posted on December 20, 2021
Taking a family road trip is a great way to break out of your routine, bond with your kids, and nurture their sense of adventure — and it doesn’t have to mean driving cross-country. Exploring nearby destinations is a less stressful option for school breaks that can be just as rewarding for your kids.
If you plan accordingly, your next family trip can be an opportunity to have fun, explore, and make memories that will last a lifetime.
For new parents, short day trips close to home are a great place to start. Over time, you can get more adventurous with family weekend getaways and longer road trips. It’s all about baby steps!
How to plan a family road trip
Not sure how to plan a family road trip? We’ve got you covered, so buckle up.
What to pack for a road trip with kids
Being prepared is key to keeping your kids safe, smiling, and out of your hair while you’re behind the wheel. Strike these essentials off your packing list:
First aid supplies
Scrapes and bruises happen, so be sure to pack a first aid kit, complete with band-aids and disinfectant. For days at the beach and camping trips, be sure to stock up on sunscreen and insect repellent. Medicine for pain and car sickness are also important to have, for both adults and kids.
Drinks and snacks
Juice boxes, crackers, fruit and vegetables, granola bars, and string cheese are all great options for car snacks, and reusable water bottles help keep the whole family hydrated. If you’re not sure what to bring on a road trip with toddlers to make snack time less messy, try no-spill sippy cups and snack bowls, and bring along a washable bib.
Toys and games
Anything crafty or hands-on like puzzles, colouring books, or sensory toys for babies or toddlers are great choices to keep kids busy and limit distractions in the car. Bring along a play surface with edges to prevent toys from falling and getting lost under the seats.
Tech and entertainment
A GPS and chargers for all your devices are essential for a smooth road trip. To keep everyone entertained in the car, audiobooks and DVDs are great options, or a tablet loaded with your kids’ favourite apps and games.
Clothing and accessories
When deciding what to bring on a road trip with kids in winter, warm clothing tops the list. No matter the season, pack clothing that keeps your kids comfortable and safe, whether it’s sun hats and flip flops, a rain jacket, or a snow suit and boots. Easy-on, easy-off outfits are best for toddlers, and always bring extra clothes in case of messes or spills.
Cleaning and potty supplies
With kids in tow, messes simply come with the territory. A portable diaper changing pad is one of our must-haves for a road trip with a baby, as well as a laundry bag, wipes, tissues, stain remover, and garbage bags.
Tips for the road
The biggest challenge for kids in the car is sitting still. Making sure that they’re entertained and have a chance to burn off restless energy is key to making your trip run smoothly.
Plan your stops ahead of time, choosing areas with roadside attractions or a playground so your kids can stretch and play while experiencing something new. With toddlers, a good rule of thumb is to stop every two to three hours. When planning where to stay on a road trip, consider accommodations with a playground or pool.
Road trip games that the whole family can enjoy (like “I spy” or bingo) are an easy and fun way to pass the time. A car seat organizer keeps your kids’ road trip activities close at hand so you won’t be distracted by being asked where things are.
Road trip car checklist
It’s important to know what to do to your car before a road trip to ensure safety and peace of mind. Schedule a tune up for the following checks before you hit the road:
- Oil change
- Battery check
- Tire pressure and rotation
- Check belts and hoses
- Replace worn wiper blades
- Top off coolant, brake, transmission, and windshield wiper fluid
- Replace brake pads and air filters
- Replace any burnt out light bulbs
Keep emergency equipment in the trunk such as a flashlight, jumper cables, an ice scraper and snow brush, blankets, and flares. For winter road trips, make sure your vehicle is equipped with snow tires.
For your little ones, make sure you have the correct car seat and that it’s installed properly. Keep basic safety in mind, like keeping seatbelts fastened and avoiding distracted driving.
Best kid-friendly day trips from Toronto
From mighty waterfalls to historic towns, there is plenty to explore beyond the big city. Here are our picks for the best day trips Toronto families can enjoy.
Niagara Falls
Distance from Toronto: 2 hours
Top attractions: Fallsview Indoor Waterpark, Butterfly Conservatory, Niagara Skywheel, Great Canadian Midway
Description: World famous and packed with attractions, Niagara Falls is one of the most popular family vacations in Ontario. Doable as a one-day trip from Toronto or as a weekend getaway, the Falls offer plenty to see and do, from wild water parks to gorgeous gardens. Plan your activities ahead of time and book tickets in advance, especially during peak season from June–August.
Elora
Distance from Toronto: 2 hours
Top attractions: Elora Gorge Conservation Area, Wellington County Museum and Archives, Elora Cataract Trailway, Elora Quarry
Description: Elora is one of our favourite day trips near Toronto for outdoor fun. Take in the picturesque views of the gorge and Grand River or go biking or paddling to complete the experience. If you’re travelling with babies or toddlers, the Elora Cataract Trailway is stroller-friendly through the Elora to Belwood section.
Cobourg
Distance from Toronto: 1.5 hours
Top attractions: Cobourg Beach, Burnham Family Farm Market, Moore Orchards, Sifton-Cook Heritage Centre
Description: Cobourg is a cherished family getaway Ontario locals and visitors flock to every summer, and one of our favourite Toronto day trips. Visit markets and farms for delicious local foods, as well as activities like picking your own berries. Picnic tables, washrooms, playgrounds, splash pads, and canteens can be found at Cobourg Beach, making it one of the best day trips from Toronto for fun in the sun.
St. Jacobs
Distance from Toronto: 1.5 hours
Top attractions: St Jacobs Farmers Market, St Jacobs Horse Drawn Tours, Stone Crock Bakery, St Jacobs & Aberfoyle Model Railway
Description: Travel back in time in St Jacobs, one of the most accessible and short day trips from Toronto. This quaint Mennonite community boasts history, culture, and delicious local fare, making it one of the most unique family day trips Ontario has to offer. Catch the farmers market on Thursdays from 8am–3pm and Saturdays from 7am–3:30pm. Horse drawn tour packages start at $150.
Gravenhurst and Lake Muskoka
Distance from Toronto: 2 hours
Top attractions: Muskoka Steamships & Discovery Centre, Hardy Lake Provincial Park, Santa’s Village, Johnston’s Cranberry Marsh, Torrance Barrens
Description: When it comes to family weekend getaways Ontario cottage country is tough to beat. With a reputation for natural beauty and summer fun, Gravenhurst and Lake Muskoka is one of the most popular day trips from Toronto. There are six public beaches in the area offering launch areas for watercraft. Plenty of cottage and boat rentals are available if you’re planning a two-day trip from Toronto or longer.
If you want to get closer to nature, look no further than Ontario’s national and provincial parks. Algonquin’s foliage can’t be beat when it comes to fall day trips from Toronto, and camping is one of the best inexpensive family vacations Ontario offers.
For fun-filled winter day trips from Toronto, check out the many ski resorts and activities within range of the city. Barrie, Muskoka, and Blue Mountain are great options for nearby family trips in Ontario this season.
Best kid-friendly day trips from Montreal
From sugar shacks to an afternoon at the zoo, there are countless day trips around Montreal that are bound to delight your little ones.
Granby Zoo
Distance from Montreal: 1 hour
Top attractions: African Savanna, Mini Farm, Amazoo Waterpark, Amusement Park, Winter Village
Description: An easy day trip from Montreal, Granby Zoo is guaranteed to keep your kids entertained for hours on end. From the Amazoo Waterpark to Winter Village, the zoo offers four-season thrills and is home to fascinating animals from around the globe. Outside food and drinks are permitted, so you have the option of bringing your own lunch.
Sucrerie de la Montagne
Distance from Montreal: 1 hour
Top attractions: Horse-drawn wagon and sleigh rides, Guided sugar shack and bakery tours, Maple taffy tastings, Traditional menus
Description: This day trip near Montreal is a must-do when it comes to Québec winter fun. A beloved heritage site, Sucrerie de la Montagne offers an authentic sugar shack experience that your family will remember for years to come. Maple taffy tastings are available during the sugar season, from February to April, and reservations are required for traditional menus.
Parc Omega
Distance from Montreal: 1.5 hours
Top attractions: Wolf observatory, car trail, golf cart rentals, Sugar Shack
Description: Parc Omega is one of the best day trips from Montreal for animal lovers. Located in nearby Montebello, the park offers a unique safari car trail as well as cabin rentals with an up-close view of the resident wolves! As of the date of this post, tickets must be booked online in advance of your visit. Family discounts are available.
Ottawa
Distance from Montreal: 2 hours
Top attractions: Parliament Hill, Byward Market, Royal Canadian Mint, Rideau Canal
Description: Experience Canadian culture and history with a Montreal day trip to the nation’s capital. Packed with museums, famous landmarks, and outdoor activities, Ottawa is a favourite of local families. Skating on the Rideau Canal is free, and skate rentals, washrooms, and heated change rooms are available. The Royal Canadian Mint offers family ticket rates and admission is free for ages four and younger.
Lac Saint-Joseph
Distance from Montreal: 3 hours
Top attractions: Family campsites, Day camps and playgrounds, The Secret Valley, Village Vacances Valcartier
Description: Lac Saint-Joseph is a camping paradise for families, offering 200 campsites on the largest lake in the Québec City region. Food trucks and boat launch services can be found at the beach, as well as paddle boat, kayak, and paddle board rentals. Camping rates are for two adults and two children, and include access to the beach.
If your family wants to venture further into the great outdoors, Québec’s national and provincial parks offer jaw-dropping views and plenty to do.
For a winter family vacation Québec is one of the best places to be. Check out our round-up of the best ski hills and winter activities to make the most of it.
Best kid-friendly day trips from Calgary
Encounters with dinosaurs, wolfdogs, and horses are just some of the thrills that await just outside Alberta’s biggest city. Here are our favourite Calgary getaways:
Drumheller
Distance from Calgary: 1.5 hours
Top attractions: Royal Tyrell Museum, World’s Biggest Dinosaur, the Hoodoos, Horsethief Canyon, Last Chance Saloon
Description: Known as the Dinosaur Capital of the World, a visit to Drumheller is a road trip Calgary families are sure to love. Get up close and personal with prehistoric giants and grab a bite at one of the town’s rustic eateries to get the full experience. The badlands are free to visit, and many tourist sites offer free admission for small children.
Red Deer
Distance from Calgary: 1.5 hours
Top attractions: Alberta Sports Hall of Fame, Bower Ponds, Kerry Wood Nature Centre, Heritage Ranch, Sunnybrook Farm Museum
Description: A visit to Red Deer is an instant crowd-pleaser. Count on plenty of museums, playgrounds, and nature areas, as well as good eats and family-friendly accommodation. Head to Heritage Ranch for horseback trail rides suited to ages eight and up, as well as pony rides for smaller children. Bower Ponds offers rentals year-round including paddle boats, canoes, kayaks, and ice skates.
Winsport at Canada Olympic Park
Distance from Calgary: 20 minutes
Top attractions: Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame, Skyline Luge, Tube Park, mini golf
Description: Winsport offers Olympic-sized thrills and activities for all ages, making it one of the best Calgary day trips for families who want to stay close to home. Family alpine hill packages are available during the winter season, as well as reduced ticket prices for youth and preschool-aged children. Parking is free at Winsport as of the date of this post.
Cochrane
Distance from Calgary: 40 minutes
Top attractions: Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary, Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park, Spray Lakes Sawmills Family Sports Centre, MacKay’s Ice Cream
Description: Located in the Bow Valley, Cochrane is one of the best day trips from Calgary when it comes to family-friendly activities. Meet wolfdogs at a one-of-a-kind sanctuary and treat yourself to an ice cream to make the most of your visit. The Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary offers three tour options for families, with the Sanctuary Walk being the most suitable for young children (ages six and up).
Sylvan Lake
Distance from Calgary: 2 hours
Top attractions: Sylvan Lake Park, Sylvan Lake Aqua Splash, Sylvan Lake Farmers Market, Lakeside Go-Karts and Mini Golf
Description: Sylvan Lake is one of the most convenient family getaways near Calgary and Edmonton. A four-season destination, families can enjoy summer on the lake and nearby parks, playgrounds, and outdoor skating rinks throughout the year. Visit on a Friday evening from June–September if you plan on stopping by the farmers market.
If you want to get in touch with nature, few family getaways in Alberta are as rewarding as its national and provincial parks. A road trip along the famous Icefields Parkway is one of the most scenic drives near Calgary and is sure to wow your kids.
Ready to hit the slopes this winter? Alberta’s ski resorts are some of the best weekend getaways from Calgary.
Best kid-friendly day trips from Vancouver
If you’re looking for family day trips around Vancouver, you won’t be disappointed. Here are our picks for outings kids are sure to love:
Squamish
Distance from Vancouver: 1 hour
Top attractions: Sea to Sky Gondola, Shannon Falls Provincial Park, Eagle Viewing Float Tours, Britannia Mine Museum, Alice Lake Provincial Park
Description: Perfect for nature lovers, Squamish is a great destination if you’re planning a one-day trip from Vancouver with the kids, or better yet, a full weekend. Shannon Falls includes a stroller-friendly, one kilometre trail for an easy, all-ages hike. Alice Lake Provincial Park is a popular camping spot for families, with the season running from March–October, and for the winter, eagle viewing raft rides are offered from November–January.
Chilliwack
Distance from Vancouver: 1.5 hours
Top attractions: Bridal Veil Falls, Cultus Ridge Adventure Park, Bridal Veils Waterpark, Chilliwack Corn Maze & Pumpkin Farm
Description: Located in the Fraser Valley, Chilliwack is one of the best day trips from Vancouver for summer or autumn. Highlights include water parks, theme parks, and an impressive corn maze, plus delicious local food and farm-fresh produce. The Corn Maze is open from August–October, with season passes available. Cultus Lake Adventure Park and Bridal Falls Waterpark are open seasonally from June–September.
Kitsilano
Distance from Vancouver: 15 minutes
Top attractions: Kitsilano Beach, Maritime Museum, Granville Island, Kitsilano Pool
Description: Known locally as “Kits”, this vibrant beach community is one of the best day trips in Vancouver for families who want to stay close to home. Washrooms, a swimming raft, playground, and concessions can be enjoyed at Kitsilano Beach. There’s plenty of kid-friendly dining in the neighbourhood like the Rocky Mountain Flatbread Company, which offers a children’s play area, stroller area, and a crowd-pleasing pizza menu.
Victoria
Distance from Vancouver: 3 hours
Top attractions: Royal BC Museum, Beacon Hill Park, Butchart Gardens, Fisherman’s Wharf, Inner Harbour
Description: If you’re planning a two-day trip from Vancouver, BC’s capital offers plenty to keep you and the little ones busy all weekend long, from museums and gardens to waterfront activities. Don’t forget to say hello to the animals at Beacon Hill Children’s Farm on your stroll through the park! Kayak tours on the Inner Harbour are suitable for children ages five and older.
Bowen Island
Distance from Vancouver: 1 hour 15 minutes
Top attractions: Crippen Park, Snug Cove, Bowen Bike Park
Description: Known as a relaxing one day trip Vancouver families and visitors can enjoy, Bowen Island is an ideal destination for a family picnic or hike, as well as beachcombing and swimming. For the more adventurous, Bowen Island Sea Kayaking offers the Shoreline Tour, which is suitable for families with children.
If you want to experience the splendour of the Rockies with your kids, you’re in the right place. A visit to nearby national and provincial parks is the best family getaway BC offers.
Searching for BC family getaways in the winter? Look no further. Check out our favourite ski resorts and winter activities to make the most of your trip.
Now that you know how to have a successful road trip, all that’s left is to hit the road. No car? No problem, book the perfect ride with Turo. It’s as easy as browsing what’s available in your area on Turo.
Local hosts have you covered with minivans and SUVs, with many throwing in perks like baby car seats to make your life easier. Happy travels!
