Top 5 Things to Have for Your Fall Day Trip with Kids
As the leaves change and the air grows crisp, fall provides the perfect backdrop for family outings.
Embarking on a day trip with the kids allows for exploring the outdoors, relishing seasonal events, and creating cherished memories.
Packing wisely guarantees a smooth and enjoyable experience, so I’m sharing the top five essentials for your fall day trip with kids.
Top 5 Things To Pack For a Fall Day Trip With Kids
1. Layered Clothing for Everyone
Fall weather can be quite fickle, ranging from warm midday to chilly winds. Make sure to dress your kids in layers that can be easily added or removed. Include a breathable base layer, an insulating middle layer, and a waterproof outer layer. Cozy hats and gloves can keep the little ones warm during cooler morning and evening hours.
Where to Buy: Children’s clothing can be purchased at Amazon, LLBean, or Columbia, which offer great options for kids’ layered clothing.
We love hitting the road with our boys, whether it's for a quick hour-long getaway or a multi-hour adventure!
We've compiled a great list of essential outdoor gear that would be a perfect addition to your travels.
2. Kid-Friendly Snacks
Kids need regular fuel for their energy, especially when exploring. Pack various healthy, portable snacks like granola bars, apple slices, or carrot sticks. Also, consider treats like mini sandwiches or homemade muffins that are easy to eat on the go.
Where to Buy: Your local grocery store or places like Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s,or your local grocers which have an array of kid-friendly snack options.
Keeping your pantry well-stocked is always a great idea—kids can get incredibly hungry, especially after school! We love having a full pantry because it makes it so easy to grab snacks for our spontaneous adventures without the hassle of a last-minute store run. Here are our favorite pantry staples, all conveniently linked for you.
And if you aren’t sure what foods to buy for your travels, here’s a quick list of my top 10 favorite road trip kid-friendly snacks!
3. Activity Bag
Keep the kids entertained during travel and downtime with a bag of activities. Include coloring books, crayons, small puzzles, or travel games. You can also bring a fall nature bingo sheet to make outdoor time more engaging by having kids look for items like acorns, yellow leaves, or squirrels.
Where to Buy: Target or Walmart usually has a good selection of travel-sized games and activity sets perfect for day trips.
Keeping a car kit stocked with small games, coloring pages, and other items is crucial for ensuring the kids stay busy and happy during our trips. We’ve linked several of our favorite games and essential kids' travel items to make your journeys just as enjoyable!
4. Reusable Water Bottles
Staying hydrated is essential, especially for active kids. Reusable water bottles save money and reduce waste. Consider bottles with easy-access features like straws or spouts that are leak-proof and easy for kids to use independently.
Where to Buy: Stanley, Contigo, and CamelBak offer excellent kid-friendly designs that are durable and easy to handle.
Having a travel water bottle is a necessity! We've rounded up a few favorites, perfect for kids and parents. Check them out!
5. Travel First Aid Kit
It’s always better to be prepared for scrapes or minor ailments with kids. Pack a travel-sized first aid kit that includes bandages, antiseptic wipes, children’s pain reliever, and any specific medications your children may need.
Where to Buy: Target, Walmart, and Amazon sell small first aid kits, or you can assemble your own and tailor it to your family’s needs.
Having a first aid kit in your car is essential, but we believe in being prepared for anything. That's why we also recommend keeping extra socks, umbrellas, hats, and hand warmers in your vehicle. We've linked a few crucial items below. While some are geared for winter, the rest are perfect for the upcoming fall season!
Traveling With Your Kids Doesn’t Have To Be Stressful
Overall packing these five essentials will help ensure your family’s fall day trips are manageable and genuinely enjoyable for everyone. Although traveling with kids can feel overwhelming and stressful, I firmly believe that preparing properly can be the MOST fun!
In fact, I’ve been prioritizing traveling with my kids for years now and it’s when we make our best memories.
For a closer look into my own journey of traveling with kids, CLICK HERE!
And if you need more tips to make your fall adventures with your kids stress-free this season, I’ve got you covered:
And speaking of fall adventures specifically, I have a few fun resources to help you plan those too:
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