Your go-to Amazon picks for a smoother, more fun adventure on the road.
Let’s be honest — road tripping with kids can be magical and chaotic. But with a few carefully curated essentials, you can keep the peace, minimize meltdowns, and actually enjoy the ride. I know the joy and challenges of a road trip in the summer we live on the road for my summer sessions between our home in Baltimore County to Beaches of Ocean City and Delaware. We are always on the go. Here are some of our favorite Amazon finds that deserve a spot in your car this summer:
Entertainment & Quiet Time
– Dot Markers
Perfect for stress-free creative fun. These markers are mess-free and some come with activity sheets — ideal for car-friendly art time.
– Crayola Large Crayons
A go-to for little hands. Toss in a coloring book and you’re golden.
– Ice Cream Scented Washable Markers
Because if you’re going to be coloring in the car, it might as well smell like strawberry ice cream.
– JBL Tune 510BT Bluetooth Headphones
Comfortable, wireless, and essential when everyone wants their own sound bubble.
– JBL Live 460NC Noise Canceling Headphones
If you’ve got tweens or a kiddo with sensory sensitivity, these are worth every penny.
– Wikki Sticks
-Water Wow
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Snacks & Hydration
– Durable Spill Proof Water Bottles
Leak-proof and cute. Keeps drinks cold for hours and cuts down on drive-thru temptations.
– Munchkin Snack Catchers
Say goodbye to crushed Goldfish all over your car. These spill-proof snack cups are road trip heroes.
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Health & Peace of Mind
– Tylenol Children’s Liquid or Chewables
You’ll never regret having these on hand. Headaches, fevers, or a random complaint — be ready. My children have a past of febrile seizures so keeping these on hand is a must.
– Benadryl Itch Relief Stick
– Travel First Aid Kit
Compact, organized, and essential for everything from scraped knees to unexpected blisters.
– BandAids and Waterproof Bandaids
– Neosporin
-Benadryl and Zytec
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Mom’s Sanity Savers
12. JBL Bluetooth Speaker
For when you all want a little car karaoke or beachside tunes.
13. Car Seat Back Organizer
Keep toys, wipes, tablets, and books in reach — and your floor clutter-free.
14. Travel Wipes, Baby Wipes, Tissues & Hand Sanitizer
Because someone will spill something. Or sneeze. Or both.
15. Portable Charger Power Bank
No dead tablets mid-drive. No panicked “my phone’s dying!” moments. Just peace.
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Bonus: Quiet Time Favorites
16. LCD Writing Tablet
Endless drawing, no paper waste. Kids love it, and you don’t need to sharpen anything.
17. Travel Bingo or Magnetic Road Trip Games
Classic entertainment with zero screens.
Organization:
Included in the list are my favorite pouches to keep everything organized. You can even use a label maker if you are over the top like I am. I use the larger zipper pouches to keep a change of clothes and change of pajamas in them for each child. I keep these things in my car in my trunk in a bin all year, but make sure everything is stocked up for road trips. I even make each of my children a little bag of what I know they will want up front with them…headphones, water, snacks, tissues and for my littlest one crayons, coloring book, dot markers and more.
Don’t forget to pack each one of your kiddos a blanket especially if traveling at night.
Happy Travels!
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Grab the full list here:
April 15, 2025
shannon