20+ Creative Ways to Keep Kids Busy During Travel

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Written By Stephen P. Jackson

Esrat is a professional nail artist based in NYC, US. Her specialties are party and occasion nails, and she loves to work with glitter and gemstones in her nail studio. She loves sharing her knowledge of the nail industry and curating the latest nail design trends. She is contributing to many other industry-related magazines.

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Looking for creative ways to keep kids busy during travel? Bring along books, portable game devices, coloring books, tablets loaded with movies or games, and audiobooks or family-friendly podcasts.

Pack a cooler with healthy snacks and drinks to keep them fueled.

Entertainment Options

When it comes to keeping kids busy during travel, having a variety of entertainment options is essential. Here are some creative ideas to keep your little ones entertained and engaged:

Books

Books are a timeless form of entertainment that can transport kids to exciting worlds and spark their imagination. Pack a selection of their favorite books, whether it’s adventure, fantasy, or educational books, to keep them engrossed during the journey.

Portable Game Devices

Portable game devices, such as handheld gaming consoles or tablets loaded with interactive games, are a surefire way to keep kids entertained for hours. Whether they are solving puzzles, playing racing games, or exploring virtual worlds, these devices provide endless entertainment on the go.

Coloring Books And Tablets

Coloring books and tablets offer a creative outlet for children during travel. Pack a set of coloring books and colored pencils to keep their artistic skills engaged. If you prefer a digital option, there are kid-friendly tablets available that allow them to draw and color using specialized apps.

Audiobooks And Podcasts

Audiobooks and podcasts are a great way to entertain the entire car. Load up your device with age-appropriate audiobooks that will captivate their attention, or find family-friendly podcasts that combine education with entertainment. It’s a fantastic way to introduce them to the joy of storytelling and learning on the go.

20+ Creative Ways to Keep Kids Busy During Travel

Credit: www.amazon.com

Snacks And Drinks

Keep your kids entertained during travel with these 20+ creative ways. Pack a cooler full of healthy snacks and drinks, bring along books, portable game devices, coloring books, tablets loaded with movies or games, and enjoy audiobooks or family-friendly podcasts.

Incorporate activities like scavenger hunts, card games, puzzles, and word games to keep them engaged.

Pack Healthy Snacks

When it comes to keeping kids busy during travel, snacks and drinks play a crucial role. Packing healthy snacks is not only essential for their nutrition, but it also helps to keep them engaged and satisfied throughout the journey. Instead of opting for sugary and unhealthy treats, choose nutritious options that will provide them with sustained energy and prevent any sugar crashes along the way.

Here are some ideas for healthy snacks to pack:

  • Fresh fruits like apples, grapes, and berries
  • Vegetable sticks with hummus or ranch dip
  • Homemade trail mix with nuts, seeds, and dried fruits
  • Granola bars or protein bars
  • Yogurt cups or pouches

By packing a variety of healthy snacks, you not only ensure that your kids are getting the nutrients they need but also give them options to choose from, making snack time more exciting and enjoyable.

Bring Drinks For The Journey

Along with snacks, it’s important to bring drinks that will keep your kids hydrated during the journey. Avoid sugary sodas or energy drinks and opt for healthier choices instead. Water should be your go-to option, but if your kids prefer flavored drinks, you can consider packing infused water or naturally flavored water.

Here are some drink options to consider:

  • Reusable water bottles filled with plain water
  • Infused water with fruits like lemon, lime, or berries
  • Low-sugar fruit juices or fruit juice boxes
  • Flavored sparkling water
  • Milk or plant-based milk alternatives

Remember to pack enough drinks to last the entire journey, and if needed, you can always refill the water bottles at rest stops or gas stations along the way.

By packing a variety of snacks and drinks, you can ensure that your kids stay happy, engaged, and well-nourished during the travel. It’s important to strike a balance between healthy options and treats to make the journey enjoyable for everyone.

Activities For Different Modes Of Transport

With over 20 creative ideas, keep your kids entertained during travel by engaging them in activities catered to different modes of transport. From scavenger hunts and coloring books to card games and movies, there are plenty of options to make the journey enjoyable for the whole family.

Airplane Activities

Flying with kids can be challenging, but with the right activities, the journey can become enjoyable and stress-free. Here are some engaging activities for kids during an airplane ride:
  1. Magnetic games: Pack a small magnetic board with magnetic pieces such as alphabets or animals that kids can play with.
  2. Card games: Bring a deck of cards or card games like Uno to keep kids entertained.
  3. Movies: Load up a tablet or portable DVD player with their favorite movies or TV shows.
  4. iPad Games: Let your kids play fun and educational games on a tablet or smartphone.
  5. Online Games: Download offline games or find kid-friendly online games that don’t require an internet connection.
  6. Learning Activities: Carry age-appropriate workbooks or puzzles that help kids learn while having fun.
  7. Miniature Versions of Toys: Bring small versions of their favorite toys that can be easily tucked away in a carry-on bag.

Bus Activities

Keeping kids entertained during a long bus ride can be challenging, but these activities can make the journey more enjoyable:
  1. Encourage your children to take in the world around them by observing the scenery and landmarks.
  2. Keep a travel journal where kids can draw or write about their experiences during the bus ride.
  3. Entertain kids with activity books that include puzzles, coloring pages, and word games.
  4. Bring books to read out loud or encourage older kids to read independently.
  5. Play simple road trip games like “I Spy” or the “License Plate Game” to keep kids engaged and entertained.

General Travel Tips

No matter the mode of transportation, here are some general travel tips to keep kids occupied and happy:
  • Pack surprise gifts that your kids can open during the journey to keep their excitement levels high.
  • Minimize mess with self-contained games like travel-sized magnetic boards or sticker books.
  • Choose destination-focused books to spark curiosity and learn about the place you’re traveling to.
  • Download educational apps or interactive games on tablets or smartphones to engage kids mentally.
  • Maximize meal stops by choosing family-friendly restaurants or picnicking at scenic spots.
  • End the day with physical activity by planning fun outdoor games or exploring nearby parks or playgrounds.
  • Familiarize your kids with coronavirus precautions before the trip to make them comfortable with the new travel norms.

Screen-free Road Trip Activities

If you’re looking for screen-free activities for a road trip, here are some ideas:
  1. Play classic road trip games like “I Spy,” “20 Questions,” or “Would You Rather?”
  2. Listen to audiobooks or family-friendly podcasts that everyone can enjoy.
  3. Create a scavenger hunt with a list of items or landmarks to spot along the way.
  4. Bring a coloring book and crayons or colored pencils for some creative coloring time.
  5. Engage in puzzle-solving with travel-sized jigsaw puzzles or brain teasers.
  6. Challenge kids with word searches or crossword puzzles designed for their age group.
  7. Play word games like “I’m Going on a Picnic” or “The Alphabet Game” to keep kids thinking and entertained.

Sticker Books And Other Printables

Sticker books and other printables are fantastic resources to keep kids busy during travel. Consider packing some of these options:
  1. Sticker books: Choose themed sticker books that allow kids to create scenes and stories.
  2. Coloring sheets: Print out coloring sheets featuring their favorite characters or designs.
  3. Puzzles: Print puzzles like mazes or word search puzzles to challenge and entertain kids.
  4. Activity sheets: Look for activity sheets like connect-the-dots, spot-the-difference, or word scramble.
  5. Travel journals: Provide blank sheets or a travel journal template for kids to document their travel experiences.
Remember, keeping kids entertained during travel is important to ensure a smooth journey for everyone. With these creative activities, you can make travel time a fun and enriching experience for the whole family.
20+ Creative Ways to Keep Kids Busy During Travel

Credit: www.amazon.com

20+ Creative Ways to Keep Kids Busy During Travel

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Frequently Asked Questions For 20+ Creative Ways To Keep Kids Busy During Travel

How Do You Keep Kids Entertained On A Road Trip?

To keep kids entertained on a road trip, bring books, portable game devices, coloring books, tablets with movies or games. Also, consider audiobooks or family-friendly podcasts. Pack healthy snacks and drinks in a cooler.

How Do I Keep My 10 Year Old Busy On A Plane?

To keep your 10-year-old busy on a plane, bring books, portable game devices, coloring books, and tablets with movies or games. Audiobooks and family-friendly podcasts are also enjoyable. Pack a cooler with healthy snacks and drinks to keep them satisfied during the flight.

How Do You Entertain Kids On A Long Bus Ride?

Entertain kids on a long bus ride by bringing books, portable game devices, coloring books, and tablets with movies or games. Audiobooks or family-friendly podcasts are enjoyable. Pack a cooler with healthy snacks and drinks. Keep them engaged with activity books and simple road trip games.

How Do I Keep My Child Happy When Traveling?

To keep your child happy when traveling, follow these tips: 1. Entertainment: Bring books, portable game devices, coloring books, or tablets loaded with movies or games. 2. Snacks and Drinks: Pack a cooler with healthy snacks and drinks. 3. Surprise gifts: Pack small surprise gifts for your child to open during the trip.

4. Self-contained games: Minimize mess by bringing games that are self-contained. 5. Physical activity: End the day with some physical activity to help your child burn off energy.

Conclusion

Keeping kids entertained during travel doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With these 20+ creative ideas, you’ll have plenty of options to keep them busy and engaged. From scavenger hunts to coloring books, puzzle games to word searches, there’s something for every child’s interest.

Don’t forget to pack their favorite books, portable game devices, and snacks to make the journey even more enjoyable. So get ready for a stress-free and fun-filled travel experience with these amazing activities!

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