Took kids on their first 'real' road trip - here's what actually mattered

Dec 81 min read

We just got back from a 1400 mile trip to the Smoky Mountains with my 5, 8, and 11 year olds. I over-planned everything (activities, routes, meals) thinking that would make it better.

Turns out the best parts were the totally unplanned stuff - stopping at a weird roadside attraction in Tennessee, the kids playing 20 questions for 3 hours, singing in the car at 6am when we were all delirious, watching them discover a new state.

The overly-scheduled activities? Most of them sucked because we were forcing it. Next time I'm planning way less and just bringing good snacks and letting it happen. Also learned that my kids will actually nap in the car if it's moving, so don't be afraid of those long driving days.

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Comments(10)

PPete D.RegularDec 9

This is the exact post I needed to read. I'm doing a trip to Colorado in August and I've been making spreadsheets and color-coded activity plans like some kind of lunatic. So you're saying they just... had fun doing random stuff?

TTyler K.RegularDec 9

I'm betting it was like... stopping at random diners, the kids bonding in the car, maybe a spontaneous hike? That's usually how it goes when the itinerary fails lol

TTom P.RegularDec 10

1400 miles with a 5 year old... you're a legend. How did you handle the bathroom stops and the "are we there yet" stuff without completely losing it?

CCarl S.RegularDec 9

The unplanned stuff always hits different. We did a similar thing and our kids still talk about stopping at a random overlook for like 10 minutes more than they talk about the actual destination we spent 3 days at. Something about the spontaneity sticks with them

GGreg W.RegularDec 10

I needed to hear this. I'm that guy who plans everything to death thinking more structure = better trip. The fact that your kids remember the unplanned moments and not the activities you scheduled is honestly humbling

WWill T.RegularDec 10

This is so good to read because I'm terrified of overplanning our first big road trip. What actually mattered then? The flexibility?

PPaul W.RegularDec 9

For real though the 1400 miles is no joke with that age spread. Did you do it in one shot or break it up over multiple days? That seems relevant to what 'actually mattered' lol

BBrian L.RegularDec 10

The fact that you took 5, 8, and 11 together is impressive. That's a wide age range to keep entertained. What were the actual memorable moments if not your planned stuff?

DDom F.RegularDec 10

Honestly the best road trip advice I ever got was 'plan the logistics (routes, hotels, safety) but leave the activities loose.' Seems like you learned that the hard way but in a good way.

RRob K.RegularDec 11

The Smoky Mountains road trip sounds amazing. What was the random stuff they actually remembered? Like was it like scenic stops or just like... being in the car together?