Having an organized system inside your car is key to keeping everyone sane on long road trips. Being able to grab a toy, book, or snack without digging through bags is one of the best ways to keep meltdowns at bay.
I remember the first few trips I took with my kids and how unprepared I was in this department. The moment I realized that keeping things within arm’s reach — ready to hand back at any moment — could make the drive smoother, it felt life-changing.
Since those early trips, I’ve learned a few organization hacks that make a huge difference. With the right setup, road trips don’t just become manageable — they actually become enjoyable. In fact, we haven’t even needed screen time in the car, which I think says a lot about how well these systems work.
Check out my recommendations below to help keep your car organized and your road trips stress-free.
I keep this right behind the drivers seat between the two seats in the next row when traveling with my husband, or in the passenger seat when driving alone. It’s what organizes all our necessary toys and trinkets. What I love about this particular one is that it comes in all different sizes and colors, allowing it to be fully customizable to your needs. Also, it can fold up so if you don’t want it to be in your car at all times, it’s easy to store away! Get it here
This is so perfect for little hands to prevent spills, keep them entertained, and give them options. I won’t travel without it- and neither should you! Even better- it comes in a couple of options giving you the option to have a different color for each kid! Get it here
This snack tray also looks like it could be a hit! I love things that are dual purpose, and a game and snack at the same time? Genius! I currently have it in my Amazon cart to give it a try- let me know if you have it and what you think! Get it here.
The “Things”
Books– These books are essential for me for travel. My baby loves them because they are light and able to be tossed around and chewed on. My toddler loves them because they’re small and easy to flip through. I’ve linked my favorite titles here, here, here, and here
Small Bags- Okay this is the BEST way to entertain my kids on the drive. I have had a few toddlers (cousins/friends,etc) in our vehicle over the years, and have found this is a universally LOVED hack. Take a bunch of smaller bags/purses and fill them with random trinkets. (Ensuring they are choke safe, of course) Kids love pulling out all of the things from the purse and finding all the random trinkets inside. They’ll play with the toy and then move on to pulling something else out. I usually pack two to three purses for a 3 hour drive. Check out my favorite little bags Here, here, and here. The key is, the more pockets to fit more treasures- the better!
Filler for the small bags- I love these suction toys. They can stick them to the window or just play with them. The tube toys- animal tubes or just tubes- always seem to be a big hit. Get them here. Small Animals are super fun too because they also allow them to be creative with their animals. Finally, any Fischer Price Little people are a hit too- but these ones are our favorite.
Other Toys– I love this board. No pieces to fall all over the car, and it provides some entertainment even when kids aren’t big enough to actually sort the colors. They just like watching the balls go back and forth.
This board is also another really good one. Easy enough and light that the kids can hold it- but serves a learning purpose too.
These busy books are a hit for the kids, but I will add a warning- when they’re little it’s a lot of little pieces that get thrown all over and having to organize them again drives me insane. However, when I’m desperate they are good because they do keep them entertained!
Travel magnatiles are a huge hit in our household as well. This small little kit is perfect for in the car and not taking up too much space. Get it here
Finally, these water books! Super easy to keep them entertained for a longer period of time, and virtually mess free. Also, who doesn’t love getting to reuse something again and again? They’re cheap, and my kids love getting new ones! Get it here
Music– We typically turn on Miss Rachel’s ‘Songs for Little’s on YouTube or the Children’s radio on Pandora if we are in need of music at some point- however, we also love having our Tonie Box available as well allowing for fun playing with the characters and the box. Get your box here.
With these simple systems in place, you’ll be well on your way to a successful trip — and you might even end up with a child who enjoys spending time in the car!
Do you have any go-to travel toys or road trip essentials for your kids? I’d love to hear them. Share your favorites in the comments!
Little's on the Road 
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