Wondering what to pack for a family road trip packing list? I have traveled a lot with my family since my kids are babies. From big trips across Canada and the USA to short visits to the Canadian Rockies during winter and international trips, I’ve learned what to pack for a road trip with kids.
Packing for a road trip with the family can feel overwhelming. You want to be prepared for anything the road throws your way, from snack spills to scenic stops and everything in between.
Here are our family road trip packing lists that you can download to keep things organized. Plus, you can find a few tips on packing for a road trip to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey for everyone.
You only need to download our printable packing list for road trips, print them (or not), and get ready to travel with your family.
Our road trip packing lists for families (PDF to download)
🚘 General road trip packing list
🇨🇦 Canada packing list
🐐 Glacier National Park packing list
🚐 RV packing list
❄️ Winter road trip packing list
🌴 Family vacation packing list
Why use a packing list for family road trips?
A packing list for family vacation is very useful. It helps you remember to bring everything you need. This way, you won’t have to rush at the last minute or buy things you forgot. With a list, you can relax more and enjoy your vacation.
It’s especially important when you have kids. A packing list for vacation with family makes sure everyone has what they need to be comfortable and happy.
Get your family vacation checklist printable
Get ready for your trip easily. Download our packing list for family vacations for where you’re going. With our lists, you can be sure you won’t forget anything important.
Start your trip the right way, knowing you have everything you need. Have a great time!
Our family vacation packing checklists will make you feel more prepared and less stressed. They cover the basics, but remember, every family is unique, so feel free to add any items specific to your family’s needs. Happy travels!
Those lists are meant to be comprehensive but adaptable depending on specific family needs and the nature of the vacation.
Don’t want to download our packing checklist? Take a look at our comprehensive list here:
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👕 Personal Items
- Clothing (including underwear, socks, and sleepwear)
- Shoes (comfortable walking shoes, sandals, etc.)
- Personal toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, etc.)
- Prescription medications and glasses/contacts
- Sunscreen and insect repellent
- Travel pillow and blanket
- Hand sanitizer and face masks (useful in public spaces or crowded areas)
- Lip balm (to prevent chapped lips, especially in dry or cold weather)
- Moisturizer (to keep skin hydrated during long drives)
- Hairbrush or comb
- Deodorant
🥒 Food and Drink
- Cooler with ice packs
- Bottled water and drinks
- Healthy snacks (fruits, nuts, sandwiches)
- Reusable utensils and cups
- Paper towels and wet wipes
- Non-perishable food items (like canned goods or dry pasta, useful for extended trips)
- Portable stove or grill (for camping or outdoor cooking)
- Can opener and basic cooking utensils (if planning to cook)
- Trash bags (for waste disposal)
📚 Entertainment
- Reading Books, magazines, or e-readers
- Coloring books and crayons
- Portable gaming devices and tablets
- Chargers for electronic devices
- Headphones
- Travel games or playing cards
- Camera or smartphone with a good camera (for capturing memories)
- Notebook and pen/pencil (for journaling or doodling)
➡️ Get our Road Trip Activity Book for Kids
✈️ Travel Essentials
- Maps and GPS
- Reservation confirmations
- Driver’s license and registration
- Insurance documents
- Emergency contact list
- Spare car keys
- Cash and coins (for tolls or places that don’t accept cards)
- Travel guidebooks or brochures of destinations
- A small backpack or daypack (for day trips or hikes)
- Handheld GPS device (as a backup for phone/GPS failure)
⛑️ Safety and Vehicle Maintenance
- First Aid Kit
- Spare tire and jack
- Jumper cables and basic tools
- Emergency road flares or reflectors
- Extra fuel container
- Flashlight or headlamp (with extra batteries)
- Water for the car radiator and windshield wiper fluid
- Duct tape (for temporary fixes)
- Tire pressure gauge
🌧️ Weather Essentials
- Umbrella or rain gear
- Sunglasses and hats
- Swimming gear and beach towels (if applicable)
- Extra layers for cooler weather
- Warm gloves and scarves (for cold destinations)
- Waterproof bags or cases (to protect electronics and important documents)
- Cooling towels (for hot climates)
🧸 Children’s Needs
- Baby essentials (diapers, wipes, baby food)
- Children’s travel toys or stuffed animals
- Car seats or booster seats
- Extra clothes for children (as they may get dirty more often)
- Favorite snacks or treats (to keep them happy during long drives)
- Portable potty or toilet seat (for toddlers in toilet training)
- Sunscreen and hats for children (for sun protection)
📱 Good Apps to Download
🥾 AllTrails is a super handy app that helps you find the best trails for hiking, biking, or running. It shows you maps, photos, and reviews from other people so you can pick the perfect trail for your adventure. You can see if a trail is easy or hard, how long it is, and what cool stuff you might see. With AllTrails, you’ll always know where to go to have fun in the outdoors! ➡️ Download the All Trails app for trail maps and trail reports
⭐ GoWhee App is perfect for traveling families who want a fun adventure with kids. No matter how old your children are, you’ll find the ideal place or activity for them and the best family-friendly campgrounds. ➡️ Try the GoWhee App
How to Pack for a Road Trip: 7 Pro-Tips
1. Invest in a rooftop cargo bag for extra storage: Different options exist: a soft shell (soft car top carrier)or a hard shell rooftop cargo carrier. Both options have their pros and cons. We personally use the Heytrip roof rack bag, and we’re super happy about the product (don’t miss our review).
2. Pack strategically: Start with items you won’t need right away at the bottom of the car. For example, if you’ve planned tent camping at first, then put the camping gear on top, then once the camping days are over, repack the car and put all the camping stuff at the bottom of the car or on the car roof rack. You’ll want to pack the items you’ll need often last, so they are always reachable. For example, swimming gear, sun cream, kid’s toys, diapers, picnic kits, etc.
3. Forget the big hard shell suitcases: Instead of packing all the family clothes and personal effects in a big hard shell suitcase, use packing cubes or individual backpacks. You could even use reusable grocery bags. It will be easier to fit and utilize all the space. No free space is left empty. Plus, they are easier to carry.
4. Prepare small bags of clothes for short trips: If you’re stopping for only one night at a place during your family vacation, you don’t want to unpack the car fully, get the four suitcases (wait… you didn’t bring suitcases, remember? ), to end up only needing the family pajamas and new underwear. Instead, look at your itinerary and prepare a few small family bags with enough gear for 2 days. This way, you have your big bags of clothes at the bottom of the trunk and then a few small bags (or packing cubes) within reach for more effortless loading and unloading.
5. Think about your kids: When road-tripping with kids, ensure your kids will enjoy the ride and be comfortable. Kids still want to enjoy the ride, which is why you don’t want to pack the back car seats. It’s important to leave space at the back so they can be comfortable. Leave enough room for their legs and the middle seat between their car seats for their toys, snacks, and water bottles.