Destinations
This is a guest post by Sophie Harris, a family travel enthusiast and mother, with over a decade of experience exploring the world with kids in tow. She’s passionate about creating memorable, stress-free travel experiences for families and regularly shares tips on making long journeys more enjoyable for children.
Traveling with children can be an exciting adventure, but it also comes with its unique set of challenges. Whether you're embarking on a cross-country road trip or a long flight to a dream destination, keeping your little ones happy and entertained can make or break the journey. With the right mix of creativity, preparation, and a few handy tricks up your sleeve, you can ensure that your trip is smooth and enjoyable for the whole family.
Plan Ahead and Pack Smart
One of the keys to a successful trip with kids is smart packing. Think beyond the essentials like clothes and snacks – you'll want to focus on what can keep your children occupied during potentially long stretches of time. Bringing a variety of activities is a good way to avoid boredom. For example, puzzles, coloring books, and travel-friendly games are all great for younger children.
Don’t forget to pack a few favorite items from home – whether that’s a soft blanket or beloved stuffed animal, familiar items can help ease travel anxieties. It’s also helpful to include toys specific to your child’s interests, whether that’s cars for boys or dolls for girls. While girls toys might be easy to carry and provide hours of play, it’s important to have a mix of options to keep everyone engaged.
Screen Time: The Lifesaver (in Moderation)
Let’s face it: screen time can be a lifesaver when traveling. Tablets or portable DVD players loaded with your kids' favorite shows and movies can offer a much-needed break for parents and kids alike. You can also download interactive and educational apps to keep your little ones learning on the go. But as tempting as it may be to rely solely on screens, it's a good idea to use them in moderation to avoid eye strain or over-stimulation.
Balance screen time with other activities to keep your children engaged. For example, encourage them to spend time reading, or play interactive games like "I Spy" or 20 Questions. You might also want to let them listen to their favorite songs or audiobooks, which can be a calming option, especially during quieter moments of travel.
Snacks: The Universal Solution
Hungry kids are unhappy kids. Stock up on a variety of healthy snacks like fruits, crackers, and granola bars to keep them satisfied throughout the journey. Try to avoid too much sugar, as it can lead to hyperactivity and make sitting still more difficult. Snacks like carrots, apple slices, and trail mix can provide energy without the sugar rush. You can even make snack time an adventure by giving them a small “snack pack” to manage themselves, which will keep them feeling responsible and give you a break from constant snack requests.
Play Interactive Road Trip Games
If you're embarking on a road trip, interactive games are a great way to keep the whole family entertained. The classic “I Spy” is always a hit, and games like license plate spotting or counting certain colors of cars can engage kids of various ages. Bring along magnetic travel games, which are easy to pack and fun for younger children. You could also make a fun checklist of sights they can look out for, like certain animals or types of landmarks.
For older kids, road trip bingo or trivia games can be a hit. If you're in the mood to create some excitement, consider awarding small prizes for winners, like a treat or the chance to pick the next song on the playlist.
Get Them Involved in the Journey
Children often feel more invested in the trip when they have a role to play. Give them small tasks that help them feel included. They can help by checking off items on a map, keeping track of time, or choosing which rest stops to visit. You can even encourage older kids to document the journey in a travel journal, complete with doodles or written memories. Giving them a disposable camera or letting them use a smartphone to snap pictures can also add an element of fun, and you'll get a glimpse of the trip from their perspective.
Frequent Breaks Are Your Friend
When traveling by car, frequent breaks are essential. Stopping every couple of hours for a stretch or a short walk can help kids burn off some energy and prevent restlessness. If you’re driving, plan your route with fun pit stops along the way, such as parks, quirky roadside attractions, or family-friendly eateries. Even a quick stop to run around in a grassy area or grab an ice cream can help break up the trip and make it feel like part of the adventure.
On longer flights, taking a short walk down the aisle or standing up to stretch can help children avoid feeling cramped or fidgety. Make sure to bring along activities that allow for quiet, seated play, such as drawing, sticker books, or quiet crafts, especially if getting up frequently isn't an option.
Keep Calm and Stay Flexible
Above all, remember that travel with kids won’t always go as planned – and that’s okay! Unexpected detours, delays, or meltdowns are just part of the experience. Stay flexible and maintain a sense of humor when things don’t go according to plan. Being calm and adaptable will help your children mirror your behavior, making the journey more enjoyable for everyone.
Final Thoughts
Traveling with children can be a rewarding experience if you approach it with a mix of planning, patience, and a little creativity. Whether you're flying across the globe or hitting the road for a weekend getaway, keeping your kids entertained and happy is all about variety and flexibility. By packing thoughtfully, embracing interactive games, and staying calm during hiccups, you’ll be setting the stage for happy memories that last far beyond the journey itself.
