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Thanksgiving and the winter holidays mean long drives to see family, and anyone who has driven a few hours with kids knows how quickly “are we there yet?” starts. The right car accessories keep children busy, keep the back seat from turning into a mess and make the whole trip calmer for the driver. Here’s what works, grouped by the problem it solves, plus a few safety points every parent should know.
Keep them entertained (without a screen the whole way)
Tablets have their place on a long drive, but they’re not the only option, and plenty of kids get carsick looking down at a screen. Mixing in other activities helps the hours pass.
Travel drawing and activity boards
A lap board gives kids a flat surface for drawing, writing and games. The Kids Car Travel Drawing & Writing Board works as a drawing board, a writing board and a storage bag for crayons and small toys, so supplies don’t end up on the floor. It’s designed for children around ages 4 to 6 and comes in several fun designs, which also makes it an easy stocking stuffer.
Audio entertainment
Audiobooks, podcasts for kids and family playlists keep everyone entertained without anyone looking down. Let each child pick something in turn so nobody feels left out. Download everything before you leave, since signal can drop out on rural highways and streaming eats mobile data.
Classic car games
I spy, the license plate game, twenty questions and “find something red” cost nothing and need no batteries. For older kids, a printed scavenger hunt of things to spot along the route works well.
Tablet mounts
If you do use tablets, a headrest mount puts the screen at eye level, which is more comfortable than holding it on a lap. Make sure any mount is firmly attached, and pack headphones so the driver isn’t listening to cartoons for three hours.
Keep the back seat organized
Seat-back organizers
A seat-back organizer with pockets puts books, wipes, water bottles and snacks within reach of the kids, so you’re not passing things back while driving. Choose one with soft materials and no hard edges.
Headrest hooks
Bags, jackets and backpacks have a way of ending up in the footwell. Headrest hooks clip around the headrest posts and give you a place to hang a snack bag or diaper bag. Keep heavy items off them, as anything heavy can swing in a sudden stop.
A spot for trash
Wrappers, juice boxes and apple cores pile up fast on a road trip. A magnetic seat-back trash can mounts behind the front seat, has a magnetic lid to keep smells in and is made of wipe-clean PU leather. Kids can reach it themselves, which means less mess for you to find later.
Shop the gear
See all car accessories at NicheStuff
Heads up: NicheStuff is our own shop, so we earn from purchases made through these links.
For more storage ideas, see our guide to the best car organizers.
Keep the car clean
- Seat protectors under car seats help protect upholstery from crumbs and spills. Use only ones the car seat manufacturer approves (see the safety section below).
- Wipes and paper towels in a door pocket handle sticky hands and small spills.
- Spill-proof cups and snack containers cut down on crumbs.
- A small handheld vacuum makes the post-trip cleanup quick. Our car vacuum buying guide can help you choose one.
- A spare change of clothes and a plastic bag for anything wet or carsick-related.
After the holidays, our interior cleaning guide will help get the cabin back to normal.
Keep them comfortable
- Window shades help with sun glare and keep the back seat cooler on bright days. Choose ones that don’t block the driver’s view.
- A small pillow and blanket make naps easier, especially on early starts or late drives home.
- Layers instead of puffy coats. Bulky winter coats can stop car seat harnesses fitting snugly. Buckle kids in with regular clothes and lay a blanket or the coat over the harness instead.
- Regular stops. Plan a break every couple of hours so everyone can stretch, use the restroom and burn off some energy.
Safety first: what parents should know
Kids’ car accessories should never compromise safety.
- Avoid aftermarket car seat add-ons. Products that go between the child and the car seat or harness, like inserts, padded strap covers or thick liners, haven’t been crash-tested with your seat and can affect how it performs. Stick to items your car seat manufacturer approves.
- Secure loose items. In a sudden stop, anything loose in the cabin can fly forward. Store heavy items in the trunk and keep the back seat clear of hard objects.
- Check car seat installation before a long trip. Many communities offer free car seat checks with certified technicians.
- Use the child locks on rear doors and windows.
- Never leave a child alone in the car, even for a minute, in any season.
A simple family road trip checklist
- Activity board, books and audio downloaded in advance
- Snacks, water and spill-proof cups
- Seat-back organizer and a trash bin
- Wipes, paper towels and a change of clothes
- Blanket, small pillow and window shades
- Phone charger and a car first aid kit
- A plan for stops along the way
Winter trips need a little extra preparation. Our guide to car accessories for winter covers the cold-weather kit. If you’re shopping for holiday gifts, our Christmas car accessories gift guide has ideas for every driver in the family.
FAQ
What can kids do in the car besides screens?
Drawing boards, audiobooks, car games, sticker books and a scavenger hunt list are all good screen-free options.
Are seat-back organizers safe?
Yes, as long as they’re made of soft materials and you don’t load them with heavy or hard items that could come loose in a crash.