curated Spotify playlists can save your sanity.
Top Mum-Approved Picks:
Bluey podcast
Story Time by ABC Kids
The Beanies Music
Classical music playlists to help wind them down
Pro tip: Let each child pick a podcast - it gives them a sense of control and something to look forward to.
🎒 3. Create a “Backseat Activity Kit”
Keep boredom at bay with a kit packed with non-messy fun:
✅ Sticker books
✅ Window markers
✅ Puzzle pads
✅ Fidget toys
✅ Reusable water painting pads
Store everything in a soft pouch they can keep nearby (no asking Mum every 5 mins!).
🕒 4. Break It Up - Even If It Adds Time
“We plan a proper stop every 90 minutes - even if it’s just to stretch at a servo or picnic spot,” says Lisa, mum of two from Brisbane.
Research child-friendly cafés or parks along the way and make them part of the adventure.
💡 5. Pack Like You’re Flying Long-Haul
Think of the car like an airplane - you need:
✅ Change of clothes (for each kid)
✅ Wet wipes + hand sanitiser
✅ Small bin bag
✅ First-aid kit
✅ Chargers & power banks
Trust us, you’ll thank yourself.
💤 6. The Golden Hour: Nap Strategy
Plan your departure around nap time if possible. A sleeping child = a peaceful car.
Even non-nappers might doze off with a full tummy and calming music.
🧠 7. Give Them a Role
Older kids love to feel involved. Make them:
The “navigator” with a kid-friendly map
Snack distributor
Entertainment DJ
✨ Bonus Hack: Travel Prizes
Wrap up a few mini gifts (under $5) and hand them out at milestones: every hour, at the halfway mark, etc. It keeps morale high and gives kids something to look forward to.
🛍️ Pro Mum Move: Use Your MyLittleRewards.com Membership
Long drives often mean stopovers, attractions, or food stops. With MyLittleRewards.com, you can access discounts on cafes, kids activities, and family-friendly experiences across Australia.
Written by the MyLitttleRewards Team
We’re the MyLittleRewards Editorial Team - a bunch of everyday people (many of us parents too) who love sharing ideas to make family life feel a little lighter.
Our goal is to share practical tips and small joys to help make your days easier, with inspiration you can actually use.
Thanks for letting us be part of your day x
Got a question or idea?
Just reach out via our Contact Us page or email hello@mylittlerewards.com .