Keeping Young Children Entertained During Travels

Travelling with toddlers or young children doesn’t have to feel like a marathon of meltdowns and mess. With a little planning and the right toolkit, you can transform long car rides, flights, or train journeys into peaceful (even enjoyable!) adventures. Whether you’re off on holiday or simply visiting family, this guide is packed with practical ideas for entertainment for young children aged 1 to 6, covering toys, snacks, tech, and more.

Engaging Toys and Creative Activities

High-Impact, Low-Mess Options

Opt for toys that are fun, compact, and easy to manage in tight spaces:

• Colouring books and crayons
• Mess-free colour markers
• Reusable sticker books
• Wiki Stix (bendable wax sticks)
• Lacing cards
• Mini puzzles or jigsaws
• Travel-size board games
• Water arcade toys (fill after security)
• Activity tins
• Mini figurines (e.g. Hot Wheels or My Little Pony)
• Toy camera for imaginative play
• Building toys like Duplo, MegaBloks, LEGO, or magnet tiles
• Lift-the-flap books (e.g. Usborne)
• Pocket-sized books
• Magazine collage kits (bring glue sticks and magazines)
• For even more portable fun, try a pocket-sized storytelling game you can print before your trip.

Novelty Goes a Long Way

• Pack a “surprise bag” and reveal one item per hour.
• Wrap inexpensive toys as mystery gifts.
• Save the fun until you’re seated – don’t hand over toys or screens too early.
• Reintroduce “forgotten” toys as if they’re new.

Music & Audio Fun

Not every child needs a screen. Audio-based activities can be calming and just as engaging:

• Children’s audiobooks
• Music playlists or podcasts tailored to kids
• MP3 players or tape recorders with familiar content
• Use volume-limited child headphones
• Old phones work well when loaded with audiobooks or playlists – great for quiet time and winding down
• Practice using headphones at home to avoid surprises mid-journey

Screens & Tech (Used Wisely)

On travel days, the usual screen time rules can take a back seat:

• Tablet or iPad with:
  • Downloaded TV shows or films (Netflix, Disney+)
  • Child-friendly educational or fun games
• Portable DVD player
• Parent’s phone with pre-downloaded apps
• Tablet mount for headrests to reduce motion sickness

Tips:

• Use screens strategically – for long-haul flights or potential tantrum zones
• Avoid screens altogether if your child is prone to nausea

Smart Snacks & Meals

Snacks are your best friend – both for fuelling energy and passing time.

• Mix familiar and new snacks: raisins, fruit snacks, crackers, grapes, cheese sticks
• Make edible necklaces with cereal and string
• Pack juice boxes or sippy cups
• Bring a lunchbox or bento-style meal
• Pre-book meals on flights where possible
• Introduce a “special treat” they only get when travelling
• Avoid sticky or crumbly foods
• Always carry baby wipes for cleanup
• For more snack ideas that travel well, check out these easy and tasty healthy travel snacks.

Sleep and Comfort

A well-rested child is a happy traveller.

• Plan travel around nap time or bedtime
• Let them burn off energy before boarding
• Bring comfort items: blanket, lovey, dummy, favourite toy
• Play calming music or audiobooks to help them sleep
• If it’s your child’s first big trip, here’s a guide to preparing young children for their first travel experience.

Movement Breaks

Young children aren’t designed to sit still for long – plan accordingly.

• Stop every 1.5–2 hours during road trips
• On flights or trains, take gentle walks up and down the aisle
• Let them explore airports before boarding – race down hallways, climb on low seating (where safe)
• Use bathroom trips as mini adventures
• Encourage stretches or wiggles at every opportunity
• Need conversation starters? Try these road trip family questions.

Window Watching & Travel Games

Good old-fashioned people- and landscape-watching goes a long way.

• Play I Spy, guess-the-animal, or tic-tac-toe
• Spot red cars, blue planes, or yellow buses
• Point out bridges, forests, water towers, animals
• Narrate what’s happening outside – turn it into a story
• Talk about the holiday destination to keep them excited

Make It Memorable

Little touches can make travel feel magical.

• Let them meet the pilot or crew (if allowed)
• Give them a child-sized backpack with their own items
• Let older kids help pack their own travel bag
• Join a toddler travel group for fresh ideas and support
• Even with great planning, travel can get overwhelming — here are strategies for managing toddler meltdowns on vacation.
• Talk through what seatbelt signs mean and how planes work

Wellbeing & Emergency Prep

Be ready for the unexpected, without overpacking.

• Lollipops or chewy snacks help with ear pressure on take-off and landing
• Fresh lime to sniff can ease motion sickness
• Pack essentials: baby wipes, tissues, hand sanitiser
• You can also prepare a medical kit for travel with all the essentials for children
• Bring an extra outfit for both your child and yourself – just in case

Packing Like a Pro

Organisation makes travel less stressful for everyone.

• Use separate pouches for toys, snacks, clothing, and hygiene items
• Give each child their own small bag or backpack
• Avoid:
  • Noisy toys
  • Toys with lots of tiny pieces
  • Items that roll or get lost easily
• When you arrive, you can use these tips for baby-proofing hotel rooms and rentals
• For busy destinations, here’s advice on navigating crowded tourist areas safely
• Always bring backups: one extra toy, one extra snack, one extra change of clothes

Make the Journey Part of the Holiday

The secret to a smoother trip is not just packing more, but packing smart. With thoughtful planning and the right mix of entertainment for young children, your journey can be part of the adventure – not just a hurdle to overcome.

Happy travels from Ready Set Holiday – here’s to calmer flights, fewer car-ride tantrums, and little explorers who arrive excited and ready to go!