Planning a summer road trip with your kids can be such a fun adventure! My five-year-old daughter told me she is most excited for summer because it means summer road trips and lots of picnics.
As the self-proclaimed, “Queen of the Road Trip,” here is a guide/checklist on where to go and what to bring!
Summer Road Trips: Where to Go
Explore the Outdoors – Kid-Friendly Parks Near You!
1. National Parks:
Did you know North Dakota has its very own National Park?
Theodore Roosevelt National Park is less than four hours from Fargo and is great for kids who love animals, hiking, and exploring nature.
Keep an eye out for bison, prairie dogs, and wild horses!
2. State Parks (North Dakota & Minnesota):
You don’t have to go far to find adventure!
In North Dakota, check out these family-friendly State Parks:
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- Turtle River State Park – great for hiking and creek stomping
- Icelandic State Park – perfect for a picnic or swim
- Fort Ransom State Park – fun trails and forest views
- Grahams Island State Park – lakeside fun and fishing
Just across the border in Minnesota, you’ll find even more outdoor fun.
- Buffalo River State Park – close by with a sandy swimming beach
- Glendalough State Park – calm waters for canoeing
- Itasca State Park – walk across the headwaters of the Mississippi!
- Maplewood State Park – amazing nature walks and lots of trails
3. Historical Sites
Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park, Knife River Indian Villages, and the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum in Bismarck offer rich educational experiences.
4. Amusement Parks
Head to Super Slide Amusement Park in Bismarck, Thunder Road in Fargo, or Raging Rivers Waterpark in Mandan for family-friendly thrills.
5. Scenic Drives:
Take in the beauty of North Dakota’s Enchanted Highway, the Theodore Roosevelt National Park Scenic Loop Drive, or the Sheyenne River Valley National Scenic Byway.
How to Pack: Summer Road Trip Checklist (For Kids 10 & Under)
Clothing
Pack comfy clothes that can be layered — think t-shirts, leggings, sweatshirts, and PJs. Don’t forget swimsuits, play shoes, sandals, and a light jacket for chilly weather.
- Essentials Bag (Keep This Handy!):
Fill a bag with go-to items like snacks, water bottles, baby wipes, diapers (if needed), sunscreen, sun hats, and bug spray. This is your grab-and-go lifesaver. - Entertainment Kit:
Bring fun stuff for the ride, like a tablet with kid-safe games/movies, favorite books, coloring books, magnetic toys, and maybe a mini travel journal where kids can doodle or write about their adventures. - Emergency Kit:
Include bandages, kids’ pain reliever, any medications, important papers, phone chargers, and an extra set of keys, just in case. - Organizers for Each Kid:
Use small packing cubes, zip pouches, or gallon bags labeled with each child’s name. This makes finding clothes or toys way easier and keeps things from getting messy.
Activities for the Car
- Games – License Plate Bingo, I Spy, Would You Rather, or 20 Questions.
- Audiobooks/Podcasts – Kid-friendly audiobooks or podcasts like Story Pirates or Brains On! are great for all ages.
- Travel Journal – Encourage children to draw or write about the places they visit.
- Crafts – Sticker books, coloring sheets, and water-reveal activity pads are mess-free options.
- Snack Boxes – Bento-style boxes with a variety of snacks to keep them satisfied and excited to eat.
Other Tips
- Frequent Stops – Plan playground stops or short hikes to let the kids burn off energy.
- Rest Areas with Playgrounds – They exist! And they’re lifesavers for long drives.
- Keep a Routine – Try to keep a semblance of their usual routine, especially for younger children, to avoid meltdowns.
With a summer road trip checklist like this, you’ll be ready to hit the road with confidence, excitement, and happy kids in the backseat, making memories one mile at a time!
