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8 Travel Activities for Kids
Summertime is here, and many families are planning holidays, road trips, and flights. If you’re searching for the best travel activities for kids, this guide is packed with practical ideas, games, and expert tips to make your journey smoother and more enjoyable.
We’ve all heard the question: “Are we nearly there yet?”—often just minutes into the trip. Travelling with children can be exciting, but without preparation, boredom can quickly set in. That’s why having a range of engaging kids travel activities can make all the difference.
Quick List: Travel Activities for Kids
- Colouring books and activity packs
- Audiobooks and storytelling
- Travel games like I Spy and bingo
- Sticker books and puzzles
- Snack time activities
- Drawing tablets or notebooks
- Magnetic travel games
- Surprise toys for entertainment
Why Travel Activities for Kids Are Important
Long journeys—whether by car, train, or plane—can feel endless for children. Planning ahead with travel activities for kids helps to:
- Reduce boredom and restlessness
- Limit excessive screen time
- Encourage creativity and learning
- Reduce stress for parents
- Support family bonding
When children are engaged and prepared, the journey becomes part of the adventure.
Top Travel Tips Before You Leave
Plan Ahead
Preparation is key when travelling with children. Pack everything you need in advance to avoid last-minute stress.
Toilet First
Always ensure children use the toilet before setting off—this simple step can prevent early stops and delays.
Allow Extra Time
Travelling with kids takes longer than expected. Build in extra time for breaks, snacks, and unexpected moments.
Pack Smart for Travel
Healthy Snacks
Snacks are essential for keeping energy levels stable and preventing hunger-related meltdowns.
Good options include:
- Bananas
- Crackers
- Rice cakes
- Raisins
- Pita bread
- Breakfast bars
Choose snacks that are easy to eat and not too messy.
Use a Travel Tray
A travel tray is a simple but effective tool that helps children stay organised during journeys. It provides a surface for:
- Drawing and colouring
- Eating snacks
- Playing games
This encourages independence and keeps everything in one place.
Prepare Entertainment in Advance
Before you leave:
- Print colouring sheets
- Pack activity books
- Download audiobooks
- Charge devices
- Bring small surprise toys
New or rarely used items can keep children entertained for longer.
Screen Time Balance
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.
Try Audiobooks
Audiobooks are a great alternative to screens. They:
- Encourage imagination
- Improve listening skills
- Help pass time calmly
They are especially useful during longer journeys or quiet periods.
Keeping Your Child Safe While Travelling
Share the Itinerary
Explain the journey to your child so they know what to expect. This helps reduce anxiety and builds excitement.
Pack a First Aid Kit
Always include:
- Plasters
- Pain relief
- Travel sickness tablets
- Any prescribed medication
Keep everything easily accessible.
Contact Information
Ensure children have access to your contact details:
- Younger children can wear ID bracelets
- Older children should memorise your phone number
Preparation is key for peace of mind.
Travel Activities for Kids: Car Journeys
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.
Road trips are perfect for interactive activities.
Try:
- Road trip bingo
- I Spy games
- Audiobooks
- Snack breaks
- Stretch stops
Before setting off:
- Check tyre pressure
- Check oil levels
- Ensure car seats are fitted correctly
- Plan rest stops
Being prepared helps avoid unnecessary stress.
Travel Activities for Kids: Plane Journeys
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, so preparation is essential.
Great plane-friendly activities include:
- Sticker books
- Small puzzles
- Magnetic games
- Drawing tablets
- Headphones with audiobooks
Encourage movement during safe times to reduce restlessness.
The Benefits of Travel for Children
Travel is a valuable learning experience. It helps children:
- Discover new cultures and environments
- Hear different languages
- Build confidence
- Develop problem-solving skills
- Become more adaptable
When combined with engaging travel activities for kids, the journey becomes both fun and educational.
Accept That Things May Not Go to Plan
Delays, spills, and tired moments are all part of travelling with children. Staying calm and flexible helps you enjoy the experience.
Sometimes, the unexpected moments become the most memorable.
Find Family Activities Near You with Club Hub UK
Once you reach your destination, the fun doesn’t stop. Whether you’re staying in the UK or exploring somewhere new, you can find family-friendly activities, attractions, and classes near you using Club Hub UK.