What I Pack for a 6-Hour Drive to the Mountains

We’re heading out on a six-hour car ride to the mountains, and with three Little Birds in the backseat, preparation is key. The goal is to make the drive as smooth (and meltdown-free) as possible, which means having plenty on hand to keep everyone comfortable and entertained.

🍎 Snacks

Snacks are always vital on a road trip. I packed more than I normally would since we can also use them as snacks for the first few days at the cabin. I try to sneak in some healthier options like jerky, edamame, and seaweed snacks—but of course, the fan favorites made the cut too.

Car Trash Can

Trash piles up quickly on long drives, and if your kids are anything like mine, it tends to end up on the floor. A decent-sized trash can is a must, and I always bring a couple of extra bags just in case.

Tip: My trash can has a rim around the edge, and I use rubber bands to secure it in place. That way it doesn’t get knocked over—or go flying—during the drive.

Disposable Cups

I bring disposable cups specifically for road trips. We usually push through the drive and only stop for bathroom breaks, so lunch often happens in the car. Cups make it easy to divide snacks—like pouring Pringles so no one hogs the can, or splitting fries or chicken nuggets evenly.

Napkins & Wet Wipes

Perfect for all the on-the-go messes. I try to keep these stocked in the car at all times. I order travel-size wet wipes a few times a year and usually have some in my bag, the car, and around the house. You never know when they’ll come in handy—and trust me, I’ve been glad to have them more than once. 👉 https://amzn.to/3L1iQY8

Hand Sanitizer

While it’s not as good as actual hand soap, it’s definitely better than nothing—especially after pumping gas.

Glasses Cleaner

Big Brother Bird and I both wear glasses, so these are a must-have. Technically, you’re not supposed to use them on sunglasses… but we do anyway.

I buy our lens wipes in bulk a couple of times a year. 👉 https://amzn.to/3MBwFwV

Tissues

Always better than using napkins—and it never fails, someone ends up with a runny nose on the trip.

Headrest Hooks

I use hooks that attach to the back of the headrests so the kids can hang their bags. This gives them more foot space, and for Little Brother Bird, it makes it much easier to reach his things without everything ending up on the floor. 👉 https://amzn.to/4iWo57T

Kids’ Entertainment

The kids usually bring tablets or the Switch, but on a long drive, I like to mix in some other activities.

📚 Reading Time

We sometimes take reading breaks during the drive.

• Big Brother and Sister Bird have books loaded onto their Kindles.

• Little Brother Bird gets a few small “learning to read” books—Pete the Cat and Pokémon are his favorites right now. 👉 https://amzn.to/3XZJdk5

For Big Brother Bird, I loaded The First Unicorn Rider, which came out in November. He devoured the earlier books in the series this fall, and since the library didn’t have it yet, this was the perfect excuse. 👉 https://amzn.to/48SRHP0

Sister Bird got her Kindle last year, and it turned out to be a sleeper hit. She was never much of a reader before, but with the Kids Library, she’s found so many books she loves—especially graphic novels. We’re debating whether to renew the subscription, but honestly, it keeps her entertained enough that we probably will. 

Here’s the Kindle she has—it’s bigger than Big Brother’s older model, and I love that it uses the same charger as my phone. 👉 https://amzn.to/3L3trSj

✏️ Whiteboards & Markers

I pack small whiteboards for all three kids. They love drawing, and dry-erase means endless entertainment. These boards are great because they can stand up or lay flat on their laps, and the kids love having drawing competitions.

Dry Erase Boards: 👉 https://amzn.to/4pBtm7p 

Markers: 👉 https://amzn.to/458L4qA

Tip: Each board is customized to match their personality, which helps avoid arguments over whose board is whose.

Secret: Their markers were pretty worn out, so a little “shhh” moment—new dry-erase markers made a perfect stocking stuffer.

🎁 The Mystery Bag (My Biggest Secret)

My biggest secret weapon is what I call the Mystery Bag. I fill it with small items from the dollar store or Five Below based on the kids’ current interests. During the drive, I’ll announce random “mystery moments” where they each get to pull out one item.

Sometimes there are leftovers from previous trips that stay in the bag until our next adventure. This bag was absolutely essential when they were younger and couldn’t read or play games yet—and honestly, it still works like magic.

I’ll be sharing a follow-up after the trip with what actually worked, what didn’t, and what I’d pack differently next time—so be sure to check back for the honest recap.

Disclosure: All items mentioned are things I have personally purchased and used. This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.