Travel Activities for Kids: Keep Little Ones Happy on Every Journey

Written By: Make Believe Ideas
Published: July 17, 2026

Whether you're heading off on holiday or planning a weekend adventure, travelling with little ones is all part of the fun! With a little preparation, the journey can be just as exciting as the destination.

Pack the Perfect Travel Bag

One of the easiest ways to keep children entertained while travelling is by packing a selection of their favourite books. Stories are a great way to encourage quiet time, while activity books help keep little hands busy. 

Our top picks:

  • Wipe-Clean Activity Books – Complete the puzzles, wipe the pages clean, and enjoy them again and again.
  • Sticker Activity Books – Perfect for toddlers, with big stickers that are easy for little hands to peel and stick.
  • Story Books – From magical adventures to laugh-out-loud tales, story books are the perfect way to keep little imaginations entertained on holidays and long journeys.

Keep Little Hands Busy

When travelling by plane, train, car, or boat, it's always helpful to have a few screen-free activities within easy reach.

Pack crayons, colouring books, puzzles, and simple games to keep children entertained while encouraging creativity and problem-solving. A cuddly toy or comforter can also help little travellers feel settled wherever they're heading.

Why not pack:

  • Colouring books for creative fun
  • Puzzle or game books to challenge growing minds
  • Plush toys for comforting cuddles on the go

Turn the Journey into an Adventure

The journey is all part of the holiday! Encourage little explorers to look out of the window and see what they can spot. Can they count the trains? Find fluffy clouds? Spot boats, tractors, or aeroplanes? Turning travel into a game helps develop observation skills while making the time fly by.

For younger children, bring along a favourite picture book to read together and inspire conversations about where you're travelling.

Be Ready for Every Adventure

A little preparation goes a long way.

Pack snacks, drinks, comfortable clothes, and don't forget to keep books and activities somewhere easy to reach - you'll be thankful when you hear, "Are we there yet?"

Having a variety of activities means children can swap between reading, colouring, puzzles, and games throughout the journey, helping to keep them engaged for longer.

Make Memories Along the Way

Travelling together is about more than reaching your destination - it's about making memories as a family. 

Whether you're discovering a new picture book, completing an activity together, or cuddling up with a favourite plush toy, these shared moments often become the highlights of the trip.

So wherever your adventure takes you this summer, don't forget to pack the essentials: a good book, plenty of imagination, and a bag full of fun!

Travel Essentials We Love

  • Picture books for shared storytime
  • Wipe-clean activity books for mess-free fun
  • Sticker books for little hands
  • Puzzle books and games for screen-free entertainment
  • Soft plush toys for comfort on the go

Happy travels!

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