Free Road-Trip Checklists

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These are free checklists for a road trip with a baby, toddler or preschooler. Use them as they are, or copy them into a note. For a list that changes with age, weather and trip length, use the >packing list builder.

There are no product links and no email sign-up on this page. The packing guides we point to go into more detail.

Before you pull out

Car seat installed the way the manual says, and the child's harness checked
If any part of the trip is on a plane, only use a seat whose label has an FAA approval statement
Window sun shades, on a hot drive
Water and a cup you already trust
Familiar snacks, within reach
Spare clothes within reach, not in the trunk
Trash bags, wipes or paper towels
Any daily medications
A printed or written address and phone number for your overnight stop

More detail: >travel car seats for a Florida trip.

In-car activities

Two or three small, quiet toys or activity books
Headphones sized for kids (volume-limited), if you'll use audio
Downloaded stories or songs, so you aren't relying on a signal
Mess-free coloring or water-reveal pads — check the age label; many are marked 3+
Reusable sticker pads — many are marked 3+ or 4+
A soft activity book if your child is younger
If you use a tablet, a headrest holder that doesn't interfere with the head restraint

More detail: >car-ride and line entertainment.

Overnight stop

Hotel that's easy to enter with a car seat and a stroller
Crib or play yard (ask when you book, or bring one you like)
A way to darken the room
White noise if you want it
Pajamas and a comfort item from home
A simple breakfast plan, so the next morning isn't a scramble

Weather in the car

Light layer for air-conditioned stops and cool mornings
Ponchos or rain jackets for adults and the child
Quick-dry shoes
Dry bags or zip-top bags for wet clothes

More detail: >Florida afternoon storms.

How to use this page

Tick the list on a printout, or copy it into your notes. The >packing list builder will also add park, beach or port items if your drive ends at one of those. For the full in-car walk-through, start with >car-ride and line entertainment.

These free checklists have no affiliate links and no email sign-up. For how we handle links on other pages of this site, see our >disclosure.