Going on a family trip with kids can be a really overwhelming experience for parents. Although it gets easier as children get older, there is a great possibility that parents will run into a few challenges every time the whole family hits the road.

One of the most daunting parts of any trip is packing the best drinks for your little ones. Whether you are going to the beach, the mountains or a brief family getaway, hydrating your toddlers with refreshing and nutritious beverages is very important. By doing so, you are sticking to their diet while always staying on top of their health.  

The key is to choose drinks that your kids like the most and will provide them with the nutrients they need to be energized and rejuvenated at all times.

So, for your next family trip, here are four quick and healthy beverages you can make for your toddlers to keep them hydrated.

Protein shakes

Protein shakes are an excellent and highly nutritious choice when road tripping with kids. They are very easy to make and are perfect for enhancing your child’s immune system especially if you are traveling during the colder months.

In order to make the best kids protein shake, you should include different fruits, nuts and any additional ingredients to make the beverage more nourishing and tasty. One of the kids’ favorites is the almond butter and banana protein shake.

All you need is to blend one frozen ripe banana, unsweetened almond milk and a heaping tablespoon of almond butter all together until you get a smooth texture. Moreover, if you’re concerned about your child’s swallowing difficulties while enjoying protein shakes on the go, consider thickening milk for dysphagia can be a helpful solution. By adjusting the consistency, you can ensure a safer and more enjoyable drinking experience for your child during travels.

Flavored water

For many kids, plain water isn’t very exciting to drink. So, if you are having this issue with your toddler, you have the option of going for flavored water instead to encourage your little one to fight hydration when on a road trip.

In general, flavored water can be anything from coconut water to plain water infused with different fruits and herbs. The choices are endless so make sure you choose the one that your child will like the most.

For example, one of the kids’ favorite flavored water beverages is strawberry lime as it offers a sweet and sour taste because of the two fruits combo.

Fruit and vegetable juices

A great alternative to sugary drinks is a freshly squeezed juice which should also be one of the parents’ first options. This beverage is made with fresh fruits and vegetables, all of which contain numerous nutrients, vitamins and minerals that are crucial for maintaining your child’s health.

For example, the ABC juice made with apple, beetroot and carrot is a very popular choice. In addition to being refreshing and tasty, this beverage is a rich source of antioxidants, dietary fiber, iron, magnesium and vitamins C and A. To make it, you will need to cut the fruits and veggies into small pieces and put them in the juicer. If you like, you can add a few ice cubes, or a whole scoop of it and blend it all together to make it look like a slushie.

Iced teas

Another very popular drink choice for kids when traveling is iced tea. This beverage is a great way to hydrate your little ones while providing them with numerous nutrients to keep them refreshed and energized throughout the whole trip.

A flavorful combination that is a sure hit among children is iced peach ginger tea. To make it, you need one sliced peach, four ginger cubes and two green tea bags, all mixed with three cups of hot water. Put the drink in the fridge to steep for a few hours and you will have a cool, nutritious beverage.

Because ginger may be spicy for your kid, you can add one tablespoon of raw honey to make it sweeter.

Final thoughts

Traveling with kids can be overwhelming, but if you prepare well, you will certainly get through the trip with fewer issues. One way of achieving this is to make healthy and refreshing drinks that will keep your toddlers hydrated at all times. The key is to find something they would enjoy while providing them with all the nutrients they need to maintain their health.

If you are looking for quick and nutritious road trip beverages, borrow some of the recipes from our post and keep your children energized at all times.