Travelling in a van with your family is a wonderful way to create lasting memories, but let’s be honest—it’s not without its challenges. When kids are involved, there’s a fine line between keeping them entertained and reaching breaking point. No one sets out on a family road trip hoping to hear “Are we there yet?” 47 times! The good news? It doesn’t have to be this way. Whether you’re a seasoned van lifer or planning your first big adventure, these seven hacks will help keep your kids entertained while you soak up the freedom of the open road.
Planning your family van trip and want to connect with a community of like-minded travellers? Check out The Van Club for tips, events, and a supportive network of adventurers just like you.
1. Create a Road Trip Treasure Box
A little element of surprise can go a long way. Pack a “treasure box” filled with inexpensive surprises that you unveil every couple of hours. Think travel-sized toys, colouring books, puzzle games, or even snacks they don’t get every day. Let the kids open one item every so often, and it’ll feel like a series of mini celebrations on the journey.
Not only does it keep their curiosity piqued, but a treasure box can also double as a storage solution. Feeling crafty? Let your kids decorate the box before the trip—it’s a fun way to get them excited before you even set off.
2. Turn Your Stops into Mini Adventures
Why settle for a petrol station pit stop when you could turn every break into an unforgettable experience? Look for spots on your route that offer something fun for the kids, like playgrounds, nature trails, or quirky roadside attractions. A short walk in the fresh air or an impromptu scavenger hunt can give everyone a much-needed stretch, both physically and mentally.
Apps like Google Maps or Roadtrippers are brilliant for finding these hidden gems. Plus, every stop becomes a photo-worthy memory, enriching the overall adventure.
3. Embrace the Magic of Audiobooks and Podcasts
Sometimes the sound of silence, or at least relative calm, is golden. Audiobooks and kid-friendly podcasts are perfect for keeping little ones quietly engaged during a long drive. Pick stories that align with your children’s ages and interests—fantasy tales for dreamers, animal adventures for nature lovers, or even science podcasts for curious minds.
What’s great here is that audiobooks don’t require screens, so your kids can sit back, relax, and let their imaginations run wild. Many library services offer free audiobook rentals, or you could try platforms like Audible for family-friendly collections.
4. Pack Travel Kits for Hands-On Fun
Keep boredom at bay by preparing individual travel kits tailored to your kids’ favourite activities. For artsy kids, pack sketchpads, washable markers, and stickers. For hands-on creators, pack small building sets or travel craft kits. Older kids might appreciate crossword puzzles or journals where they can chronicle their trip.
The key is to make these kits easily accessible in your van setup. A small, portable container works well and saves you the hassle of rummaging through your belongings for missing pieces.
5. Play Interactive Games Together
Remember the games we used to play before tablets took over? Games like “I Spy,” “20 Questions,” or the Licence Plate Game are classics for good reason—they’re easy to play, require no equipment, and keep everyone engaged, including adults.
If you’re feeling ambitious, create a personalised family bingo card for your trip. Include items you might see along the way, like a specific van model, a rainbow, or someone riding a bike. Trust us, when everyone’s on the lookout, time flies!
6. Bring Along Outdoor Toys for Instant Fun
While van life is brilliant for connecting with nature, kids sometimes need a little extra encouragement to make the most of the great outdoors. Packing a few outdoor toys—think kites, frisbees, or a football—can turn any campsite or rest area into an instant playground.
If space is an issue (as it often is in vans), look for compact or collapsible toys. Camping spots often provide a bit of extra room to move around, and these moments will create the best kinds of memories for your children.
7. Let Them Get Involved in the Journey
Kids love feeling like they’re part of the action, so involve them in the trip planning. This could mean letting them pick a few destinations, helping plot the route on a map, or assigning fun “van jobs” like snack manager or co-pilot.
When kids have an active role in the journey, they’re more likely to stay engaged and less likely to focus on being bored. Plus, it teaches important skills like navigation, responsibility, and adaptability—bonus!
Creating shared experiences and encouraging their input ties beautifully into the idea of connection, a value that underscores why so many families are drawn to van life.
The Secret Ingredient: Community
One of the most rewarding parts of van life is the opportunity to connect with likeminded adventurers. From swapping destination tips to sharing a BBQ by the fire, being part of a community elevates the whole experience. That’s where organisations like The Van Club come in, providing invaluable support and fostering connections through family-friendly events and meetups.
By joining a network like this, you’ll find not only travel inspiration but also camaraderie, and your kids will gain playmates along the road. After all, a road trip isn’t just about the miles—it’s about the relationships you build and moments you share.
Family van life doesn’t have to feel like an endless juggling act. With a little planning, some timeless tricks, and a supportive community behind you, it can be an enriching, joyful way to strengthen bonds and create the kinds of stories your family will retell for years to come.