Every Summer, our family takes about a 12 hour journey from Florida to the mountains of North Carolina. We’ve been doing it since our kiddos were babies and we’ve learned a thing or two about what works and what doesn’t on these little adventures. One of the ways we’ve kept our sanity has been the practice of not letting anyone become hangry(hunger leads to anger=hangry). Neither my hubs nor I are big fans of frequent stops, but kids are snackers and having road trip snacks along will save you time and money, allowing you to avoid the gas station junk food break.
Over the years, I’ve adapted how we do road trip snacks based on our kid’s ages & needs. Now that my youngest is a preschooler, we’ve started these daily snack boxes and they’ve been a hit with everyone! We started with new, inexpensive fishing tackle boxes and had the kids fill all the compartments with snacks and necessities for our long van ride.
I use snacks that don’t melt easily, don’t require refrigeration, and aren’t too messy. Pretzel sticks, granola bars, fruit pouches, banana chips, nuts, and craisins have been favorites but I always include a special treat as well. The morning we leave, I pass out the snack boxes and the kids know that this is their snack allowance for the day. We’ll be stopping for regular meals, but not planning additional snack stops or refills for their box.
They’re in charge of managing their snacks throughout the day; if the snacks are gone at 10am, they’re gone for the day. This is a great way to teach them about choices, time management, and balance in their eating.
Another bonus with these boxes is that the flat top, when closed, is a great lap desk for coloring or reading!
The road trip snack boxes are something my kiddos look forward to each time we travel and it’s been a fun tradition to maintain over the years! How does your family handle snacking on long car trips? If you want more ideas about traveling as a family, be sure to check out our other Road Trip information:
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
Stephanie of The TipToe Fairy says
What an awesome idea! My kids would love all the little compartments for snacking.
Matt @ Plating Pixels says
I hope to be doing more road trips this summer so snack ideas are welcome! Especially the nourishing granola and nuts
Rachael says
Your site is so cute! And those road trip snacks are awesome. Love the new 2 pack OREOS. Love!
Cathy @ Our Mini Family says
Having snacks for a road trip is great because then you’re less inclined to stop for fast food! (which I am trying to cut out of my life)
Britney says
These are such great ideas! My little guy would love these! 🙂
Joanne T Ferguson says
You had me at the Oreos as am a big fan from long ago! It is always important to have some snacks on the road as it is not always convenient to stop and one sometimes does not know what is available!
Jillian @ Food Folks and Fun says
This is a genius idea!
Meagan says
These are awesome ideas! I love the snacks and all the activities. Kids will absolutely love it and they will keep them busy on those long road trips.
Jamie @ Coffee With Us 3 says
I love the new Oreo 2 count packs! They are so convenient, and keep my from eating the entire package of Oreos!
LydiaF says
Love the tackle/snack box/lap desk. Wish I’d thought of that when the kids were small. I’ll pass the idea along now that they’re organizing their own road trips.
Victoria @ Creative Home Keeper says
Love the idea of filling a tackle box with snacks. That is genus!
Melanie says
I really like the flat top on the box! Great snacks!
Michelle Myers says
It does make a fun lap desk of sorts!
Margaret says
So true about the angry hunger. I’ve been starting to make my snack lists for our camping trips this summer. Thanks for some new ideas.
Michelle Myers says
Yes, no one does hunger well in our family! 🙂
Justine Marie says
Love great road trip ideas!
Tove Maren says
This is such a great idea! We will definitely have to implement this idea for the next time we go to LEGO Land or Disney. It may eliminate a few “are we there yet” comments from the peanut gallery.
Michelle Myers says
Yes! Anything to keep them occupied and avoid that dreaded question!