I’ve been off-roading with my kids for over five years now, starting back when my youngest was four or five, and let me tell you… I’ve learned a LOT along the way. Today, I want to talk about off-roading with kids—what works, what definitely doesn’t, and everything I’ve learned the hard way so you don’t have to. Whether you're rolling out in your Bronco or planning a weekend trail trip with the fam, this post is packed with real talk and tips for making your off-road adventures smoother and more fun for everyone.
Safety First—No, Really
Before we get into snacks and games, we need to talk safety. Kids don’t always grasp how serious off-roading can be, especially at crowded off-road parks or on remote trails with sharp drop-offs. Before you even leave the driveway, have the talk. Let them know that when you say stop, stay put, or back away, it’s not a suggestion,it’s for their safety. Whether you’re recovering a vehicle or navigating a tight ledge, your kids need to know how to listen and when to stay close. Recovery gear like winch lines and ropes can snap, so make sure they’re always at a safe distance, ideally with another adult keeping watch.
Seat belts and car seats? Non-negotiable. I don’t care if you're crawling at 5 mph, off-roading gets bumpy, and kids should never be hanging out of windows or bouncing around the backseat. It’s Buckle Up Buttercup for a reason, right?
What to Pack for Off-Roading with Kids
Let’s talk trail gear and essentials, because trust me, what you bring makes all the difference between a fun adventure and a stress-filled meltdown.
Here’s what always makes my packing list:
1. Snacks, snacks, and more snacks. Think mess-free, individual portions—meat sticks, bite-sized crackers, fruit snacks, trail mix, and Uncrustables are gold. Every kid gets their own bag and water bottle. Trust me, the “Maia touched it!” drama is real.
2. Water bottles for everyone. Don’t use one giant jug—it’ll slosh around and drive you nuts. Ask me how I know (hint: check out the Windrock video).
3. First aid kit with the basics: bug spray, sunscreen, Band-Aids, wipes, and sanitizer. Don’t skip this. Even if you’re not far from town, kids and the wilderness are a guaranteed recipe for scraped knees or bee stings.
4. Clothing changes. Old shoes, weather-appropriate gear, and backup clothes are a must—because mud happens and accidents do too.
5. Entertainment. I’m not anti-iPad, but I also love good old-fashioned trail games. We play “I Spy,” “Rate the Trail,” or off-road bingo. You can even turn it into a nature study. But if your kids are like mine—bring chargers and download their favorite shows ahead of time because service on the trail? Ha, good luck.
6. Bug kits, walkie-talkies, or flashlights for younger kids who love exploring at trail stops. It keeps their hands busy and their imaginations going.
Storage Tips When You Drive a Bronco
If you drive a Bronco like I do, you know space is limited. I keep one snack and one water bottle up front for each kid, but the rest goes in the back cargo area. I’ve got roll bar storage, molle panels, and cupholders galore to help keep the chaos under control. All my go-to gear comes from BuckleUpOffroad.com, because I like to stay prepared and organized, especially with three kids in tow.
Dealing with the Unexpected
Look, even the best-planned off-road trip will go sideways sometimes….literally. Your kid might need to poop in the middle of nowhere, you might slide off the trail and get stuck, or snacks will get spilled everywhere. It happens. But the biggest lesson I’ve learned? Stay calm. Laugh when things get messy, because one day, those “bad” moments become the best memories. The time your kid had to pee in a bucket or when the trail was so muddy you slid for hours, that’s the stuff they’ll remember (and talk about for years).
Straight from the Kids
I asked my kids what their favorite trail snacks were (spoiler: Cheez-Its and Goldfish win every time), their worst experiences (sliding in Tennessee and bathroom emergencies topped the list), and what they’d bring if they built their dream Bronco (we’ve got one Barbie Bronco in the mix, obviously). They’ve grown up on the trails and, while they might not always admit it, they love it. Whether it's watching me drive, rating the trails, or helping me recover from a sticky spot (by recording it for YouTube, of course), they’re part of the adventure every step of the way.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never gone off-roading with kids, I encourage you to give it a try. Start small. Pack smart. Keep it safe and fun. You’re not just teaching them how to wheel, you’re showing them how to be confident, capable, and connected to nature. These trails have given my family so many unforgettable memories, and I hope they do the same for yours!
If you want more insider input, check out my full-length and in-depth video below!
Until next time,
Buckle Up Buttercup
