Parents and children can have a great time together traveling. however it takes some pre planning and clever thinking to prevent boredom and tantrums along the way. It is in there that a well-prepared kids pack comes to the rescue. For a road trip, flying across country, or even on a long, but nice ride on a train it is best to have the appropriate things with you in order for your journey to be a good one for both kids and parents.
In this blog we’re going to look at what to put in a kids travel pack to keep those little travelers entertained, engaged and happy from take-off to landing.
What Kids’ Travel Pack Should Have?
Before going trip, the Kids’ Travel Pack becomes tricky, either having too many choices or too few (or boring!) options that could entertain kids during the journey.
Read Also: Best Educational Learning Toys for Kids
Still, we curated a list of such items that you can put in the Kids’ Travel Pack. Let’s know:
Coloring Books and Crayons
Coloring is an old activity that is interesting in all ages of kids. Go for small coloring books and include crayons or twistable colored pencils, rather than markers (no stains). There are also Travel-size kits dedicated to be placed into backpacks and tray tables.
Pro tip: Choose the themed coloring books with their favorite cartoon or animals to create more enthusiasm.
Stickers and Activity Books
Activity books are interactive, exciting and ideal for lengthy hours of travel. Sticker books, word searches, maze puzzles, dot-to-dots, and connect-the-dots will contribute to a sustained attention of children but without the use of screens. They also help to develop fine motor skills as well as cognitive skills.
Reusable Water-Reveal Coloring Pads
These are favorites to the parents that travel frequently. It is simply a matter of adding water to the pen and children can paint over the pages to see colors and images. Once the page has dried up, it can be used again. These water-reveal books are not messy, portable, and never-ending in fun.
Books and Audiobooks
According to your child’s level of reading, carry a couple of storybooks/early readers. For the young kids, board books with flaps or textures are the best. If you are going to save space or you are afraid of motion sickness, download several audiobooks before the journey. Many services have come out to offer dramatized children’s books, this helps to make them engrossed and quiet for a longer time.
Combine this with children’s type headphones which will enable the rest in the car or plane to enjoy peace and quiet.
Tablet with Educational Apps and Games
At the same time, a tablet filled with age-appropriate educational apps, eBooks, and movies can be a game-changer – especially if it is a longer journey. Ensure that you download content before the travel in case there is no Wi-Fi network during the journey.
Get an investment in a durable, kid-proof tablet case and a screen protector. You can find good and best electronics that are cheap and safe in the Amazon Kids Products category.
Small Toys and Figurines`
Miniature toys such as action figures, dolls, toy cars, or figurines for animals are good for imaginative play in travel. They don’t take much space and can keep child occupied with quiet play for several hours in a tray table or lap.
To prevent the losing of pieces, pack them in small zip-lock bags or a travel pouch.
Travel Games and Card Games
There are various travel sized board games and card games specially for kids. From magnetic chess and Snakes & Ladders to card games like Uno or Go Fish, these games increase the bonding and honing of social skills while on the trip.
If you are traveling by train, bus, or airplane in which bumpy rides will be encountered, magnetic pieces can be especially helpful.
Play-Dough or Modeling Clay
Soft, non-toxic modeling clay or play-dough will provide the facility for both hands to be occupied and creativity to flow. Kids may create animals, shapes, or figures out of the modelling clay, or simply explore the sensory experience. Seek travel packs that have small containers, as well as mess-free varieties.
Tip: Place a foldable tray or the lid to a lunchbox as a playing surface.
A collection of healthy snacks and a water bottle
It is worth not forgetting about the role of snacks in a kids travel pack. Pack some snacks of different types that can be taken while traveling such as granola bars, a variety of dried fruits, crackers, cheese sticks or fruit snacks. Avoid anything sugary that may cause an effect of hyperactivity in a small area.
Don’t forget a spill-proof water bottle – hydration is everything!
Comfort Items and Extra Essentials
Provide their favorite stuffed animal or a soft blanket or a small travel pillow for additional comfort. It may let them rest comfortably, especially on a plane or at a long ride in a car. Therefore pack a little more stuff like wet wipes, napkin, sanitizer, and a change of clothes, as precautionary measures for spills.
Wrapping Up
With a well packed kids travel pack, a journey may turn right from frustrating to an exciting adventure. The secret is diversity-variety – have different kinds of entertainment in line with your child’s moods and absorption. Do not forget to change toys and activities during the journey to keep everything interesting.
With the right popcorns, games, and warmth, your kids will not only be entertained but will want the journey to get there almost more than getting there!