a North Dakotan girl through and through, wife, mother and die hard Catholic.

…without screens

Traveling with small children can feel like packing up a three-ring circus and hoping it doesn’t unravel halfway through a road trip. And when you choose to do it without screens or tablets, some might look at you like you’ve officially lost it. But mama, it can be done—and it can even be beautiful.

Whether you’re road-tripping to grandparents house or taking a cross country family vacation, here are some screen-free travel tips that have made our family adventures smoother, more meaningful, and—dare I say it—enjoyable.

1. Prep Their Hearts and Set Expectations

Little ones do best when they know what’s coming. In the days leading up to your trip, talk them through what travel will look like. Let them know you’ll be in the car for a while, there will be waiting, and things might not always go exactly to plan—and that that’s okay.

Include simple phrases they can remember:

• “It’s okay to be bored sometimes.”
• “We’re on an adventure together.”

2. Pack Their Bags with Purpose

Each child at the right age can have their own small backpack filled with:

• A few favorite books (board books, lift-the-flap, or interactive books work wonders)
• A new-to-them toy or surprise (think: small figurines, magnetic drawing board, or a mini animal puzzle)
• A little pouch of snacks they can open and enjoy independently
• If you do “comfort” item have them bring that along—blanket, stuffed animal, or rosary

Tip: Don’t give them everything at once. Space it out like tiny surprises over the course of the trip. The older kids we let them all at once since they naturally will rotate through on their own!

3. Create a Travel Rhythm

Kids love rhythm. Even when traveling, try to keep a version of your family’s daily rhythm:

• Morning prayer together before takeoff or hitting the road
• Snack breaks at expected times
• A rest or quiet time (audio stories, lullabies, or simple silence)
• Meals together, even if it’s just sandwiches in the car

Keeping a rhythm gives them comfort and helps ease meltdowns from overstimulation or exhaustion. Let them lead with what they need. Even if that means a few more stops for extra stretches, potty break or diaper change!

Bonus tip: pack a travel potty for the car on the go and easy potty breaks especially my fellow midwesterners where distance between town stretch a bit longer!

4. Engage Their Imaginations

Traveling is the perfect time for:

• Storytelling – Tell them stories from your own childhood travels, make up silly tales, or create a “family travel story” where they’re the hero.
• I Spy – Simple, classic, and never gets old.
• Conversation starters – “What’s your favorite animal we’ve seen today?” “If we could fly anywhere in the world, where would we go?”

5. Use Music and Audio Wisely

Create a playlist or download:

• Classical music or lullabies
• Catholic audio stories (like Cat.Chat, Glory Stories, or Holy Heroes)

This is great for their Yoto players or Toniebox

Let the audio draw them in, calm their spirits, and nurture their little hearts without overstimulating.

6. Snacks Are Lifesavers

Think protein + fun:

• Cheese sticks, trail mix, fruit leathers, fruit snacks, crackers, etc
• Let each child pick a “special travel snack” beforehand

Snacks can buy time and soothe frayed nerves—just don’t forget wipes!

7. Embrace the Boredom

It’s okay if they’re bored sometimes. It’s in those quiet, slow moments that their imaginations grow. Don’t feel pressured to fill every second. Your peaceful presence, gentle voice, and open lap can be all they need.

8.Pray Together—Often

Travel is a sacred time. It stretches us, bonds us, and humbles us. Pray before you leave. Pray when the baby cries. Pray in gratitude for smooth moments—and grace during hard ones.

Pack a travel rosary, prayer cards, or a little holy water. Invite the saints to come along for the ride.

One tradition my family had growing up in on every roadtrip we’d praya rosary together to and back from our destination!

9. Quick tips for infants

The infancy age can be tricky but my biggest thing is to let them lead and read their cues.

Keep note of feedings – helps make ensure their tummies are full and happy.

Keep their tush dry – not only more comfortable but regular changes means less likely for blowouts or leaks.

Let them get a good stretch in during stops – easy for littles to not be sitting in their carseat for long periods so great to get them reset and sometimes work out a good burp!

Make the most of naps with driving – We try to get as far as we can during those rest times before out next stop!

Final Thoughts

Choosing to travel without screens might feel countercultural, but it invites a deeper connection—with your children, with the present moment, and with God. Will it be messy at times? Absolutely. But you’re planting seeds of patience, wonder, and family closeness that will bear fruit in unexpected ways.

You’ve got this, mama. Whether your trip is two hours or twelve, trust that grace travels with you.