Travel Activities For Kids: Fun Ideas to Keep Children Entertained on the Go

Summertime is here, and many families are planning holidays, road trips or flights abroad. If you are searching for the best travel activities for kids, this guide is packed with practical ideas, games and top tips to help make your journey smoother and more enjoyable.

Have you ever heard the famous line, “Are we nearly there yet?” — just five minutes into a long journey? Travelling with children can be exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming if boredom sets in too quickly. Younger children especially tend to lose focus fast, which is why preparing engaging travel activities for kids can make all the difference.

In this article, we share fun travel activities for kids, helpful travel tips and safety advice so that the journey becomes just as memorable as the destination.

Why Travel Activities For Kids Are Important

Long journeys — whether by car, train or plane — can feel endless for children. Having planned travel activities for kids helps to:

• Reduce boredom and restlessness
• Prevent constant screen use
• Support creativity and learning
• Minimise travel stress for parents
• Encourage family bonding

When children feel prepared and involved, travel becomes a positive experience rather than a stressful one.

Travel Activities For Kids – Our Top Tips Before You Leave

Before you even set off, a little preparation goes a long way.

1. Toilet First, Always

Before starting your journey, ensure everyone visits the toilet. There is nothing worse than needing to stop just minutes into your trip.

2. Allow Extra Time

Travelling with kids takes longer. Double your preparation time to avoid unnecessary stress. Building in buffer time helps if you need toilet stops, snack breaks or calming moments.

3. Pack Healthy Snacks

Snacks are essential when planning travel activities for kids.

Great travel-friendly snacks include:

• Breakfast bars
• Pita bread
• Raisins
• Bananas
• Rice cakes
• Crackers

Choose slow-release energy snacks that are not too messy.

4. Invest in a Travel Tray

A travel tray can be a game-changer. It allows children to:

• Colour comfortably
• Eat snacks neatly
• Store small toys
• Complete puzzles

Having everything organised in one place encourages independence and reduces clutter.

5. Prepare Entertainment in Advance

Preparation is key when planning travel activities for kids.

Before you leave:

• Print colouring sheets
• Pack activity books
• Download audiobooks
• Charge devices
• Prepare small surprise toys

Even small new items can feel exciting during travel.

While I spy is a classic game, sometimes the kids are looking for a bit more of a challenge. Online games are another excellent choice for traveling, as many can be played on and offline for those areas with little reception. Popular games like Spades and Uno online offer a range of benefits including convenience, skill development, and social interaction, making them excellent travel entertainment options for families with kids. The online versions of these games are portable, flexible, and educational, thereby enhancing the travel experience for everyone involved.

6. Limit Screen Time

While screens can help during long journeys, too much screen time may cause agitation or travel sickness.

Set clear time limits and alternate with other travel activities for kids such as puzzles, drawing or games.

7. Try Audiobooks

Audiobooks are a fantastic way to calm children and make time pass quickly. They encourage imagination and listening skills while reducing visual strain.

Keeping Your Child Safe While Travelling

Safety is just as important as entertainment.

Share the Itinerary

Children feel more secure when they understand what is happening. Explain:

• How long the journey will take
• What transport you are using
• What the airport or motorway stop will look like

Many airlines offer virtual airport tours online, which can reduce anxiety before flying.

Pack a First Aid Kit

Always carry:

• Plasters
• Pain relief medication
• Travel sickness tablets
• Prescribed medications
• Allergy medication

Ensure medication is secure but accessible.

Contact Information

In case your child becomes separated from you:

• Younger children can wear an ID bracelet or carry a card.
• Older children should memorise your phone number and where you are staying.

Preparation reduces panic in unexpected situations.

Travelling with Kids by Car

Are you going on a long car journey and looking for the best buys? Check out our fantastic list of all the must haves for your next car journey.

If you are travelling by car ensure to always carry out simple car maintenance checks before you set off. You can rest assured that you’ve done everything possible to avoid turning your fun family road trip into a disaster. Follow our top tips for getting your car ‘road trip ready’ and you’ll be cruising without a care in the world.

If you are planning a road trip, make sure your vehicle is ready.

Before setting off:

• Check tyre pressure
• Check oil levels
• Ensure car seats are fitted correctly
• Plan rest stops

Preparedness avoids turning your family adventure into a stressful situation.

Long car journeys are ideal for structured travel activities for kids such as:

• Road trip bingo
• Audio storytelling
• Snack breaks
• Stretch stops

Travel Activities for Kids By Plane

If you are travelling by plane and looking for ways to entertain your children? Here at Club Hub, we have created a list of the best toddler plane activities to keep them occupied during your flight.

In a previous blog article we explored ‘The cognitive benefits travel brings to children’ the article explained that through travel, children enjoy learning and understanding different cultures, languages, and customs. This helps them become more flexible thinkers and better problem solvers in the future. Travel also helps children build confidence as they explore new places on their own, or with their beloved family.

Flying can feel overwhelming for younger children.

Plane-friendly travel activities for kids include:

• Sticker books
• Small puzzles
• Magnetic games
• Drawing tablets
• Headphones with audiobooks

Movement breaks during safe periods can also help prevent restlessness.

The Benefits of Travel for Children

Travel offers significant developmental benefits.

Through travel, children:

• Learn about new cultures
• Hear different languages
• Explore new environments
• Develop flexibility
• Build confidence

Travel enhances problem-solving skills and encourages curiosity. When paired with engaging travel activities for kids, the journey itself becomes part of the learning experience.

Accept That Things May Go Wrong

Perhaps the most important travel tip when travelling with kids: accept that things may not go perfectly.

Delays, spills and tired meltdowns are normal. Taking a deep breath and maintaining perspective will help you reset and enjoy the experience.

Final Thoughts on Travel Activities For Kids

Planning thoughtful travel activities for kids can transform long journeys into memorable family experiences. From simple games like I Spy to travel journals, audiobooks and activity trays, preparation makes all the difference.

Remember:

• Prepare early
• Pack smart
• Balance screen time
• Involve children in planning
• Focus on safety

Once you reach your destination, the fun continues. If you are travelling in the UK, why not explore local events and attractions near where you are staying?

Visit the Club Hub directory to find family-friendly attractions and activities near you:
https://clubhubuk.co.uk/listings/attractions

With the right travel activities for kids, the journey can be just as exciting as the destination.