Best Travel Activities for Long Trips with Kids

Traveling with kids can be so much fun, but keeping them entertained throughout the journey requires some planning. 

Whether you’re going by plane, train, or automobile, having a variety of travel activities for kids can make the experience more enjoyable for everyone.  The perfect travel activity will not only keep your children occupied, but also stimulate their minds and creativity.

Come along as we explore the best travel activities for kids of all ages. From classic games to creative DIY crafts, we’ve got a variety of great ideas to ensure your long trips are smooth and enjoyable.

Road Trip Activities for a Long Drive

Infants:

• Singing nursery rhymes: Soothe your baby with familiar tunes and engage their auditory senses.
• Sensory toys: Provide textured toys or teething rings to stimulate their senses.
• Soft books: Find books that feature bright colors and different textures to explore.

Toddlers:

• Sticker books: Reusable sticker books are a fun way for young children to pass the time.
• Interactive board books: Books with noise or touch-and-feel elements are a great choice to keep younger toddlers entertained and work on their fine motor skills.
• Magnetic drawing boards: Allow younger children to doodle and erase endlessly without the mess.

Preschoolers:

• Travel-sized games: Bring along compact versions of classic games like memory or matching.
• Coloring books: Provide crayons and a coloring book for some quiet creative time.
• Simple puzzles: Pack puzzles with large pieces that are easy for little hands to manipulate.

Educational Activities for a Long Road Trip

Infants:

• High-contrast cards: Use black-and-white cards to stimulate visual development.
• Baby sign language: Teach them simple signs for common words like “eat” or “more.”
• Baby-safe mirrors: Allow them to explore their reflection and develop self-awareness.

Toddlers:

• Counting games: Practice counting everyday objects or items you see during the journey.
• Shape sorting toys: Bring along shape sorting toys to work on their spatial awareness skills.
• Nature scavenger hunts: Create a list of natural items for them to find during rest stops or outdoor breaks.

Preschoolers:

• Alphabet game: A great way to pass the time is to encourage them to find objects that start with each letter of the alphabet.
• Simple math games: Practice basic addition or subtraction using items you have on hand.
• Learning about landmarks: Research landmarks along your route and share information about them with your child.

Simple Games for an Airport and on a Plane Ride

Infants:

• Peek-a-boo: Engage your baby with this timeless game that encourages social interaction.
• Finger puppets: Bring along soft finger puppets for impromptu storytelling sessions.
• Soft toys: Choose plush toys with varied textures to stimulate their tactile senses.

Toddlers:

• I Spy: Encourage observation skills by playing this classic game of spotting objects.
• Scavenger hunt with pictures: Create a list of items for them to find along the journey.
• Storytelling: Take turns creating stories using their favorite characters or toys.

Preschoolers:

• Travel bingo: Create bingo cards with items they might see during the journey.
• Storytelling games: Play games where each person adds to a collective story, building on each other’s ideas.
• Memory Games: Play memory games like “I’m going on a picnic and I’m bringing…” where each person adds an item to the list and repeats the previous items in order.

Creative Crafts to Pass the Time

Infants:

• Baby-safe sensory bags: Fill plastic bags with interesting textures like water, gel, or soft beads.
• Textured fabric books: Provide books with different fabrics for tactile exploration while in their car seat.
• DIY shakers: Fill empty containers with rice or beans to create simple shakers for auditory stimulation.

Toddlers:

• Pipe cleaner sculptures: Let them bend and twist pipe cleaners to create unique sculptures.
• Sticker collages: Give them a blank canvas and a variety of stickers to create their own artwork.
• Dot markers: Provide dot markers and paper for mess-free coloring fun.

Preschoolers:

• Washi tape art: Give them rolls of colorful washi tape to create patterns and designs.
• Pipe cleaner animals: Challenge them to create animals using pipe cleaners and googly eyes.
• DIY friendship bracelets: Provide older kids with beads and string for them to make friendship bracelets for themselves and their travel companions.

Tips for Keeping Older Children Entertained While Traveling

• Involve older children in the planning process by letting them choose some activities or destinations.
• Audio Books: Download some children’s audiobooks or podcasts to listen to during long car rides or flights.
• Travel Journals: Encourage your kids to keep a travel journal where they can write or draw about their experiences and observations during the trip.
• Digital Photography: Provide disposable cameras or let them use your smartphone to take pictures of interesting sights during your travels.
• Cultural Activities: Visit museums, historical sites, or cultural landmarks to learn about the history and traditions of the places you’re visiting.

Old-Fashioned Activities for Family Vacation

Think back to your favorite travel activities as a kid, or give these “old-fashioned” ideas a shot.

• License Plate Game: Try to spot license plates from as many different states or countries as possible. You can even make it a competition to see who finds the most.
• 20 Questions: One person thinks of something, and the others have 20 questions to figure out what it is. Answers can only be “yes” or “no.”
• Counting Games: Count certain types of vehicles, animals, or landmarks. For example, “Let’s see who can count the most red cars.”
• Reading: Bring along a few favorite books or new ones to keep their interest.
• Mad Libs: Fill-in-the-blank stories that can result in hilarious and unexpected tales.
• Paper Games: Tic-tac-toe, hangman, and dot-to-dot games are simple yet effective.
• String Games: Teach kids how to do string figures like Cat’s Cradle with a piece of yarn or string.
• Puzzle Books: Small books with crosswords, word searches, or mazes can be very engaging.

Parents’ Favorite Travel Toys

• Melissa & Doug Water Wow!: These reusable water-reveal pads are perfect for mess-free coloring. Just fill the pen with water, and watch the colors appear on the page.
• Wikki Stix: These bendable, twistable sticks are great for creating shapes, letters, and figures. They don’t make a mess and can be reused.
• Magnetic Play Sets: Magnetic dress-up dolls or magnetic storyboards keep small pieces contained and provide hours of imaginative play.
• LeapFrog My Own Leaptop: An educational toy that lets kids send emails, learn animal names, and play games, keeping them engaged and learning.
• Busy Boards: These boards feature various activities like zippers, buttons, laces, and more, helping to develop fine motor skills while keeping kids occupied.
• Portable Puzzle Sets: Small, travel-friendly puzzles that come in tins or zippered pouches are great for little hands and can be worked on anywhere.

Other Travel Ideas:

• New Inexpensive Toys: Buying a few new toys can captivate children’s attention longer, making the trip more enjoyable for everyone.
• Window Clings: Reusable window clings are perfect for keeping kids entertained as they can put them on and take them off continuously.
• Fidget Toys: Fidget spinners, cubes, and other small hand-held toys help keep kids’ hands busy and minds focused.
• Screen Time with New Apps: If screen time is an option, downloading new educational apps, games, or movies can be a lifesaver during long journeys.

Smart Snacks

When you’re hitting the road with kids, having a stash of convenient and healthy snacks can make all the difference. Not only do they keep little tummies satisfied, but they also help prevent unnecessary stops along the way. From fresh fruits and veggies to easy-to-pack protein options, these car snacks are designed to keep your travel experience smooth and enjoyable.

Non-Perishable Snacks

• Granola Bars: Easy to pack and come in a variety of flavors.
• Trail Mix: A mix of nuts, dried fruits, and chocolate or yogurt chips.
• Crackers and Cheese: Pre-packaged cheese and crackers or homemade versions.
• Rice Cakes: Light and crunchy, available in multiple flavors.
• Popcorn: A fun and easy-to-eat snack.
• Pretzels: Great for munching without too much mess.
• Fruit Snacks: Gummies or dried fruit pieces.

Fresh Snacks

• Fruit: Pre-cut apples, grapes, berries, or bananas.
• Vegetables: Baby carrots, cucumber slices, or bell pepper strips.
• String Cheese: Easy to eat and less messy.
• Hard-Boiled Eggs: A good protein boost.
• Yogurt Pouches: Less messy than cups and easy to eat on the go.

Homemade Snacks

• Mini Sandwiches: Cut into fun shapes with cookie cutters.
• Energy Balls: Made with oats, honey, and peanut butter.
• Homemade Muffins: Banana, blueberry, or chocolate chip are popular options.
• Peanut Butter and Celery Sticks: A healthy and fun snack.
• Homemade Snack Mix: Combine cereals, pretzels, and dried fruit.

Convenient Packaged Snacks

• Applesauce Pouches: Easy to eat with no utensils required.
• Individual Nut Butter Packs: Pair with apple slices or crackers.
• Snack Packs: Pre-packaged cheese, nuts, or fruits.
• Mini Rice Cakes: Small and portable.

Tips for Packing Snacks:

• Use Resealable Bags: Keeps snacks fresh and prevents spills.
• Pack a Cooler: For perishable items to keep them cool.
• Separate Compartments: Use a travel organizer to keep snacks and other items organized and easily accessible.
• Trash Bags: Bring small bags for easy clean-up and trash disposal.

Traveling with kids doesn’t have to be stressful! With the right activities and a little creativity, you can turn your journey into a fun and memorable adventure for the whole family. So pack your bags, hit the road, and enjoy making memories together along the way!