I just wrapped up a short RV trip with my mom, my sister, and her “three and three-quarters” year-old nephew, Henry. While I’ve driven RVs and road-tripped all over the country, this was my first time with a tiny human in tow. Here are some real-deal tips for making the trip smoother and a bit more fun:

Stick to the Routine

Even though you’re not at home, keeping your child’s routines can make a huge difference. Try to eat at the same times you do at home and stick to bedtime rituals, including nap times. The RV has beds, a kitchen, and a bathroom, so it’s easier to keep things on track. Your toddler might still act like a tornado, but at least they’ll be a tornado on a familiar schedule.

Pack the Comfort Foods

One of the best perks of RV life? You get your own kitchen! Load it up with your child’s favorite snacks and foods. While it’s fun for adults to try new and local restaurants, it’s also a lifesaver to have go-to snacks in the RV. After all, kids can be picky, and you don’t want to deal with a hangry meltdown because they suddenly refuse the restaurant nachos they begged for five minutes ago.

Bring Table-Friendly Toys

Most RVs have car seat anchors in the dinette seating area, which is perfect for kids. It’s elevated and gives them a great view out the window for sightseeing. You can also use the dinette table for drawing, playing with Play-Doh, or sticker books. Pack toys that fit nicely on the table so your little one can stay entertained during longer drives or seat time.

Don’t Forget the Car Seat

RV rental companies usually don’t offer car seats or boosters, so bring your own and make sure you know how to install it before you hit the road. If you’re planning to use the convertible dinette bed at night, choose a car seat that’s easy to install and remove. Trust me, you’ll be doing this dance every morning and night, so make it as easy as possible.

Appreciate the Little Things

While you might be excited for big moments like seeing Old Faithful erupt or spotting a pack of wolves, don’t be surprised if your kiddo finds the RV’s flushing toilet more interesting. Henry’s top trip moments included collecting various maps given to us at campgrounds, gathering “superhero rocks,” and watching the RV steps automatically retract. Kids are easily amused and find different things special, and that’s perfectly okay.

Slow Down

Traveling with a toddler means you need to pump the brakes a bit. Cut down on your mileage and don’t overbook your days. Everything takes longer with a little one, from dressing to getting them in the car seat. Plus, you’ll avoid the “Are we there yet?” chorus if you reduce your drives. A slower pace lets you enjoy the journey and all those small, delightful moments.

Indulge in S’mores

S’mores are a must-do on any RV trip. They’re fun to make and even more fun to eat. Plus, it’s a sweet way to end the day and create some tasty memories. Make sure to keep some marshmallows and chocolate handy—you’ll thank me later.

Get Your Toddler Involved

Henry was all about helping, even if it meant doing things like setting up the camp chairs or flushing the RV toilet deodorizer. It might not always be efficient, but it helps them feel like a part of the adventure. And who knows? You might just turn them into a future RV enthusiast!

Be Flexible

We thought Henry would love the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center, but he was way more excited about the gift shop and heading back to the RV. It’s all good! Sometimes the best parts of the trip are the unexpected moments. Being flexible and going with the flow means you can still have a great time, even if things don’t go as planned.

With these tips, you’ll be better prepared for an RV trip with a toddler and can make the most of the adventure. Enjoy the ride!