Getting moving on the road to vacation
22 July, 2025 • Par Sarah, Bougeotte and Placotine
I don't know about you, but here, when summer arrives, we often feel like escaping! We want to see other faces and other landscapes. Of course, long car rides aren't always convenient. Sitting for long hours isn't easy, either for tempering the kids' energy or for tempering the parents' patience. After a few hours of inventing guessing games or putting off the moment to pull out the tablets, everyone is fed up. So I'm offering you a few little tricks to make your trips more enjoyable and to channel the kids' energy wisely.
Tip number 1
Before the big departure, no TV! When you're planning to hit the road, the hour before should be active. While you finish loading the car, let your kids run, play in the yard or jump on the beds. Let them burn off as much energy as possible before sitting for a long time in the car.
Tip number 2
Plan strategic stops along the way. If you can, depending on the kids' patience, plan stops after 1.5 to 2 hours of driving. If your little ones are still young and it's harder to predict how long the nap will last, take a break no more than 30 minutes after they wake up from their nap.
Tip number 3
Stop at strategic places. At every stop, whatever the reason, plan some energy burning. If you were thinking of stopping to eat a meal, it might be worth choosing a picnic near a park or a green space. The kids can then burn off their energy before or after.
Tip number 4
Discover new places! When you're on the road, for example toward the Gaspé or Maine, get in the habit of opening Google Maps and looking for trails or BMX parks. Get the bikes or scooters ready and presto, make an active stop. While the parents go for a little jog, the kids follow on a scooter or a bike or discover a new BMX track.
Tip number 5
Every stop is a chance to move. Is your oldest itching to move and you happen to be at a gas station? Take 5 minutes to get everyone out of the car and stretch their legs. Jump, dance, roll, whatever, be creative and playful. These micro-breaks can make all the difference. Also, don't forget to get down to the kids' level and not try to convince them to think like adults. Remember to present your plan to them so that everyone's expectations are met, or at least so the kids understand that stops are already planned.
Finally, don't stay rigid about your plan, remember to adapt, and tell yourself that the trip can really be a lovely family moment, and even an active one!
This blog post is part of our special feature “On the Road.” To see all the content in this feature, which offers tips and advice to make your next nature getaway easier, check out this article!
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