I Took a Month-Long Road Trip with My Kids: Lessons Learned

We all made it through! My kids and I, along with my partner for part of the journey, embarked on an epic month-long road trip across the southeastern United States, making six extended stops along the way. We kicked off our adventure right after school ended for summer and returned home at the end of June.

The journey began when we planned a visit to New River Gorge National Park & Preserve in West Virginia. After looking into airfare, we found it was too pricey for our family of four. With my flexible schedule and my kids—ages 11 and 12—on summer break, I thought, “Why not drive and explore some of the country?” My husband, who had limited vacation days, opted to fly, leaving the long 3,000-mile drive to me and the kids. I’m not a fan of marathon driving, so I started researching interesting stops along the route, focusing on parks and outdoor activities.

Every Kid Outdoors offers fourth graders free access to National Parks Service activities, and we had wanted to take advantage of that when my kids were younger. Unfortunately, their fourth-grade year coincided with 2020, and our plans fell apart. I saw this trip as a chance to seize that missed opportunity, so I went all out.

Our month-long journey included extended stays in seven states, with my partner joining us for five days. Here are some insights I wish I had before hitting the road.

Prepare for homesickness

Although my kids were thrilled about activities like ziplining, whitewater rafting, and roller coasters, they felt the longing for home, friends, and pets. They particularly missed their dad initially, and I wasn’t prepared for the constant “I miss Daddy” refrain during the first few days. I took their homesickness personally, interpreting it as a lack of appreciation for the trip. However, I eventually realized that excitement and homesickness can coexist.

Pit stops could have been better

My inclination to “power through” didn’t align with everyone’s needs. I often skipped roadside attractions or detours that could have been fun to reach the next stop faster. If I could do it again, I would spend more time enjoying the journey rather than rushing.

One of my kids is a serious car napper and also my most vocal complainer; car rides are smoother when he’s asleep. I planned stops but didn’t always communicate them, which meant waking him up when we arrived. I also wish I had scheduled more breaks. Most highway rest areas come with green spaces or playgrounds, and I regret not allowing us more time to stretch and play before hitting the road again.

Budget for splurges

While sticking to our budget was crucial, especially with my tweens’ endless appetites, I wish I had allowed for some splurges to make the trip easier. Suites or connecting rooms can be pricier than a standard hotel room, but sometimes, being too close together can feel overwhelming for three people used to more space.

We spent a significant amount on groceries and snacks, as we brought food from home and visited local supermarkets. Overall, we managed to keep food costs down, but I discovered that grabbing a quick snack from the hotel convenience mart can be easier than trekking to the grocery store after a long day.

What went well

I created a digital itinerary in Google Docs and shared it with my kids, detailing departure times, hotel links, and activity options. I even included images for a sneak peek of what was ahead. The itinerary was well-received; my 12-year-old, Lucas, appreciated being able to see what was planned for the next day, allowing him to set his alarm and choose his outfit accordingly.

The itinerary also served as a central location for addresses and reservation details, so I didn’t have to sift through texts or emails.

Kid of the Day

We implemented a “kid of the day” system, allowing each child to take turns pushing elevator buttons, unlocking doors, and generally having first dibs. I underestimated how much they would enjoy these small privileges, but it helped maintain peace and encouraged teamwork.

Loosening the rules

I typically ban messy car snacks, but I allowed my kids to indulge in fruit snacks during our longer driving days. I also bent the rules with “pool counts for a bath” and “ice cream counts as dinner.” While I know pool water isn’t the same as a proper bath, I decided to let it slide. My kids often went to bed after nighttime swims and ice cream, and I have zero regrets. Sometimes, it’s good to say yes to more snacks and fewer baths.

Final thoughts

I wish I could say this trip solved all our family’s issues and that we no longer retreat to our devices when we get home. That’s not the case, but I’ve noticed we’re seeking each other’s company more than before. My children are more inclined to play together rather than alone or with friends. We’ve started doing more family activities, like board games and movie nights, which I hope continues.

Our journey wasn’t flawless, nor is our family, but I believe we all gained a better understanding of one another and a deeper appreciation for our individual selves and the world around us.

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In summary, our month-long road trip was a blend of adventure and learning. We’ve come back with a better connection to each other and a fresh perspective on family time.