How to Plan an RV Trip with Your Kids

Choosing the Right RV for Traveling with Children

When planning an RV trip with kids, selecting the right vehicle is crucial to ensure comfort and safety for everyone. Here's how to make the best choice:

Types of RVs

Class A: These are the largest and most comfortable gas and diesel motorhomes, equipped with full-sized amenities that can resemble a home. Ideal for long trips and larger families who need more space.

Class B: Often referred to as campervans, these are smaller and more agile than Class A RVs. They’re perfect for families looking for simplicity and better fuel efficiency.

Class C: A middle ground between Class A and Class B, these Class C and Super C motorhomes offer good amenities with easier handling and often come with extra sleeping spaces over the cab, suitable for kids.

Travel Trailers: These are towed behind your vehicle, providing flexibility to detach and use your car independently. They vary in size and are great for those who already own a capable tow vehicle.

Fifth Wheels: Similar to travel trailers but require a special hitch in the bed of a truck, fifth wheels often have split levels and offer more living space, which is a bonus for families.

What to Look for

Ensure there are adequate and comfortable sleeping arrangements for everyone. Bunk beds can be a fun and space-efficient sleeping solution for kids, and check for features like carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, and child-proof locks on cabinets and windows. A functional kitchen with a fridge, stove, and microwave can make meal prep easier on the road, helping maintain normal family meal times.

Rental vs. Purchase

Renting an RV is a cost-effective option for those who plan occasional trips. Renting allows you to try different types of RVs to see which best suits your family’s needs without the commitment of a purchase. For families who plan frequent trips, purchasing might be more economical in the long run. Owning an RV allows you to customize it to your family’s tastes and needs, potentially making each trip more comfortable.

Choosing the right RV involves considering your family’s specific travel style, budget, and comfort needs. Whether you rent or buy, ensure that your vehicle of choice enhances your travel experience, making every trip enjoyable and hassle-free for both parents and kids.

Planning Your Route

When it comes to RV travel with kids, a well-planned route can make all the difference.

Destination Ideas

National Parks: These are ideal for families, offering breathtaking landscapes and a variety of activities like hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing. Parks such as Yellowstone, Yosemite, and the Grand Canyon provide ample RV facilities.

Beaches: Coastal drives can be stunning, and beachside campgrounds offer fun in the sun that kids love. Destinations like Florida's Gulf Coast or California's Pacific Coast are popular choices.

Historic Sites: Incorporating educational stops, such as Colonial Williamsburg or the Gettysburg Battlefield, can enhance the trip's educational value.

Route Planning Tools

GPS Apps: Use RV-specific GPS apps that account for the size and weight of your RV, helping avoid roads with vehicle restrictions or low bridges.\

Travel Apps: Apps like Roadtrippers or AllStays Camp and RV help you find RV-friendly campgrounds, rest stops, and points of interest along your route.

Maps and Guides: Traditional paper maps and RV travel guides can be invaluable, especially in areas with limited cell service.

Safety Tips

Check the weather forecast for your route and destination to avoid hazardous conditions. Prefer highways and roads suitable for RV travel, and avoid narrow or winding roads if possible. When traveling in an RV with kids, plan regular breaks to keep the driver alert and give kids a chance to stretch and burn off some energy.

Kid Travel Packing Essentials

Packing effectively can ensure you have everything needed for a smooth and enjoyable RV trip. Here’s what to consider:

Clothing: Pack for all weather conditions, including waterproof and warm layers.

Food Supplies: Bring along easy-to-prepare meals and snacks that everyone enjoys. Consider prepping meals ahead of time to minimize cooking during the trip.

Emergency Kit: Include first aid supplies, necessary medications, flashlights, batteries, and a multi-tool.

Kids' Packing List

Entertainment: Books, games, tablets loaded with movies and educational content, and travel journals.

Comfort Items: Favorite blankets, pillows, and stuffed animals to help kids feel secure and comfortable in a new environment.

Outdoor Gear: Depending on the destination, pack bicycles, swimwear, hiking boots, or snow gear.

Space Management

Use storage bins and organizers to keep the RV tidy and ensure items are easy to find. Opt for items that serve more than one purpose to save space, such as a dinette that converts into a bed or storage benches. Be selective with what you bring because space is at a premium, so ensure every item has a necessary function.

Packing smartly and planning your route thoroughly are pivotal steps in setting the stage for a memorable RV adventure with your kids. These preparations help ensure that your trip is not only enjoyable but also smooth and stress-free.

Activities and Entertainment

Keeping kids engaged and entertained while on the road and at the campsite is key to a successful RV trip. Create playlists of family-friendly songs, audiobooks, or podcasts that everyone can enjoy. These can be educational or simply fun.

Bring along travel games like magnetic board games, card games, or trivia. Interactive games that involve spotting items outside the window can also be engaging. For more traditional entertainment, pack sketchbooks, coloring books, and washable markers. These can be great for times when you need a quiet activity to settle down the energy in the RV.

Campsite Activities

Plan for activities like hiking, biking, or exploring nearby trails. Many campgrounds also offer amenities like pools or playgrounds. Collect leaves, rocks, or shells to create art or keepsake jars. This not only entertains but also connects children with nature. Prepare for campfire storytelling, s’mores-making, and star gazing, and bring a telescope if you have one to enhance the star-gazing experience.

Rainy Day Contingencies

Board games and puzzles are perfect for indoor entertainment. Choose games that are suitable for all ages present on the trip, even for older children. There are always some classics that can bring a smile to any face.

Movie night, anyone? Set up a small projector inside the RV to watch movies or shows. Make it special with popcorn and cozy blankets. 

Making Educational Opportunities

Turning an RV trip into a learning adventure enriches the experience and can make it truly memorable for children. Here’s how to incorporate educational elements:

Learning on the Go

Geography Lessons: Teach kids about the geography of the areas you are traveling through. Use maps and discuss landmarks.

History Explorations: Visit historical sites and use guidebooks or apps to provide context about the place's history. Encourage kids to imagine living during those times.

Science in Nature: Engage children in identifying plants, animals, and stars. Tools like nature guidebooks or apps can help spark interest and provide information.

Interactive Learning Tools

Educational Apps: Utilize educational apps that focus on subjects like math, science, and language arts to keep kids learning on the road.

Travel Journals: Encourage kids to keep a journal where they can write, draw, or paste souvenirs from places visited. This helps with writing skills and memory.

Photography Projects: Give kids a camera and challenge them to take photos from different perspectives, helping them develop an eye for detail and an appreciation for their surroundings.

By integrating activities and educational opportunities into your RV trip, you not only keep the kids entertained but also enhance their understanding and appreciation of the world around them. These experiences are what often stick with children long after the journey ends, making every mile traveled a valuable part of their education.

Safety and Maintenance

Ensuring the safety and proper maintenance of your RV is crucial, especially when traveling with children. Here are three important points to keep your family safe and your vehicle in top condition:

1) Engine Check: Make sure the RV’s engine is in good working condition. Check the oil levels, coolant, and other fluids.

2) Tire Safety: Inspect the tires for proper inflation and tread wear. Consider carrying a spare tire and the necessary tools for a change.

3) Brake System: Have the brakes checked to ensure they are functioning properly, which is vital for the added weight of an RV.

Safety Protocols

Fire Safety: Equip your RV with smoke detectors and a fire extinguisher. Familiarize everyone with a fire escape plan and ensure windows and doors can be opened easily.

Carbon Monoxide Detector: Install a carbon monoxide detector to alert you to any dangerous fumes, especially important while sleeping.

Emergency Contacts and Plans: Prepare a list of emergency contacts, including roadside assistance. Plan for the unexpected by knowing the locations of hospitals and clinics along your route.

Childproofing Your RV

Secure Loose Items: Make sure all loose items are securely stored to prevent them from becoming projectiles during sudden stops.

Safety Gates and Locks: Install safety gates at entries and child locks on cabinets to prevent accidents.

Safe Sleeping Arrangements: Ensure sleeping areas for children are safe and secure, especially when beds are elevated like in bunk beds.

Budgeting Your Trip

An RV trip with children can be a cost-effective way to travel, but there are still expenses to consider. Save on campsite fees by booking state parks or national forest campgrounds, which are often cheaper than private RV parks. Drive at steady, moderate speeds to conserve fuel. Plan your route efficiently to avoid unnecessary mileage.

To lower food costs, prepare meals in the RV rather than dining out. Buying groceries and cooking your own food can be a significant saving.

Managing Expenses

Use budgeting apps to track spending on fuel, food, camping fees, and activities, as this can help you stay on top of expenses and adjust spending as needed. Book campsites and attractions in advance where possible, as this can often secure a lower price and helps avoid last-minute expenses. Travel during the off-season when possible since many places offer lower rates, and less crowded attractions can provide a more relaxed experience.

By focusing on thorough maintenance and thoughtful budgeting, you can ensure a safe, smooth, and affordable RV trip with your family. Each aspect, from vehicle care to financial management, plays a crucial role in creating an enjoyable travel experience for everyone involved.

The Best Kid-Friendly RVs Are at Berryland Campers

Ready to embark on an unforgettable family adventure? Choose Berryland Campers for the ultimate selection of kid-friendly RVs that promise comfort, safety, and endless fun on the road. Our RVs are designed with families in mind, featuring spacious layouts, durable interiors, and all the essential safety features to ensure a smooth and secure journey. Explore our collection, speak with our knowledgeable staff, and drive away with the best deal on your family-friendly RV. Your adventure begins here at Berryland Campers—where families come first!