50 Easy Road Trip Snacks To Share With The Kids

Road Trip Snacks

We’ve taken a few long trips as a family and boy oh boy, I know how unpredictable they can be when little kids are involved! But one thing that is easy to prepare is the food you bring. I’m of the belief that packing food is one of the easiest ways to keep the kids (and yourself) happy when in the car for hours and hours. You can eat whenever anyone gets hungry without the need to find options on the route. Packing your own food is also an easy way to limit stops and get to your destination a little quicker. And it can be a real money saver, too. You don’t have to spend a ton of time prepping either, because I’m going to share my favorite fast and easy options for packing snacks for road trips. These can all serve as standalone snacks, or they can be put together to make easy road trip food and meals. (You may also like Preschool Snacks, my Easy Healthy Snacks List, and After School Snacks.)

Road Trip Snacks for Kids

This list includes my go-to snacks for kids and adults. Adjust how you serve some of these for littler kids as needed. And pack in a cooler or cooler bag if traveling in the summer to keep everything cool and in good shape. Sign up for our email updates to get tips and ideas sent to your inbox.

Snack Bars

Snack bars are an easy (and often less messy) snack to pack. Here are some of my favorites. TIP: Find more of my favorite kid snacks to buy, too!

Crackers, Puffs, and Cereal

Crackers and puffs are easy to pack in a reusable container. Here are some options to consider for kids.

Easy Muffins to Pack

I love making and packing muffins for kids for the whole family. Dice them up as needed. TIP: Check out my full list of toddler muffins, too.

Less-Messy Fruit and Veggies to Pack

It’s totally OK if the kids eat a little differently when you’re on the go than most other days. If you want to pack some produce, here are some less messy options. TIP: You can always pack a smoothie in a reusable pouch, too. Cut hard raw veggies or fruits into matchsticks for toddlers to ensure they are safe and easy to chew.

Easy Proteins and Lunch Ideas to Pack

If you’re needing more meal ideas, here are some simple ones that can round out road trip food. (I like to pack more snacks than the kids usually eat at home since they tend to eat more while we’re traveling in the car. This is fine, and if it worries you at all, remember this is just one day and you’ll get back to normal eating the next day!) TIP: Find more ideas for Travel Food here.

Favorite Road Trip Food for Adults

These are some of our go-to road trip snacks for the grown-ups to keep us fueled and satisfied.

Trail mix, peanuts, or almonds Pretzels (paired with cheese or peanut butter) Potato chips or popcorn Grapes or apples Dried apricots or cranberries Carrot sticks, celery, or bell pepper strips Hard-boiled eggs, cheese sticks, or beef jerky Protein bars or granola bars Dark chocolate or favorite gas station candy or chocolate bar

10 Tips for Happy Kids on Road Trips

Now that the food is covered, here are some ideas to keep your tots happy even if they’re strapped into the car. And as with all things toddler-related, try to be flexible, silly, and open to new adventures. I mean, who knows what fun will come your way while out on the road!

Best Tips for Road Trip Food

Pack any perishable foods in an insulated cooler bag or hard cooler with ice packs. Use a lunch box, bento box, baby lunch box, or snack container to keep the food from being smushed—and for easy portioned snacks for the kids. Keep things simple and know it’s OK if we eat differently on travel days. Try to stop to eat for the safest option from a choking risk perspective for small kids. Pack a water bottle for everyone to stay hydrated. I’d love to hear your best tips for road trip snacks and activities, so please comment below with your ideas!